Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent to the outside company that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not keep a separate log or database of the search terms entered there.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email sent to us may be retained as needed to prepare and document a response. It is not shared beyond the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Loading a page may cause the server and analytics services to collect routine technical details about the visit:
- The IP address assigned to your device
- Which browser you are using and its version
- Your device type and operating system
- The pages you visited and how long you stayed on each
- The site that sent you here, if any
- Timestamps for each page view
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files saved on a device. They help measure traffic patterns, popular pages, and points where visits end. Analytics providers combine that usage data into reports. Browser controls can block or remove cookies, although doing so may change how some features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing technical faults and maintaining reliable operation
- Directing a submitted query to the applicable outside search provider
- Measuring which pages are useful and where content needs attention
- Improving page speed, navigation, and site performance
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
McDowell County Criminal History does not compile, keep, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general access information for records held by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Superior Court, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal history files, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted to a partner is governed by that company's privacy policy, retention rules, and disclosure practices. Those practices are outside our control, so review the provider's terms before entering a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the McDowell County Sheriff, North Carolina court portals, state agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an outbound link, the destination's policy controls its collection and use of data. Read that policy before providing personal details.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select targeted advertisements.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal information is not sold. It may be disclosed only to limited categories of recipients:
- Analytics providers that measure use and site performance
- Search partners that process a query submitted to their tools
- Advertising networks that place or measure advertisements
- Government or law enforcement bodies responding to valid legal process
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards protect the data under our control. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, however, and we cannot promise that unauthorized access will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. Information identified as belonging to a minor will be deleted when a proper request is received.
Your Data Rights
North Carolina consumer protections, including the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act at G.S. 75-1.1, may provide rights in addition to those described here. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Ask for access to personal information held about that visitor
- Object to or opt out of certain processing where the law permits
- Request deletion when no legal retention duty applies
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. A revised version will be posted here with its new effective date.
Effective date: August 2, 2026