Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location submitted through a search tool is sent to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its response. We do not retain or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
We retain an email or other direct message as needed to answer it. Access stays within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal duty.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers receive routine technical details when a page loads:
- Page-view dates and times
- Device category and operating system
- Browser type and version
- Your device's assigned IP address
- Visited pages and approximate time spent
- A referring site, when one is supplied
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small device files that help measure how visitors move through the site, including popular pages and common exit points. Analytics providers combine that activity into traffic reports. A browser can block cookies, although doing so may change how some functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a submitted query to the selected search provider
- Maintain site availability and page speed
- Diagnose errors and other technical problems
- Measure which resources visitors use
- Display advertising that may reflect user interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Washington County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to Washington County officials, the courts, Virginia State Police CARE, and the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. Public access to agency records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, while Va. Code § 19.2-389 limits dissemination from Virginia's central criminal-history repository. Visitor information is not compiled into third-party criminal profiles or consumer reports. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy terms, not this policy, control information entered into those tools. Each provider chooses its own retention and disclosure practices. Read the applicable provider policy before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to court portals, sheriff pages, Virginia agencies, legal resources, or commercial tools. Once you leave this site, the destination's privacy policy governs the visit. Review it before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select targeted ads. We do not operate that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Limited data may be available to:
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a query you choose to submit
- Advertising networks serving content on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement authorities responding to valid legal process
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards protect the information we handle. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so we cannot promise that unauthorized access or another breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The site 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.
Your Data Rights
Depending on residence and applicable exemptions, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, Va. Code § 59.1-571 et seq., or another privacy law may provide rights concerning personal data. You may ask to:
- Correct personal information that is inaccurate
- Obtain a copy of personal data we hold about you
- Delete qualifying personal information
- Decline certain forms of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may change. A revised version will appear here with its new effective date, and continued use will be governed by the posted terms.
Effective date: August 10, 2026