Privacy Policy

The City of Hammond is dedicated to protecting the privacy of our visitors and the security of data both shared and collected. The following statement defines our collection of data and its use.

Data Collection

The City of Hammond collects basic data from visitors to the site. We use this information to learn how many visitors we have, where they’re coming from, which parts of our website they’re using, and other details that help us improve our content and services. Information that is collected includes:

  • The type of browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox) used and the operating system on a user's computer;
  • The user’s IP Address (i.e., the number that is automatically assigned to a computer whenever browsing the internet) from which a user accesses our site;
  • The date and time a user visited the site; and
  • The web pages accessed at the site, as well as any applications used and forms data. The City of Hammond will not rent, sell or give away any personally identifying information entered into the site (name, address, phone number, etc.) to third parties for marketing or mailing list purposes without your permission. We will also not disclose credit card information, except for purposes related to your transaction or as required by law.

Use of Cookies

Cookies are small files generated by our website and stored on your computer. A cookie file can contain information such as a session ID that the site uses to track the pages you've visited, but the only personal information a cookie can contain is information you supply yourself. The City of Hammond does not store any user's personal identifying information (such as name, address, etc.) but keeps track of actions taken on the site. We believe that this use of cookies does not compromise a user's privacy and security. At any time, a user can modify their browser settings to turn off cookies.

Online Transactions

Every effort is made to protect any sensitive personal information you give online. All credit cards and other payment information you transmit will be protected by encryption technology, provided that your browser is properly configured and your computer is operating properly. The encrypted information is shared only with our bank and a credit card clearinghouse, both of which also operate secured servers. Access to these records is limited to a small number of employees who need it in order to perform a specific job.

City of Hammond Mobile App

The City of Hammond is using SeeClickFix powered by CivicPlus, an online and mobile service request system, to power its mobile app and reporting forms. Hammond 311 is an application that allows Hammond citizens to report non-emergency related issues. SeeClickFix can be used via the Web on a desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet. SeeClickFix is a public application. The description entered will be visible to the public. Your display name will also be visible unless you choose to submit as Anonymous. Your email address will never be displayed publicly. Users registering on the mobile application also agree to CivicPlus’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Security

For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, the City of Hammond employs software designed to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable by law. In addition to this monitoring, the City of Hammond logs users’ IP addresses for security purposes.

Endorsements, Links, and Disclosure to Third Parties

In the best interest of the constituent, content on the site is designed to provide information and help fulfill service requests.

Any inclusion of third-party hyperlinks, images, applications, or references on the site does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the City of Hammond. Their inclusion is simply to provide users with relevant information and resources.

As a governmental agency, the Access to Public Records Act of Indiana (Indiana Code 5-14-3-1) governs our activities. Any information received through use of the site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper. Otherwise, we do not share any personally identifying information with any third party. For a more complete discussion of the implications of the Public Records Law, please refer to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act.

Intellectual Property

Content on the site, including the logo, images, and graphics, is copyrighted either by the City of Hammond or by a third-party provider. Any third party images, graphics, or content on the site is used with permission from the copyright holder. Before reproducing or otherwise using any content from the site, including images and graphics, users must obtain permission from the appropriate copyright holder.

Sending Email

Under Indiana law, electronic mail messages are public records. If you do not want your e-mail content or address potentially released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to our organization.

If you send us an e-mail, either through your mail program or by using one of the online contact forms, we will only use the personally-identifying information to respond to the request. We may direct your message to another government agency that can help in fulfilling your request. This personally-identifying information will not be shared with any third party or other governmental agencies not directly handling your request.

Digital Newsletters

The City of Hammond offers several digital newsletters to inform users about City government. These are "opt-in" newsletters, meaning that users must indicate their interest by signing up for the digital newsletter and providing their email addresses. Should any user wish to be "unsubscribed" at any time, this option is sent out at the bottom of each newsletter. As additional newsletters may be established, all will be operated on an "opt-in" policy.

SMS (Text) Messages

The City of Hammond may periodically offer SMS alerts. By signing up to receive these alerts, subscribers acknowledge that SMS message charges may apply depending on their individual mobile carrier and plan.

City of Hammond Web Page Disclaimer

The City of Hammond does not make any warranties or representations with respect to the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of any information or materials contained on the City of Hammond web site or through links to other web site, including but not limited to: text, graphics, applications, databases, services, or any other information or materials. Nor shall the City of Hammond assume any legal liability for the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of said information and materials.

The information and materials contained on this website have been compiled from a variety of sources and, as such, are subject to change without notice. In no event will the City of Hammond be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, general, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special, arising from the use of information provided on this web site or through links to any other web sites.

Communications to the City via this website shall in no way be deemed to constitute legal or official notice to the City of Hammond, its agencies, officers, employees, representatives, or agents with respect to any existing, pending, or future claim or cause of action against the City of Hammond or any of its agencies, officers, employees, representatives or agents where notice is required by Federal, State or local law. Nor shall communications to the City via this website be deemed to constitute legal or official notice for any other purpose.

For comments, suggestions, or corrections regarding the information contained on this website, please contact us at it@gohammond.com.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy and security, please contact us at law@gohammond.com.