Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is transmitted to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its response. Jefferson County Criminal History does not keep or log those query terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained long enough to answer and manage the communication. It remains within the operating team unless disclosure is required by a valid legal duty.
Data We Gather Automatically
Loading a page can cause servers and analytics services to receive routine technical details about the visit:
- Page-view dates and timestamps
- Browser name and version
- Device category and operating system
- IP address associated with the connection
- Pages viewed and approximate time spent on them
- A referring website, when that information is available
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files that help measure general use, such as popular pages and common exit points. Analytics services combine traffic information so it can be reviewed in aggregate. A browser can reject or remove cookies, although blocking them may change how some site features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a submitted query to the selected search provider
- Diagnose errors and maintain performance
- Understand which pages are useful to visitors
- Operate, secure, and improve the website
- Display advertising that may reflect general interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Jefferson County Criminal History does not build, retain, or sell a database of individual criminal records. It publishes general directions to the Jefferson County sheriff and courts, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau, WVDCR, and the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Government access is governed by laws such as the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, while WVSP dissemination follows West Virginia Code §15-2-24. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a record about another person.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted through a box is therefore handled under that provider's privacy policy and retention rules. Review those terms before entering a query because this policy cannot control an outside provider's processing.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Jefferson County offices, West Virginia agencies, court portals, legal resources, or commercial tools. Once a visitor follows an outbound link, the destination's own policy applies. Check it before providing personal details.
Advertising companies may use their systems to measure activity across websites and select ads. Their collection practices are governed by their policies.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search partners chosen to process a query
- Advertising networks that serve content on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable technical and organizational safeguards are used for information under our control. No internet-connected service can guarantee perfect security, so unauthorized access or loss can never be ruled out completely.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be made.
Your Data Rights
Applicable privacy or consumer-protection law may provide rights over personal data. The West Virginia FOIA concerns records held by public bodies and does not turn this private operator into a government custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Ask what personal information is held about them
- Object to certain processing where the law permits
- Request deletion where retention is not legally required
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised when practices or legal duties change. A revised version will be posted here with its updated effective date.
Effective date: August 11, 2026