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 it. That provider processes the query and supplies its response. We do not keep or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be retained long enough to answer and manage the exchange. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Loading a page can cause the server to receive standard technical details:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring site, when one is supplied
- Your browser and version
- The device IP address
- Visited pages and time spent on them
- Device type and operating system
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. We use them with analytics services to understand aggregate traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. Browser settings can block cookies, although some features may then work differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Finding and correcting technical problems
- Operating the site and improving load performance
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
- Routing a search query to the selected partner
- Measuring which pages are useful and which need improvement
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Kossuth County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal-record information. It publishes general access directions for the Kossuth County Sheriff, Iowa District Court, Iowa DCI, and the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. We are not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal files.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Information entered there is governed by the provider's privacy policy, retention rules, and sharing practices. Review those terms before sending a query because we do not control them.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Kossuth County Sheriff, Iowa courts, state agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once you leave this site, the destination's privacy terms apply. Read them before providing personal information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to measure activity across sites and choose targeted ads.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Limited information can be handled by:
- Analytics providers measuring performance and traffic
- Search partners processing a query you submit
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
- Advertising networks placing ads on pages
How We Protect Your Data
Standard security measures are used to protect collected information. No internet service can guarantee absolute security, so a breach can never be ruled out.
Users Under 18
This resource is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. If a minor's information is identified, it can be deleted.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary by residence and applicable law. Iowa public criminal-record access is separately governed by the Iowa Open Records Law, chapter 22, while Iowa Code § 692.5 provides a process for a subject or attorney to inspect and challenge qualifying DCI information. For visitor data held by us, you may:
- Request deletion of information we hold
- Ask what personal information is on file
- Opt out of certain processing where that right applies
- Request correction of inaccurate information
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. A changed version will appear here with its new effective date.
Effective date: July 23, 2026