Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. Columbia County Criminal History does not retain or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email message may be retained so a response can be prepared. It remains within the organization unless disclosure is required by a legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers automatically receive certain technical details about the visit:
- The IP address assigned to your device
- Which browser you are using and its version
- Your device type and operating system
- The pages you visited and how long you stayed on each
- The site that sent you here, if any
- Timestamps for each page view
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help show how visitors move through the website, including popular pages and common exit points. Analytics providers combine that traffic information for measurement. A visitor may block cookies through browser settings, although doing so can change how some features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a search request to the applicable partner service
- Operating the website and maintaining reasonable load times
- Finding and correcting technical problems
- Measuring which pages are useful or need improvement
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
No database of personal criminal-record information is kept or sold here. Published material instead identifies official Columbia County channels such as the Sheriff, county courts, Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository, and Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law Public Website. The website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and it does not assemble visitor data into a consumer report or personal dossier. Government disclosure is separately governed by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and criminal-history dissemination limits in 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121; neither law turns this private website into a government record custodian.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Information submitted through a box is subject to that provider's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each provider chooses its own retention and disclosure practices, which Columbia County Criminal History cannot control. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to a sheriff's office, court portal, Pennsylvania agency, legal-aid organization, or outside search service. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's privacy policy controls. It should be reviewed before personal information is provided.
Some advertising partners may follow activity across websites for targeted advertising. That processing occurs through the partner's systems.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Information may nevertheless be received by:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a query submitted through their tool
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
- Advertising networks placing content on the website
How We Protect Your Data
Standard security measures are used to protect collected information. No internet-connected system is completely secure, however, so the website 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. Notice that a minor supplied information will prompt deletion of that data.
Your Data Rights
Rights concerning personal data can vary with residence and circumstances. Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, 73 P.S. §§ 201-1–201-10, and other applicable privacy laws may supply added protections. At a minimum, a visitor may:
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Ask for a copy of personal information held about them
- Opt out of certain processing activities
- Request deletion of personal data
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised. A replacement takes effect when it is posted here with an updated effective date, so visitors should review the page periodically.
Effective date: August 6, 2026