Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside company that operates that tool. The provider processes the query under its own practices and supplies the result. Hardin County Criminal History does not retain those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be kept as long as needed to answer it. Messages remain within the operating team unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the server automatically receives ordinary 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
Cookies are small device files that help measure traffic, page use, and where visits end. Analytics providers aggregate that activity. Browser controls can block cookies, though parts of the site may then work differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a query to the selected search partner
- Maintaining performance and site availability
- Finding technical faults and correcting them
- Measuring which resources visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Hardin County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to the sheriff, Iowa District Court, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal histories, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy policies, retention periods, and sharing rules apply to information submitted through those tools. Review the selected provider's policy before sending a query because those practices are outside this site's control.
Links to Other Websites
Links lead to county offices, court portals, Iowa agencies, legal resources, and outside search services. Once a visitor leaves this site, the destination's privacy policy controls. Read it before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select ads. That processing is governed by the provider.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be received by:
- 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 for collected information. No internet system can guarantee absolute protection, so a breach or unauthorized access cannot be ruled out.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. Information identified as belonging to a minor will be removed when a valid request is received.
Your Data Rights
Rights may vary with the law that applies to a visitor. Iowa Code chapter 22 governs public records held by government bodies, while Iowa Code chapter 692 controls dissemination of state criminal-history data. Those agency laws do not turn this private site into a public record custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- 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. A new version becomes available here with a changed effective date, so visitors should review it from time to time.
Effective date: July 23, 2026