Itshireletse
Privacy Policy
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
The Botswana Police Service ("BPS", "we", "our", or "us"), based in Botswana, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how Itshireletse collects, uses, and safeguards your information in compliance with the Botswana Data Protection Act, 2024 (DPA).
By using the Itshireletse application, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We encourage you to read it carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
What We Collect and Why
We collect information to provide and improve our safety services. The categories of data we may collect are outlined below.
Personal Data
Name, phone number, and where available, national ID or passport details collected during registration to create and manage your account.
Location Data
To provide real-time protection alerts, the app may request access to your precise location. This data is consent-based and you can always turn it on or off or trigger an emergency feature.
Device Permissions
We may request access to your Camera to capture evidence for reporting and your Microphone for location-based emergency calls. These permissions are optional and can be revoked at any time.
Location & Emergency SOS Tracking
Itshireletse collects location data to enable emergency SOS tracking and rapid police response while the app is active and in use.
Trigger-Based Collection
Location tracking is activated exclusively upon user-initiated SOS alerts. It is not collected during normal app use.
Emergency Services Only
Your location is shared solely with emergency response services, such as BPS, for facilitating rescue. It is never shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
No Permanent Storage
Location data is not retained after the active emergency alert ends. Once the alert is resolved, your location data is permanently deleted.
Why We Are Allowed to Process Your Data
In accordance with the Botswana Data Protection Act, 2024, we process your data under the following lawful bases:
Your Consent
Explicitly given when you enable specific features within the app, such as location services or notifications.
Vital Interests
To protect your safety and the safety of others in emergency situations, where processing your data is necessary to protect survival and life.
Legal Obligation
To comply with applicable safety regulations and legal requirements in Botswana.
How We Protect and Keep Your Data
We take the security of your personal data seriously. We implement industry-standard measures to protect your information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
We retain your personal data only for as long as your account remains active or as needed to provide you with our services. You may request the deletion of your data at any time by contacting our Data Protection Officer. Upon receiving a valid deletion request, we will remove your personal data within a reasonable timeframe, subject to any legal obligations that require us to retain certain records.
Rights Under the Botswana DPA
Under the Botswana Data Protection Act, 2024, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data:
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer using the details provided in the Contact section below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with the DPA.
Lodging a Complaint
If you believe your personal data has been mishandled, or that we have not complied with applicable data protection laws, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.
We would, however, appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns before you approach the Commission. Please contact us first so we can resolve the matter directly.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data rights, or need to reach our Data Protection Officer, please use the contact details below: