Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search box is sent directly to the outside provider that operates the tool. That provider processes the query and supplies the response. McDonald County Criminal History does not retain or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
When you email us, the message is kept as needed to prepare and send a reply. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal duty.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers automatically receive basic technical details whenever a page loads, including:
- Your device’s assigned IP address
- The browser and browser version in use
- Operating system and type of device
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- A referring website, when one is reported
- The date and time of each page request
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. We use them with analytics services to understand traffic in aggregate, such as which pages receive visits and where sessions end. You may block cookies through your browser settings, although doing so can change how parts of the website function.
What We Do With This Data
- Operating the website and maintaining page performance
- Routing a search query to the provider that handles it
- Measuring which resources visitors use
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
McDonald County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of anyone’s criminal-record information. Its reference material identifies access routes through the McDonald County Sheriff, Missouri courts, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services Division and Central Repository, and the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. This privately run website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or third-party criminal files.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Information submitted through a tool is handled under that provider’s privacy policy rather than this policy. Each provider controls its retention and disclosure practices. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the McDonald County Sheriff, Missouri court portals, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, other public agencies, legal resources, or an outside search service. Once you leave this website, the destination’s policy controls its collection and use of data. Review that policy before supplying personal information.
Some advertising providers may observe activity across websites to select ads. Any such tracking occurs through their systems and policies, not ours.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Limited data may be available to:
- Outside search providers that process submitted queries
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and site performance
- Advertising networks serving ads on these pages
- Government or law-enforcement authorities when valid legal process compels disclosure
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for information collected through the website. No internet system can be guaranteed completely secure, however, so we cannot promise that unauthorized access or a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
This resource is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If we learn that a minor submitted information, we will delete it.
Your Data Rights
The Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610, governs records held by public governmental bodies. Its arrest-record rules appear in RSMo §610.100, while criminal-history reporting and repository scope are addressed by RSMo §§43.503 and 43.506. Those laws do not make this private website a county office or repository. Regardless of location, you may:
- Request a copy of personal information we retain about you
- Ask that inaccurate information be corrected
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Object to certain forms of processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or requirements change. A revision will be posted here and identified by a new effective date. Review this page periodically for the current version.
Effective date: July 30, 2026