Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is sent directly to the outside provider that operates the tool. That company processes the request and supplies its results. We do not keep a separate log of those search terms.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be retained long enough to respond and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers automatically receive basic technical details when a page loads:
- Pages opened, time spent, and page-view timestamps
- Device type and operating system
- The referring website, when one is reported
- Browser name and version
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small device files that help measure which pages are used and how visitors move through the site. Analytics providers combine that activity into traffic reports. Browser controls can block cookies, although doing so may change how some functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a submitted query to the selected search provider
- Find and repair performance or technical problems
- Measure which material is useful and where revisions are needed
- Operate the site and keep pages loading reliably
- Support advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
St. Joseph County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Its content identifies official sources such as the St. Joseph County Sheriff, local courts, Michigan State Police, and the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. We are not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Their own privacy policies govern information entered there, including retention and sharing choices that we do not control. Review the applicable provider policy before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to court portals, sheriff and state agency pages, legal-aid resources, or outside search tools. Once a visitor follows one, the destination's privacy rules apply. Review them before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to track activity across websites and select ads. We do not operate that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Limited information can be shared with:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search providers that receive a query submitted through their tool
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
- Advertising networks that serve ads on these pages
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices are used to protect collected data. No internet service can guarantee absolute security, so a breach cannot be ruled out.
Users Under 18
This resource is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. A verified minor's information will be removed when its presence is brought to our attention.
Your Data Rights
Rights may vary by residence and the kind of record involved. Michigan public-record access is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 through 15.246, while criminal-identification reporting and dissemination are addressed in MCL 28.242 through 28.243. Subject to applicable law and available records, you may:
- Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Ask what personal data is held about you
- Object to certain forms of processing
- Seek deletion where the law permits it
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. A revision becomes visible here with its new effective date.
Effective date: July 28, 2026