Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

D. Stafford & Associates (“D. Stafford,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a professional consulting firm specializing in campus safety and security, regulatory compliance, sexual misconduct response and investigation, and law enforcement services for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who visit our website at www.dstaffordandassociates.com (the “Site”) or who interact with us in connection with our training programs, consulting services, and certification programs. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our Site or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Register for training programs, workshops, or certification courses
• Request consulting services or submit service inquiries
• Contact us via email, telephone, or the contact form on our Site
• Subscribe to newsletters, announcements, or program updates
• Submit payment for training programs or services

The types of personal information you may provide include:

• Full name, job title, and institutional affiliation
• Business and personal contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Professional credentials and certification information
• Payment information (processed through secure third-party payment processors)
• Any additional information you choose to include in communications with us

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, certain technical information may be collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies, including IP address and general geographic location, browser type and operating system, pages visited and navigation patterns, referring website URLs, and device identifiers.

When you receive emails from us, we may use standard tracking technologies (such as tracking pixels and link redirects) to record whether an email was opened and whether links were clicked, to help us understand which communications are most useful.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as professional associations, partner organizations (including NACCOP), or event co-sponsors, in connection with training and certification programs.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Register you for and administer training programs, workshops, and certification courses
• Provide consulting services and respond to service inquiries
• Process payments and send transactional communications (confirmations, receipts, and invoices)
• Communicate program updates, cancellations, scheduling changes, and policy notices
• Send informational newsletters and announcements about services, training opportunities, and relevant developments in campus safety and compliance (you may opt out at any time)
• Maintain records of professional certifications and continuing education
• Improve our Site, services, and training content
• Comply with applicable legal obligations
• Protect the rights, safety, and interests of D. Stafford & Associates and the individuals we serve

4. Sharing of Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our Site and delivering our services, such as payment processors, email communications platforms, and registration management systems. These vendors are contractually obligated to use your information only for the purposes of providing services to us.

4.2 Partner Organizations

With your knowledge and where relevant to your participation, we may share information with our partner organizations, including the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals (NACCOP), in connection with certification programs or joint training activities.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required to do so by law, regulation, or legal process, or when we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of D. Stafford & Associates, our clients, or the public.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before personal information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze Site usage. You may configure your browser to refuse cookies; however, some features of the Site may not function properly without them.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Payment transactions are processed through secure, third-party payment processors using industry-standard encryption.

Please be aware that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, to maintain accurate records of certifications and professional development, to comply with applicable legal obligations, and to resolve disputes or enforce our agreements. When personal information is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Choices and Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights with respect to your personal information, including:

• Access. Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction. Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion. Request deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal requirements.
• Opt-Out of Marketing. Opt out of marketing communications at any time via the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us directly.
• Manage Preferences. Update which types of emails you receive on our preferences page.
• Data Portability. Where applicable, receive your personal information in a portable format.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 11. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

9. Third-Party Websites and Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, including our partner organizations and resource sites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit. D. Stafford & Associates is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Site and services are intended for adult professionals in higher education, law enforcement, and related fields. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a minor, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

12 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this Policy and, where appropriate, notify you by email or through a notice on our Site. Your continued use of the Site following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy.