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 neither retain nor log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
We retain an email sent to us for the purpose of responding. The message remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by a legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers automatically receive technical information about that visit:
- Your device's assigned IP address
- The browser name and version in use
- Operating-system and device categories
- Viewed pages and time spent on them
- Any referring website
- The time recorded for each view
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. We use them with analytics services to combine traffic information, such as popular pages and common exit points. A browser can be configured to reject cookies at any time, though doing so may change how some website functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Operating the website and supporting fast page loads
- Routing a search query to the selected partner
- Evaluating which pages are useful or need improvement
- Diagnosing and correcting technical problems
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not build, keep, or sell a database of personal criminal-record data. Instead, the website identifies request routes for Bay County records held by BCSO, local courts, FDLE's criminal-history repository, and the Florida Sexual Offender/Predator Registry. Visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or outside dossiers, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act does not classify this website as a consumer reporting agency.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted to a box is governed by that partner's privacy policy rather than ours. Each company controls its own retention and disclosure practices, so review the applicable policy before running a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links throughout the website lead to sheriff pages, court portals, state agencies, legal-aid resources, and outside search tools. Once you follow an external link, the destination's privacy rules apply. Review them before providing personal information.
Some advertising providers may observe activity across websites to select targeted advertisements. Such tracking occurs through their systems rather than ours.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Search providers processing queries submitted through their tools
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and website performance
- Advertising networks serving material on our pages
- Government or law-enforcement entities acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Standard security measures are used to protect collected information. No internet-connected service is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee 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 younger than 18. If we learn that a minor supplied such information, we will delete it promptly.
Your Data Rights
Additional rights may arise under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Chapter 501, Part II, or another applicable privacy or consumer-protection law. At minimum, you may:
- Request a copy of personal information we maintain about you
- Seek correction of inaccurate personal data
- Ask for deletion of your information
- Decline certain forms of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised. Any revision will be posted here with a new effective date, so review the page periodically for current information-handling practices.
Effective date: July 17, 2026