Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the independent provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its own results. Story County Criminal History does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
If a direct message is received, it may be kept long enough to review and respond to it. The message is not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
Normal server and analytics logs may capture technical information when a page loads, including:
- The device's internet protocol address
- The browser name and version in use
- The device category and operating system
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
- A referring website, when one is supplied
- The date and time associated with each request
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small device files used to understand traffic patterns, such as popular pages and common exit points. Analytics providers may combine visit data into reports. Browser controls can block or remove cookies, although some website functions may then operate differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Operating the website and maintaining reliable page delivery
- Passing a submitted search to the selected outside provider
- Measuring which resources visitors use
- Diagnosing performance, security, and technical problems
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Story County Criminal History does not build, keep, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general routing information for records held by the Story County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa District Court, the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not assembled into a report about another person. This private website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Independent companies power the search fields that appear on some pages. Information submitted through those fields is handled under that company's privacy policy, retention schedule, and sharing rules. Those practices are not controlled by Story County Criminal History. A visitor should review the provider's policy before entering a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Story County sheriff, Iowa court portals, Iowa DCI, legal services, and outside search products. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's privacy rules apply. Any personal information shared there is governed by that site, not this policy.
Advertising providers may also use their own technology to measure activity across websites and select ads. That processing occurs on the provider's systems.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be disclosed to:
- A search provider that receives a query submitted to its tool
- Analytics vendors that measure website use and performance
- Advertising networks that serve content on the pages
- A court, law-enforcement body, or government agency acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards are applied to information under the website's control. No internet service can guarantee absolute security. These practices reduce risk, but they cannot promise that unauthorized access or a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If information is found to have been provided by a minor, it will be removed once the situation is identified.
Your Data Rights
Iowa Code chapter 22, the Iowa Open Records Law, applies to records held by public bodies. Iowa Code chapter 692 governs dissemination of Iowa criminal-history information. Neither law makes visitor data held by this private website a Story County public record. Depending on applicable privacy and consumer-protection law, a visitor may be able to:
- Request access to personal information held about that visitor
- Seek correction of inaccurate personal information
- Ask for deletion where the law permits it
- Object to or opt out of certain processing activities
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices, technology, or legal requirements change. A revised version becomes available on this page and carries a new effective date.
Effective date: July 23, 2026