Cookies Policy
Last updated: 08/03/2026
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, enable functionality, and understand how you use the site.
Cookies can be “session” cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (stored for a set period).
2. How We Use Cookies
2.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled:
- Authentication: Keep you logged in and secure your account
- Security: Protect against fraud, bots, and malicious activity
- Functionality: Remember your preferences (e.g., cookie consent choices)
- Load Balancing: Ensure optimal performance and reliability
2.2 Analytics Cookies (Optional — Require Consent)
With your consent, we use analytics cookies to:
- •Understand how visitors use the website
- •Identify popular pages and features
- •Measure effectiveness of content and layout
- •Improve user experience based on usage patterns
Analytics cookies are disabled by default. You can opt in or out at any time.
2.3 We Do NOT Use
- ✗Advertising or tracking cookies
- ✗Social media tracking pixels (unless explicitly embedded content)
- ✗Third-party marketing cookies
3. Specific Cookies We Set
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| session | Base44 (Auth) | Authenticate users and maintain login sessions | Session (browser close) | Essential |
| cookieConsent | PoliceStationRepUK | Store your cookie preference choices | 12 months | Essential |
| __cf_bm / cf_clearance | Cloudflare | Bot management, DDoS protection, and security filtering | Up to 30 minutes / 30 days | Essential |
| _ga / _gid / _gat | Google Analytics | Anonymized website usage analytics and visitor statistics | Up to 24 months / 24 hours / 1 minute | Analytics (consent required) |
| _gcl_au | Google Tag Manager | Used by Google Analytics for conversion tracking | 90 days | Analytics (consent required) |
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
4.1 Via Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit the website, a cookie consent banner appears. You can accept all cookies, accept only essential cookies, or customise which types of cookies you allow.
4.2 Via Your Browser
You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:
- •Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- •Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- •Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- •Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent core website functionality.
5. Third-Party Cookies
5.1 Google Analytics (Optional)
- Only set if you consent to analytics cookies
- IP anonymization enabled
- No personally identifiable information collected
- Data shared with Google subject to their privacy policy
5.2 Cloudflare (Essential)
- Security and performance cookies required for site operation
- Protects against DDoS attacks and malicious bots
5.3 Stripe (Payment Processing)
- Used only on payment pages for featured profile subscriptions
- Helps prevent fraud and ensure secure transactions
6. Local Storage and Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use HTML5 local storage for:
- •Saving form drafts (to prevent data loss during registration)
- •Storing user preferences locally
- •Caching non-sensitive data for performance
Local storage data is stored on your device and not transmitted to our servers unless you actively submit a form.
7. Do Not Track (DNT)
We respect “Do Not Track” browser signals where technically feasible.
If DNT is enabled, analytics cookies will not be set even if you previously consented.
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect changes in technology or legislation. Material changes will be communicated via website notice and updated “Last updated” date.
Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
9. Contact Us
For questions about cookies or data privacy, email robertcashman@defencelegalservices.co.uk with the subject “Cookies Enquiry”.
For more information about how we handle your data, see our Privacy Policy and GDPR Policy.
Have a question about our use of cookies? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.