Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates the tool. That provider processes the query and returns its results. Ward County Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email sent to us may be retained so that we can answer it. We keep the message within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers automatically receive basic technical and usage details:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring website, when available
- Device type and operating system
- Browser name and version
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files stored on a device. They help measure traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. Analytics providers combine that usage data into reports. A browser can block cookies, though some site functions may work differently after they are disabled.
What We Do With This Data
- Finding and correcting technical faults
- Maintaining site speed and availability
- Measuring which pages are useful
- Routing a search query to the chosen partner
- Displaying advertising that may reflect user interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Ward County Criminal History does not build, keep, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to official sources such as the Ward County Sheriff, local court clerks, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a record about another person. This website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Independent companies power the search boxes. Their privacy policies, retention rules, and disclosure practices apply to information entered in those tools. We do not control those practices. Read the provider's policy before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to a sheriff, court clerk, Texas agency, legal service, or independent search provider. Once a visitor leaves this website, the destination's privacy policy governs. Review it before giving that site personal information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to follow activity across sites and select targeted ads. We do not operate that tracking infrastructure.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Data may be available to these limited categories:
- Analytics providers that measure site traffic and function
- Advertising networks that place ads on pages
- Search providers that process submitted queries
- 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 online system is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee that unauthorized access or a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that a minor supplied such data, we will take steps to remove it.
Your Data Rights
Rights vary with a person's location and the law that applies. The Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552, governs access to records held by Texas public bodies, not data held by this private site. Government Code Chapter 411 separately limits dissemination of Texas criminal-history record information. Subject to applicable law, you may:
- Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Ask what personal information we hold about you
- Seek deletion where the law provides that right
- Object to eligible forms of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. A revised policy will appear on this page with its new effective date.
Effective date: August 10, 2026