This privacy policy explains how Inmate Records collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal data when you use our inmate search tools. We take your privacy seriously and follow strict rules about how we handle every piece of data you share with our site.
By visiting or using our service, you agree to the terms set out below.
What This Policy Covers
This policy applies to all data collected through our website, mobile site, and any related tools we offer for inmate search, inmate lookup, and corrections department data access. It explains your rights, our duties, and the choices you can make about your personal data. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please stop using our service right away.
Scope of This Policy
Our service allows users to search public inmate records, jail rosters, prison databases, and correctional facility information. The data we collect falls into two main groups: data you give us directly and data we collect through your device. Both groups receive equal protection under this policy.
Who This Policy Applies To
Anyone who visits our website, runs a search query, signs up for alerts, or contacts our team falls under this policy. It also covers data shared through cookies, third-party ad networks, and analytics tools that help us run our inmate search platform.
Data We Collect From You
When you use our inmate search service, we collect specific pieces of data. Some of this data comes from you. Other pieces come from your device or browser. Below is a full breakdown of what we collect, why we collect it, and how long we keep it.
Search Queries You Submit
When you search for an inmate by name, location, or booking number, our system records that query. We use search data to connect you with public records from state inmate databases, federal inmate records, and county jail rosters. We do not store the full search history on our own servers. Most queries pass through secure channels to our data partners and return without being saved long-term.
Personal Details You Share
If you contact us, sign up for email alerts, or create an account, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and any message you send. We use this data only to respond to your request or send the alerts you asked for. You can ask us to delete this data at any time.
Device and Browser Data
Every time you load a page, our servers automatically log basic device data. This data helps us keep the site running smoothly and fix problems fast. The types of device data we collect include:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Screen resolution and language settings
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- Referring website or search engine
- Date and time of your visit
How We Use Your Data
We use the data we collect for clear and limited purposes. We never sell your personal data to outside companies. Every use of your data ties back to running our service, improving your experience, or meeting legal duties.
Running the Inmate Search Service
The core purpose of data collection is to make our inmate lookup tools work. When you enter a name and state, we pass that query to our public records partners. They return matching inmate custody records, booking records, and release information. Without this data flow, the search tool cannot function.
Improving Site Performance
We study how users move through our site. We track which pages get the most visits, which searches fail, and which features cause problems. This helps us fix bugs, speed up load times, and build better tools for jail inmate records and prison database searches.
Showing Relevant Ads
Our site shows ads from third-party ad networks. These networks may use cookies and tracking pixels to show you ads that match your interests. You can opt out of personalized ads through your browser settings or by visiting the ad network opt-out pages.
Meeting Legal Duties
In some cases, we must share data with law enforcement or government agencies. We only do this when we receive a valid legal request, such as a court order, subpoena, or search warrant. We review every request to confirm it meets legal standards before sharing any data.
Cookies and Tracking Tools
Cookies are small text files that your browser stores on your device. We use cookies to remember your settings, track site usage, and support our ad partners. You can control cookies through your browser at any time.
Types of Cookies We Use
Our site uses several kinds of cookies. Each one serves a specific purpose in keeping the service running and improving your search experience.
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | Keep the site working and remember your search filters | Session only |
| Analytics Cookies | Track how users interact with our inmate search tools | Up to 2 years |
| Advertising Cookies | Show ads based on your browsing activity | Up to 1 year |
| Preference Cookies | Remember your state and language settings | Up to 1 year |
How to Block Cookies
Most browsers let you block or delete cookies through their settings menu. If you block all cookies, parts of our inmate search service may not work as expected. Essential cookies cannot be disabled because they support core site functions.
How We Share Your Data
We do not sell or trade your personal data. We only share data with trusted partners who help us run the service. Each partner must follow data protection rules that match our standards.
Search Data Partners
To return inmate search results, we share your search query with public records providers. These partners pull data from state corrections departments, county sheriff offices, and federal prison systems. They receive only the search terms, not your personal identity.
Analytics Providers
We use analytics tools to measure site traffic and user behavior. These tools collect anonymous data about how people use our inmate search service. The data helps us make better decisions about which features to build and which problems to fix first.
Ad Networks
Our ad partners may place cookies on your device to show you relevant ads. They may track your activity across other websites over time. This tracking happens under their own privacy policies, not ours. We encourage you to review their policies to learn how they handle your data.
Legal Requests
If we receive a valid legal order, we may share data with law enforcement, courts, or government agencies. We only respond to requests that follow proper legal channels. When allowed by law, we notify users about data requests involving their personal data.
Business Transfers
If our company is sold, merged, or transferred, your data may move to the new owner. The new owner must follow this privacy policy or give you a chance to opt out before any change takes place.
How We Protect Your Data
We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data from loss, theft, and misuse. No system is perfect, but we work hard to keep your data safe at every step.
Security Measures We Use
Our security stack includes encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular audits. We encrypt data in transit using HTTPS. We store data in secure facilities with strict access rules. Our team trains on data protection every year.
Data Breach Response
If a data breach occurs, we act fast to contain the problem. We notify affected users and relevant authorities within the time required by law. We also publish a clear summary of what happened, what data was exposed, and what steps we took to fix the issue.
Third-Party Security
We vet every partner that handles inmate records data. They must show proof of strong security practices. We also limit the data they receive to only what they need to complete their part of the search process.
Data Retention
We keep your data only as long as we need it for the purposes listed in this policy. After that, we delete or anonymize it so it can no longer be tied back to you.
Search Query Logs
We keep search query logs for a short time to spot abuse, fix bugs, and improve search accuracy. Most logs are deleted within 30 days. Some aggregated, anonymous data may be kept longer for research and reporting.
Account Data
If you create an account, we keep your profile data until you ask us to delete it. You can remove your account at any time by contacting our support team. We will erase your data within 30 days of your request.
Support Messages
We keep records of your messages to our support team for up to 2 years. This helps us track issues, train our team, and respond to follow-up questions. You can ask us to delete these records sooner.
Your Rights and Choices
You have clear rights over your personal data. We make it easy for you to act on these rights. Below is a list of what you can do and how to do it.
Right to Access
You can ask us what personal data we hold about you. We will provide a copy of that data in a common file format within 30 days of your request.
Right to Correct
If the data we have about you is wrong or out of date, you can ask us to fix it. Contact our support team with the correct data, and we will update our records within a reasonable time.
Right to Delete
You can ask us to delete your personal data. We will remove it from our active systems within 30 days. Some data may stay in backup files for a short time before full deletion.
Right to Opt Out
You can opt out of marketing emails, personalized ads, and analytics tracking. Use the unsubscribe link in any email or adjust your browser settings to block tracking cookies.
Right to Data Portability
You can ask for a copy of your data in a machine-readable format. This lets you move your data to another service if you wish.
Children Under 18
Our inmate search service is not designed for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we learn that we have collected data from a child, we delete it as soon as we can.
Parental Controls
Parents and guardians can use parental control tools to block minors from accessing our site. Most operating systems and internet providers offer these tools for free.
Reporting a Concern
If you believe a child has shared data with us, contact our support team right away. We will investigate and remove the data from our systems.
State-Specific Privacy Rights
Some states have stronger privacy laws than others. If you live in a state with extra protections, you have additional rights beyond what is listed above.
California Residents
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents can ask what data we collect, why we collect it, and who we share it with. They can also opt out of data sales, though we do not sell personal data.
Virginia Residents
Under the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), Virginia residents can request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal data. They can also opt out of targeted advertising and data profiling.
Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah Residents
Residents of these states have similar rights under their own privacy laws. You can exercise these rights by contacting our support team using the details below.
International Users
If you visit our site from outside the United States, your data may be transferred to and stored in the United States. By using our service, you agree to this transfer. We follow standard data protection rules no matter where our servers are located.
European Union Users
If you live in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These include the right to access, correct, delete, and restrict the processing of your data. You can also ask us to move your data to another service.
United Kingdom Users
UK users have rights similar to those under the GDPR. The UK Data Protection Act 2018 gives you control over your personal data. Contact us to exercise any of these rights.
Third-Party Links
Our site links to other websites, including corrections department pages, sheriff office sites, and court records portals. Once you click these links and leave our site, this privacy policy no longer applies. We do not control how third-party sites handle your data.
Checking Third-Party Policies
Before sharing any data with a third-party site, read their privacy policy. Look for sections on cookies, data sharing, and user rights. If you do not agree with their terms, do not use their services.
Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers send Do Not Track (DNT) signals to websites. Our site does not currently respond to DNT signals. You can still block tracking by adjusting your browser settings, using privacy-focused browsers, or installing ad blockers.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the new version on this page and update the date at the top. Major changes will be announced through a site notice or email alert.
How We Notify You of Changes
For small changes, we update the policy without direct notice. For major changes that affect your rights, we send an email to registered users and post a banner on the site for at least 30 days.
Reviewing Past Versions
We keep a record of past versions of this policy. You can request a copy of any previous version by contacting our support team.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this privacy policy or want to exercise your rights, contact us using the details below. We respond to all privacy requests within 30 days.
Email: privacy@inmaterecords.org
Phone: 1-800-555-0142
Mailing Address: Inmate Records Privacy Office, 1200 Justice Way, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22202
Support Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about our privacy policy and how we handle data on our inmate search service. These answers explain your rights, our duties, and how our data practices work in plain language.
Does Inmate Records Sell My Personal Data?
No, we do not sell your personal data to anyone. We only share data with trusted partners who help us run our inmate search service. These partners include public records providers, analytics services, and ad networks. Each partner must follow strict data protection rules. If a law enforcement agency requests your data, we only share it when we receive a valid legal order. We never trade your personal data for money or trade it with data brokers.
How Long Do You Keep My Search History?
We keep most search query logs for 30 days. After that, we delete or fully anonymize the data so it cannot be tied back to you. Some aggregated, anonymous data may be kept longer for research and reporting. If you create an account, we keep your profile data until you ask us to delete it. You can remove your account at any time, and we will erase your data within 30 days of your request.
Can I Use the Service Without Sharing Personal Data?
Yes, you can run inmate searches without creating an account or sharing your name. We do collect basic device data like your IP address and browser type. This data helps us run the service and spot problems. If you want to limit data collection further, you can use a VPN, block cookies, or browse in private mode. These steps reduce the data we collect but may limit some site features.
What Happens If There Is a Data Breach?
If a data breach occurs, we act fast to contain the problem. Our team follows a strict incident response plan. We notify affected users and relevant authorities within the time required by law. We also publish a clear summary of what happened, what data was exposed, and what steps we took to fix the issue. We also review our security measures after every incident to prevent future problems.
Do You Track Me Across Other Websites?
Our ad partners may track your activity across other websites to show you relevant ads. This tracking happens under their own privacy policies, not ours. You can block this tracking by adjusting your browser settings, using ad blockers, or visiting the ad network opt-out pages. We do not control how third-party ad networks collect or use your data.
Can I Request a Copy of My Data?
Yes, you can ask for a copy of all personal data we hold about you. We will provide this data in a common file format within 30 days of your request. To make a request, contact our privacy team using the email address listed above. We may ask you to verify your identity before sharing the data to protect your privacy.
Is the Inmate Search Service Compliant With the Law?
Yes, our service follows all major privacy laws, including the CCPA, VCDPA, and GDPR. We only pull data from public inmate records, jail rosters, and prison databases that are open under state and federal law. We do not collect sealed records, juvenile records, or protected information. Our team reviews our data sources regularly to make sure we follow the law.