Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Ohio County Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email message may be retained long enough to answer it and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within the operating team unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the server automatically receives basic technical details about the visit:
- Page-view timestamps and time spent on visited pages
- The device's IP address
- Browser name and version
- Operating system and device category
- The referring website, when one is supplied
- The pages opened during the visit
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help measure aggregate use, such as which pages receive traffic and where visits end. Analytics services assist with that measurement. A browser can block cookies through its settings, although doing so may change how some site functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a search request to the selected provider
- Detect and repair technical faults
- Measure which pages are useful and which need revision
- Operate, secure, and improve site performance
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Ohio County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to Ohio County Sheriff Records, court clerks, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau, WVDCR, and the West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry. It is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor information is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal histories.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information entered there is governed by the provider's privacy policy rather than this one. Each provider controls its retention, processing, and disclosure practices. Visitors should review those terms before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to official sheriff, court, corrections, registry, or other outside websites. Once a visitor follows such a link, the destination's privacy terms control. Those terms should be read before personal details are submitted.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to track activity across websites and select ads. Their tracking is not operated by Ohio County Criminal History.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search providers that process a submitted query
- Advertising networks that place ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected data. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so Ohio County Criminal History cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If information from a minor is identified, a request may be made for its deletion.
Your Data Rights
Rights may vary with the law that applies to the visitor. West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, W. Va. Code Chapter 29B, governs access to records held by public bodies, while W. Va. Code §15-2-24 controls specified dissemination of state criminal-identification records. Those laws do not turn this private site into a government record custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request deletion of data where that right applies
- Ask what personal information is held
- Seek correction of inaccurate information
- Opt out of covered forms of processing
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised. A new version becomes available on this page with its updated effective date.
Effective date: August 11, 2026