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Privacy Policy

This policy describes the information collected during a visit, the reasons it is used, and the limited circumstances in which another party may receive it. By continuing to use the website, you agree to the practices stated in this policy.

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 feature. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not retain or record those search terms on our systems.

Messages and Contact Submissions

When you email us, the message is kept for the purpose of responding. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.

Data We Gather Automatically

Our servers automatically receive basic technical details whenever a visitor loads a page:

  • Page-view dates and times
  • The referring website, when one is supplied
  • 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 how people move through the website, including popular pages and common exit points. Analytics providers combine this traffic information for us. You may disable cookies through your browser, although doing so can change how some features function.

What We Do With This Data

  • Routing a submitted query to the appropriate search partner
  • Maintaining reliable and responsive website operation
  • Identifying and correcting technical faults
  • Measuring which material visitors use and where improvements are needed
  • Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests

No Criminal-Record Data on File

We do not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. The published material identifies official Bureau County and Illinois access routes, including the Bureau County Sheriff's Office, Bureau County Circuit Court, Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification, and Illinois Sex Offender Registry, also known as I-SORT. We are not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or profiles about other people.

Third-Party Search Partners

Outside companies provide the search-box services. Information submitted through one of those tools is governed by that provider's privacy policy rather than ours. Each provider controls its own retention and disclosure practices. Read the applicable policy before entering a query.

Links to Other Websites

Links may lead to the Bureau County Sheriff's Office, Bureau County Circuit Court, Illinois State Police, I-SORT, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once you follow an external link, the destination's privacy terms govern the visit. Review them before providing personal information.

Some advertising providers may measure activity across websites for interest-based advertising. That activity occurs through the providers' systems rather than ours.

Who Might See Your Data

Personal information is not sold. It may be disclosed to the following limited recipients:

  • Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
  • Search providers that process a query you submit
  • Advertising networks serving content on the pages
  • 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-connected service can guarantee absolute security, however, and we cannot promise that unauthorized access or another breach will never occur.

Users Under 18

The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from a person younger than 18. If we learn that a minor provided such data, we will remove it promptly.

Your Data Rights

Rights can vary with the law that applies to you. Illinois public-record access is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, while dissemination of Illinois conviction information through the state repository is governed by the Uniform Conviction Information Act, 20 ILCS 2635. Those laws do not turn this private website into a government records custodian. For information we actually maintain, you may:

  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Ask to correct inaccurate information
  • Seek a copy of information held about you
  • Decline certain forms of data processing

Updates to This Policy

This policy may be revised from time to time. A revised version will be posted here and will display its new effective date. Review this page periodically for current practices.

Effective date: July 20, 2026