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Privacy Policy

This policy describes the information collected when someone visits King County Criminal History, how that information is used, and the limited circumstances in which it may be disclosed. It also explains the separate role of outside search and advertising providers. Use of the website constitutes acceptance of these practices. This policy applies to this privately operated resource, not to King County, the State of Washington, or any government portal reached through an outbound link.

Data You Give Us Directly

Search Queries

A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its result. King County Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.

Messages and Contact Submissions

An email or other direct message may be retained so a response can be prepared. It remains within the operating team unless disclosure is required by law.

Data We Gather Automatically

Standard server and analytics systems may record technical facts when a page loads:

  • Page-view times and the pages visited
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • The device's assigned IP address
  • Visit length and referring page, when available

Cookies and Analytics

Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help measure traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. Analytics services combine this usage data for performance review. Browser controls can block cookies, although some site functions may then work differently.

What We Do With This Data

Collected technical and direct-submission data may be used for these operating purposes:

  • Keeping pages available, stable, and fast
  • Finding and repairing errors or security problems
  • Sending a search request to the chosen partner
  • Measuring which King County record pages visitors use
  • Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests

No Criminal-Record Data on File

King County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general access information for King County courts, the Sheriff's Office, detention officials, Washington State Patrol, and the Washington Sex Offender Public Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a dossier about another person. This resource is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Third-Party Search Partners

Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy terms, retention rules, pricing, and disclosure practices apply to information entered there. Those practices are outside this site's control. Review the provider's policy before submitting a query.

Links to Other Websites

Links may lead to King County offices, Washington courts, state agencies, legal resources, or outside search tools. The destination's own privacy policy governs once a visitor leaves this site. Check that policy before providing personal information.

Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and tailor advertising. That tracking is governed by the provider.

Who Might See Your Data

Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:

  • Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
  • Search partners processing a query selected by the visitor
  • Advertising networks placing ads on these pages
  • Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order

How We Protect Your Data

Reasonable, standard security practices are used to protect collected data. No online service can promise perfect security or that a breach will never occur. Safeguards reduce risk but cannot eliminate it.

Users Under 18

This resource is intended for adults. Personal information from a person under 18 is not knowingly collected. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be made through the contact channel.

Your Data Rights

Applicable law may permit a person to request access, correction, deletion, or limits on certain processing of personal data held by this site. Washington's Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW, applies to government agency records, while RCW 10.97.050 governs dissemination of specified Washington criminal-history information. Neither statute turns this private site into the official custodian of a King County record.

  • Ask what personal data this site holds about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate visitor data
  • Request deletion where the law permits
  • Object to or limit eligible processing

Updates to This Policy

This privacy policy may be revised. A new version takes effect when posted here, along with its updated effective date. Visitors should review the current version when they wish to confirm how information is handled.

Effective date: August 10, 2026