Information You Submit
Search terms
A name, location, or other term entered in a search box is sent to the third-party company that powers that tool. This site does not store or log those search terms on its own systems. The provider’s privacy policy and account terms apply to the query and any results it returns.
Messages
If a visitor sends an email or contact message, the submitted address, message, and related details may be retained long enough to respond and manage the request. Messages are not shared outside the organization unless service delivery or law requires it.
Automatic Technical Data
Like most websites, the site can receive limited technical and usage details when a page loads. These records help operate the service, measure demand, and investigate errors.
- Internet Protocol address
- Browser name and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring site, when available
- Visit dates and timestamps
Cookies
Cookies and similar browser storage may be used to understand traffic, remember basic preferences, and support advertising or analytics. A visitor can block or delete cookies through browser settings. Some functions may then behave differently or stop working as expected.
How Information Is Used
Collected information is used only for ordinary operation, improvement, and lawful administration of the site.
- Keep pages available, stable, and responsive
- Send a search request to the selected partner service
- Learn which Stearns County release topics are useful
- Find abuse, failures, and technical problems
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
Outside Websites and Advertising
Links lead to the Stearns County Sheriff, Minnesota Department of Corrections, court records, release resources, federal locators, and outside search services. Once a visitor follows one of those links, the destination’s privacy policy controls. This site does not set that organization’s collection, retention, or security practices.
Advertising partners may use cookies or similar technology on their own systems to measure ads or tailor them across websites. Those activities are governed by the partner’s disclosures and opt-out tools.
Parties That May Receive Data
Personal information is not sold as a stand-alone product. Limited data may be available to parties that perform a needed function or have lawful authority to request it.
- Search partners that process a visitor’s query
- Analytics providers that measure use
- Advertising networks that deliver or measure ads
- Hosting, security, or technical service providers
- Law-enforcement or government bodies acting under a valid legal order
Security Limits
Reasonable technical and administrative safeguards are used to protect information within this site’s control. No internet transmission, storage platform, or connected service can be guaranteed breach-proof. Visitors should avoid placing sensitive personal data in a message when it is not needed.
Visitors Under Eighteen
This site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under eighteen. A parent or guardian who believes a minor submitted personal data may use the Contact Us page to ask that the information be reviewed and deleted where applicable.
Your Privacy Choices
Subject to applicable law and the ability to verify a request, a visitor may ask about personal data held directly by this site. Available choices may include:
- Requesting a copy of stored personal information
- Correcting inaccurate submitted information
- Asking for deletion when retention is not required
- Objecting to or opting out of certain processing
These rights do not control records held by Stearns County, Minnesota DOC, courts, or a third-party search provider. Requests about those records must go to the organization that maintains them. Minnesota government records are separately governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, including Minnesota Statutes chapter 13.
Changes to This Notice
This Privacy Notice may be revised as technology, vendors, or legal requirements change. A new version becomes effective when posted here with its updated effective date. Continued use after posting means the visitor accepts the revised practices.