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. Winston County Criminal History does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email sent to us may be kept so a response can be prepared. We limit the message to our team and do not disclose it outside the organization unless the law requires disclosure.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the site's systems may collect routine technical information about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring website, when one is available
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
- Device category and operating system
- Browser name and version
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help measure aggregate use, such as which Winston County record pages draw traffic and where visits end. Analytics providers assist with that measurement. A browser can block cookies, although doing so may change how some site functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing and correcting site problems
- Measuring which pages are useful and where improvements are needed
- Routing a submitted query to the appropriate search partner
- Maintaining site availability, speed, and security
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Winston County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Its content identifies request routes through the Winston County Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not turned into a consumer report or a third-party criminal-history file, and the site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the site's search boxes. Their own privacy terms, retention choices, and disclosure practices apply to data entered there. This policy does not control those companies. Review the provider's policy before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Winston County offices, Alabama agencies, court systems, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, that destination's privacy policy governs the visit. Read its terms before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select interest-based ads. Their tracking is not operated by this site.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal information is not sold. It may be available to these limited recipients:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal demand
- Advertising networks serving ads on the pages
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and performance
- Search providers processing queries submitted through their tools
How We Protect Your Data
Standard safeguards are used for data collected by the site. No internet-connected service can guarantee complete security, so a breach or unauthorized access cannot be ruled out despite those precautions.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be submitted.
Your Data Rights
Rights may vary with the law that applies to a visitor. Alabama's Open Records Act, Ala. Code § 36-12-40, addresses government public writings, while Ala. Code § 41-9-601 regulates criminal-history dissemination. Those government-record laws do not turn this private site into a public records custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Opt out of processing where that right applies
- Request deletion of eligible personal data
- Ask that inaccurate personal information be corrected
- Request access to personal information held about the visitor
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as site practices or legal duties change. A new version becomes available on this page with an updated effective date.
Effective date: July 15, 2026