Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside company operating that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Search terms are not logged or retained by this site.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email message may be kept long enough to answer and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within the operating team unless disclosure is legally required.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers automatically receive ordinary technical information about that visit:
- Page-view dates, times, and duration
- Device type and operating system
- Browser name and version
- The referring site, when available
- Pages opened during the visit
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services help combine traffic information, such as which pages receive visits and where users leave. Browser controls can block cookies, although doing so may change how parts of the site work.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing faults and other technical problems
- Maintaining site speed and availability
- Routing a search to the applicable partner
- Measuring which content visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect user interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Sonoma County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Records Unit, Sonoma Superior Court, California Department of Justice, and California Megan's Law Website. Visitor data is not compiled into a third-party record or consumer report, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Government records follow different rules from visitor data. The California Public Records Act, Government Code section 7920.000 et seq., governs many Sonoma County agency requests, subject to exemptions. Penal Code sections 11105 and 13300 restrict state and local summary criminal-history dissemination.
Third-Party Search Partners
Independent companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy terms, retention periods, and disclosure practices govern information submitted to them. This policy does not control those providers, so review the provider's policy before running a search.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Sheriff pages, court portals, California agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows a link, the destination's policy applies. Review it before providing personal information.
Some advertising companies may track activity across websites to select ads. That tracking occurs on the advertiser's systems.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal information is not sold. It may be disclosed to:
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and performance
- Search providers processing a submitted query
- Advertising networks serving ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected information. No internet service can guarantee absolute security, however, and this site cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If such data is identified, it will be deleted.
Your Data Rights
Depending on residency and applicable law, the California Consumer Privacy Act and California Privacy Rights Act, Civil Code section 1798.100 et seq., may provide additional rights. Available requests may include:
- Opting out of certain processing
- Requesting correction of inaccurate information
- Seeking deletion of eligible data
- Asking for access to personal information on file
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised. A changed version takes effect when posted here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: July 16, 2026