FAQ

ACCESS

SECURITY & PRIVACY

Who has access to Bridge4PS?

Bridge4PS is a secure, public safety collaboration platform open to any authorized first responders and other public safety personnel. Users must have a valid department email address to have an account created.

How do I create an account?

There are two methods of account creation: bulk import and individual request.

Bulk Import – email support@bridge4ps.app to request an import template. Once populated, return it to the same email address. Upon import, users will receive a welcome email with instructions for installing the app and registering their accounts.

Individual Request – users may submit the Request Access form at https://access.bridge4ps.com. Requests must include a valid public safety departmental email address and identify who referred them.

How do I reset my password?

On the login screen, select “Forgot your Password” below the username field and enter your username or email address all lowercase to receive a password reset code.

If a cell phone number is on file, the reset code will be texted. Otherwise, it will be emailed.

Passwords are case sensitive and must contain a minimum of 8 characters including:

(1) Capital letter

(1) Lowercase letter

(1) Special character (avoid using @ for the character)

(1) Number

How do I troubleshoot login issues?

Be sure you are entering the username all lowercase.

Try your email address all lowercase as an alternative to the username provided.

Select “Forgot your Password” and enter your username or email address all lowercase to receive a password reset code.

If a cell phone number is on file, the reset code will be texted. Otherwise, it will be emailed.

Passwords are case sensitive and must contain a minimum of 8 characters including:

(1) Capital letter

(1) Lowercase letter

(1) Special character (avoid using @ for the character)

(1) Number

If you are still unable to login, contact support@bridge4ps.app

Can I sign on with a Gmail account?

Bridge4PS supports Google Sign-On for Enterprise Google customers with restricted domains. If your department uses Google as your email provider, contact support@bridge4ps.app for us to add the domain to the authorized domains list. Only authorized domains can use Enterprise Gmail accounts for sign-on.

Personal Gmail accounts are not permitted.

What if I do not have access to a department-issued email account?

Accounts can be registered by submitting a written request for exception with valid justification and evidence that 1) you are a licensed first responder or other public safety practitioner and 2) explanation for why you are unable to access your department email address (for example: a licensed volunteer firefighter with a VFD that does not provide email).

Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

How secure is Bridge4PS?

Due to the nature of our user base, it is crucial that we maintain the highest level of security possible.

The system is hosted in a secure AWS GovCloud environment.

Data in transit uses FIPS 140-2 certified encryption.

Data at rest uses FIPS 197 certified encryption.

Additional measures are taken as necessary and appropriate to maintain the security of the system.

Where is the information in Bridge4PS stored?

Bridge4PS data is stored in a secure, AWS GovCloud environment.

Is the data encrypted?

Data in transit uses FIPS 140-2 certified encryption.

Data at rest uses FIPS 197 certified encryption.

Does Bridge4PS track my location?

No, Bridge4PS does not track locations. A warning pops up on most browsers stating that the application is tracking location because of a Google Maps API that allows you to share locations from Google Maps and open navigation inside Bridge4PS.

How will information in Bridge4PS be accessible for discovery and/or public records requests?

Any member of a Direct Message, Private Group or Public Channel can print all or partial threads to PDF. This is the easiest and most straightforward method.
The agency head, officer of public information, or authorized designee can submit a request for us to extract the information from the server.
Lawfully ordered requests for information will be provided as necessary.

Who has/can gain access to the data in Bridge4PS?

Information in Bridge4PS is stored on a cloud-hosted server and can be accessed from the app or through the server.

Information accessed through the App:

Public channels are searchable by anyone using Bridge4PS.

Private Groups are only visible by members invited to the group.

Direct messages are only visible between the two users.

Information accessed from the Server:

Only Bridge4PS developers have access to the servers. All developers with access have had appropriate background checks and been cleared by DHS.

Bridge4PS developers will only access end user data on the server upon written request from an authorized department representative.

How long is the data retained?

Currently the data is retained indefinitely and will be purged upon written consent from an authorized department representative. Starting February 1, 2021, data will be retained for 6 months (180 days). Users can upgrade to premium subscriptions to customize their data retention up to 2 years (730 days).

Does Bridge4PS support Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Yes.

How do I change the phone number connected to my account?

Email support@bridge4ps.app with the correct phone number you want associated with your account.