Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is transmitted to the outside provider that operates the tool. That provider processes the request and supplies its result. We do not keep a separate log or copy of the search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email sent to us may be retained so it can be answered and handled by our team. We do not disclose its contents outside the organization unless law requires the disclosure.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers receive routine technical information as pages load:
- Page-view time and duration
- Device and operating-system type
- Browser name and version
- Referring page or site, when available
- Pages viewed during the visit
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files stored on a device. They and analytics services help us understand aggregate traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. Browser settings can block cookies, although doing so may change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Finding and repairing technical faults
- Operating and improving site performance
- Routing a search to the provider that handles it
- Measuring which reference pages are useful
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Chatham County Criminal History does not maintain, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to Chatham County Sheriff Records, the state courts, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. Access to government records is governed by the North Carolina Public Records Law in Chapter 132, including the identifier protections in G.S. 132-1.10. Visitor data is not used to create consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles, and the site is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy terms, retention schedules, and sharing rules apply to information entered there. Review a provider's policy before submitting a query because we do not control those practices.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to sheriff, court, state-agency, legal-aid, or outside search websites. Once a visitor follows one, the destination's privacy terms control. Check those terms before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select ads. Their tracking is not operated by us.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Limited data can be received by:
- Analytics vendors that measure traffic and function
- Search providers that process submitted queries
- Advertising networks serving material on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under valid legal process
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices are used to protect collected information. No internet service can guarantee perfect protection, so a breach or unauthorized access can never be ruled out entirely.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal data from anyone younger than 18. Information identified as belonging to a minor will be removed when we learn of it.
Your Data Rights
North Carolina consumer-protection law, including Chapter 75 of the North Carolina General Statutes, may provide rights depending on the facts and a visitor's residence. Available requests can include:
- Opting out of processing where applicable
- Asking for correction of inaccurate information
- Requesting deletion where the law provides it
- Seeking a copy of personal information we retain
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. A replacement takes effect when it is posted here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 1, 2026