Privacy Policy – SAR Compass App
SAR Compass (“the App”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) supports Search and Rescue personnel by providing access to operational procedures, reference material, and authorised team information.
We are committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information when you use the SAR Compass App.
1. Purpose of Collection
We only collect personal information that is necessary to:
provide access to App features and operational content
manage authorised user accounts and permissions
support safe and effective Search and Rescue operations
maintain and improve App performance and reliability
communicate important operational or administrative information
2. Information We May Collect
Depending on how the App is used, we may collect:
User details such as name, email address, organisation, team role, or contact number
Authentication information required for secure login access
Operational content entered by authorised administrators, including internal procedures or contact lists
Technical information such as device type, operating system, App version, and general usage data
Locally stored offline data, including procedures and operational reference material saved to your device
We will not collect unnecessary or unrelated personal information.
3. How Information Is Used
Personal information is used only for purposes connected with Search and Rescue operations and App functionality, including:
providing appropriate access to public and restricted content
verifying user identity and maintaining account security
supporting administration and content management
monitoring system performance and resolving technical issues
We do not use personal information for advertising or commercial marketing.
4. Disclosure of Information
We will only share personal information where:
it is necessary for operational purposes within authorised Search and Rescue organisations
disclosure is required or permitted by law
it is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to life, health, or safety
it is required to protect the security or integrity of the App or its users
We do not sell or rent personal information.
5. Storage and Security
We take reasonable safeguards to protect personal information from loss, unauthorised access, misuse, or disclosure.
Information may be stored:
on secure servers or hosting infrastructure used to operate the App
within administrative systems used to manage content and users
locally on user devices to enable offline access during field operations
Users are responsible for protecting their login credentials and ensuring their devices are secured.
6. Access and Correction
Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you and to request correction if you believe it is inaccurate.
Requests should be directed to our Privacy Officer using the contact details below.
7. Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to support operational use, meet legal obligations, and maintain organisational records.
Information may be updated or removed by authorised administrators where appropriate.
8. Overseas Storage
Some information may be stored or processed using reputable cloud or hosting providers that may be located outside New Zealand.
Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure comparable privacy protections are in place.
9. Notifiable Privacy Breaches
If a privacy breach occurs that is likely to cause serious harm, we will respond in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020, including notifying affected individuals and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner where required.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal, or technical changes.
The current version will be made available within the App or associated distribution platforms.
11. Contact
Privacy Officer
SAR Compass
Email: privacy@sarcompass.com
By using the SAR Compass App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.