Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Orange County Criminal History does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be kept long enough to respond and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers automatically receive basic technical information 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
Small files called cookies help measure how visitors move through the website, including popular pages and common exit points. Analytics services combine that traffic into broader reports. A browser can block cookies, though doing so may change how some website functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Operating, securing, and improving website performance
- Routing a submitted query to the selected outside search provider
- Understanding which resources visitors use most
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Orange County Criminal History does not build, keep, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Its content identifies official channels such as the Orange County Sheriff's Office, court clerks, Virginia State Police CCRE, and the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles, and the website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted there is governed by the chosen provider's privacy policy, including its rules for retention and sharing. Those practices are beyond our control, so review the provider's policy before running a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Orange County offices, Virginia court portals, state agencies, legal resources, or third-party tools. Once a visitor follows an external link, that destination's policy governs the visit. Review it before providing personal information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select targeted ads.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Search partners that handle queries you run on our site
- Analytics services we use to track traffic and performance
- Ad networks that place ads on our pages
- Law enforcement or government bodies when a valid legal order requires it
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices are used to protect collected data. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so a breach or unauthorized access cannot be ruled out.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be made.
Your Data Rights
Applicable Virginia law may provide additional rights depending on the data and the visitor. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code §2.2-3700 et seq., governs records held by public bodies rather than this private website, while §19.2-389 limits state criminal-history dissemination. A visitor may still ask to:
- Ask for a copy of what we have on file about you
- Have us fix information that is wrong
- Request that we erase your data
- Opt out of certain kinds of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. An updated version takes effect when posted here with a new date.
Effective date: August 10, 2026