Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside company that supplies that tool. The provider processes the request and returns its results. Madison County Criminal History does not keep or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained long enough to respond and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal duty.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers may receive routine technical details about that visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring site, when one is available
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
- Device type 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 page use, popular content, and points where visits end. Analytics providers may combine that activity into summary traffic reports. A browser can block cookies, although disabling them may change how some site features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a submitted search to the provider that operates the tool
- Maintain site availability and page speed
- Find and repair technical problems
- Measure which resources are useful and which need improvement
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Madison County Criminal History does not host, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general routing information for the Madison County Sheriff's Office, criminal court clerks, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency repository, and the Alabama Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not used to create consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Independent companies power the search boxes. Information submitted through a box is governed by that provider's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each partner controls its retention, processing, and sharing choices. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to sheriff pages, court portals, Alabama agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's privacy practices apply. Read them before providing personal information.
Advertising companies may also measure activity across websites to select ads. That process occurs on their systems and under their policies.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Information may still be available to these limited recipients:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
- Advertising networks that serve page ads
- Analytics vendors that measure site traffic and performance
- Search providers that process a query submitted to their tool
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards protect the information collected here. No internet system can guarantee perfect security, so a loss, breach, or unauthorized access can never be ruled out completely.
Users Under 18
This resource is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor's information is identified, a request may be made for its deletion.
Your Data Rights
Alabama's Open Records Act, Ala. Code § 36-12-40, concerns public writings held by government offices, while Ala. Code § 41-9-590 et seq. governs criminal-justice information handling. Those laws do not turn this private site into a government records custodian. Regardless of any additional right available where you live, you may:
- Opt out of certain processing where that choice is offered
- Request deletion of personal data we hold
- Ask that inaccurate personal information be corrected
- Request a copy of personal information maintained about you
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised as practices or requirements change. An updated version will appear here with a new effective date, so the current page controls.
Effective date: July 15, 2026