Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its response. Whatcom County Criminal History does not retain or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or contact submission may be kept long enough to review it and respond. The message remains within the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers may automatically receive routine technical information about that visit:
- The referring website, when one is provided
- Page-view times and dates
- Pages opened 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 show aggregate patterns, such as which pages receive traffic and where visits end. Analytics providers assist with combining that usage data. A browser can reject cookies through its settings, although blocking them may change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing errors and other technical faults
- Operating the website and maintaining reasonable load times
- Routing a search query to the appropriate outside service
- Measuring which material is useful and what should be improved
- Displaying advertising that may reflect a visitor's interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Whatcom County Criminal History neither maintains nor sells a database of personal criminal-record information. Its reference material identifies official sources, including Whatcom Sheriff Records, the county and municipal courts, the Washington State Patrol, and the Washington Sex Offender Public Registry. Washington criminal-history dissemination is governed in part by the Criminal Records Privacy Act, chapter 10.97 RCW, while public court access follows General Rule 31. This private resource is not a consumer reporting agency, and visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or third-party criminal files.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies supply the search-box services. Information submitted through a box is handled under that provider's privacy terms rather than this policy. Each provider controls its retention and disclosure practices. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Whatcom County offices, Washington court portals, state agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's privacy policy applies. Review it before providing personal information.
Some advertising providers may observe activity across websites for targeted advertising. That process occurs on the provider's systems, not systems controlled here.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Information may be disclosed to the following recipients when necessary:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
- Advertising networks that serve material on the pages
- Analytics services measuring traffic and performance
- Search providers processing a query submitted through their tool
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards help protect collected information. No internet-connected system is completely secure, however, so absolute protection and prevention of every breach cannot be guaranteed.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If data from a minor is identified, a request may be made for its prompt deletion.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary with a person's location and the law that applies. Washington's Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW, governs requests to public agencies, not data requests to this private resource. Regardless of that distinction, a visitor may:
- Object to certain forms of data processing
- Request deletion of personal data held here
- Ask that inaccurate information be corrected
- Request a copy of personal information held about them
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised as practices or legal requirements change. A revised policy will be posted here and will carry a new effective date.
Effective date: August 10, 2026