Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not keep or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
We retain an email sent to us so that our team can respond. It is not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers automatically receive basic technical details about the visit:
- Page-view timestamps and the pages visited
- Device type and operating system
- Browser type and version
- The referring website, when available
- Time spent on visited pages
- The device IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files saved on a device. They and analytics services help us view traffic in the aggregate, including popular pages and points where visitors leave. A browser can block cookies, although some website functions may then behave differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a search request to the provider that handles it
- Operate the website and maintain page speed
- Find and correct technical faults
- Assess which pages are useful or need improvement
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. The website describes how to reach the Winneshiek County Sheriff, Iowa District Court, Iowa DCI, and the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not assembled into third-party records or consumer reports, and we are not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy policies, retention periods, and sharing practices govern information submitted to those tools. Review the applicable provider policy before running a query because we do not control those practices.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to sheriff pages, court portals, Iowa agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor leaves this website, the destination’s privacy policy controls. Read it before providing personal information.
Some advertising providers may use their own systems to track activity across websites for targeted advertising.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Limited information may be handled by:
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a visitor’s query
- Advertising networks serving ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Standard security measures are used to protect collected information. No internet-connected system can be guaranteed secure, so we cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. If we learn that a minor supplied such information, we will delete it.
Your Data Rights
Rights vary by residence and the law that applies. Iowa Code chapter 22 governs access to public agency records, while chapter 692 governs state criminal-history dissemination; neither turns this private website into a government custodian. A visitor may ask us to:
- Request a copy of personal information we hold
- Ask us to correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of personal data
- Opt out of certain processing where the law provides that choice
Updates to This Policy
We may revise this policy. The changed version will appear here with a new effective date, so visitors should review it periodically.
Effective date: July 23, 2026