Austin Police Retirement System (“APRS” or the “System”)

Website Disclaimer and Privacy Notice

Disclaimer

This web site is maintained by APRS as a public service to provide general information about the System and as a convenient source of reference for members and retirees. However, this site is not an official reference source and should not be relied upon for that purpose.

Information contained in this site is for general education only and does not create, alter, or affect any right, claim, or entitlement to a benefit under the System. Article 6243n-1, Texas Civil Statutes, as published under the direction of the Secretary of State is the official authority and original reference source of APRS; and that statute, as applied through the rules and procedures adopted by the System, prevails in all questions of interpretation, operation, and administration of APRS.

The information contained on this site is summary in nature and does not include all conditions, limitations, or exceptions that may be applicable to a particular situation. Every effort has been made to present current information without inaccuracies, but errors, or additions, deletions, and changes in the laws or procedures may occur which make the information out of date or inaccurate. Therefore, users of this web site are advised of their responsibility to contact the System directly for specific information relating to benefits and to confirm the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the posted information. APRS has no liability with respect to any actions taken as a result of or in connection with viewing any information contained herein.

This web site provides links to other sites that may be useful or of interest to users. The links are for informational purposes only, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement of any vendor, product, or service. Furthermore, APRS is not responsible for the content or privacy practices used by other site owners, and users are cautioned to exercise their own best judgment before sending personal or confidential information over the internet.

Privacy Notice

Updated September 2024

At APRS, your privacy and security are important to us. To demonstrate its commitment to your privacy, APRS has agreed to disclose our information practices in this Privacy Notice. This Privacy Notice is consistent with our effort to maintain members’ trust and confidence in APRS’s use of technology by providing disclosure and informed consent.

APRS takes reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of user information and communications provided on and transmitted through the APRS website (the “Website”) and the APRS MemberDirect Portal (the “Member Portal”). However, the use of electronic means to register and access your member information is risky and can subject you to the unauthorized use of your information. By using the Website or Member Portal, you agree to assume these risks.

If you have any questions about the security of our Website or Member Portal or about this Privacy Notice, you can send an e-mail to APRS at [email protected] or you may call (512) 416-7672. You may also mail your questions to:

Austin Police Retirement System

PO Box 40609

Austin, TX 78704

1. Why We Collect Your Information

The personal information we collect through the Website and Member Portal primarily is intended to improve your overall experience by helping us:

  • Secure and administer your account
  • Provide the services you have requested
  • Process applications and transactions
  • Verify your identity, including information about the device you use to access your account and your location
  • Manage your communication preferences
  • Recognize you when you return to our Website or the Member Portal
  • Maintain your web session while you browse
  • Monitor usage of the Website or the Member Portal
  • Analyze aggregated demographic and geographic information

Additionally, APRS collects personal information to provide for secure access the Member Portal. This personal information enables access to the member database, in accordance with the [Member Portal Terms and Conditions.]

2. Types of Information We Collect

  • Application and registration: When you are enrolled as a member of APRS or you register with us for online access, we collect personal information such as your name, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • Changes to personal information: We collect your personal information when you ask us to update or change the information that APRS has on file.
  • Account activity: Once you have an account with us, we collect and maintain personal information about your account activity, including your deposits, balances and federal tax withholding. When you receive payments from your account, either by withdrawal or retirement, we report it to the IRS.
  • Website usage: During a visit online, our systems may use devices known as “cookies,” or other similar web tools to enhance your web experience.
  • Server requests: Our servers log the following data automatically:
    • The Domain Name System (DNS) or Internet Protocol (IP) address identifying your computer or internet service provider
    • The date and time of your visit
    • The pages, tools and services used
    • Your computer’s browser and operating system
    • The documents and forms you upload
    • Any errors you may have encountered during your visit

3. Security

  • Use and Disclosure of Information: APRS uses third-party services to provide a variety of functionality within the Website and Member Portal. Information may be shared with partners directly involved in assisting APRS to perform certain tasks on our behalf, in compliance with this Privacy Notice. APRS will not sell, distribute, or lease any personal information to advertisers or other third parties. APRS may also disclose information if we believe that it is necessary to comply with the law, respond to requests from a legal, regulatory or governmental authority, or enforce the Member Portal Terms and Conditions.
  • Security: At APRS, we use industry standard storage and protection procedures in order to maintain the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information on servers, which are not accessible to the public. No data storage or transmission plan is without risk. In the event that there is a compromise or breach in the data environment, APRS will take reasonable measures to address the situation and notify you as expeditiously as possible; however, APRS will not be held responsible for events arising from unauthorized access to information.
  • Email; Assumption of Risk: E-mail is not a secure platform. Information passed through e-mail can be intercepted by third parties. IF YOU COMMUNICATE PERSONAL INFORMATION VIA E-MAIL TO APRS YOU ASSUME THE RISK FOR DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT.

4. Your Right to Access Information

The Texas Public Information Act ("Act"), found in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, gives the public the right to request access to APRS information that is public under the Act.

Although the Act makes certain information available to the public and creates a presumption to that effect, some exceptions exist. For example, information contained in APRS records concerning an individual member, retiree, annuitant, beneficiary or alternate payee is generally confidential under the Act, although there are limited exceptions to this general rule of confidentiality.

Information APRS receives through our Website or the Member Portal (for example, through email or an online transaction) may be subject to public disclosure upon request under the Act depending on the applicability of any exceptions to the disclosure of the particular information.

More information about the Act is available from the Office of the Attorney General.

5. Ensuring Your Information Is Accurate

We are committed to keeping accurate, up-to-date records to help ensure the integrity of the information we maintain about you. If you identify an inaccuracy in this information or if you need to make a change to it, please contact APRS at [email protected] or (512) 416-7672.