Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is delivered to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not keep or record those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
When a visitor sends an email, we retain the message as needed to respond. It is not shared outside our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Standard technical information is recorded when a page loads, which may include:
- Page-view dates and times
- Device type and operating system
- Browser name and version
- Internet Protocol address
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- The referring website, when available
Cookies and Analytics
Small cookie files and analytics services help measure traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. Browser controls can block cookies, although doing so may change how parts of the website function.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a search request to the selected partner service
- Maintain site availability and performance
- Diagnose technical faults
- Understand which pages are useful
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not maintain or sell a database of personal criminal records. The site explains where DeKalb County records are held by offices such as Sheriff Administration, the Circuit Clerk, ALEA's Criminal Records Identification Unit, and the Alabama Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not assembled into a consumer report, and this website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Information entered there is governed by that provider's privacy policy, retention rules, and sharing practices. We do not control those policies, so visitors should review them before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Alabama court portals, ALEA, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows a link, the destination's privacy policy controls. Review it before sharing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and tailor ads. That processing does not occur on our systems.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal information is not sold. It may be disclosed to:
- Analytics providers that measure site use and performance
- Search partners that process a submitted query
- Advertising networks that serve ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies responding to a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard security measures are used to protect collected information. No internet-connected system can be guaranteed free from every breach, however, and we cannot promise absolute security.
Users Under 18
This website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. Information known to have been submitted by a minor will be deleted.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary by residence and applicable law. Alabama's public-writing right appears in Ala. Code § 36-12-40, while Ala. Code § 41-9-601 limits criminal-offender information obtained under false pretenses or communicated without authorization. Those statutes govern official public writings and criminal-history dissemination, not a general promise that all visitor data is publicly accessible. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request a copy of personal information we hold
- Ask us to correct inaccurate personal information
- Request deletion of personal information
- Opt out of processing where the law provides that choice
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. A new version becomes available on this page and carries an updated effective date.
Effective date: July 15, 2026