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Privacy Policy

This policy describes the information collected during a visit, the reasons it is used, and the limited circumstances in which another party may receive it. It also explains how outside search, analytics, and advertising providers handle information through their own systems, and why this site does not maintain a database of Cortland County criminal records. The policy identifies practical choices concerning cookies and personal data. By using Cortland County Criminal History, you acknowledge the practices stated here.

Data You Give Us Directly

Search Queries

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

Messages and Contact Submissions

Email and contact submissions are retained as needed to respond. They remain within the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.

Data We Gather Automatically

When a page loads, the servers may receive basic technical and usage details:

  • Page-view dates and times
  • Your device's assigned IP address
  • Browser name and version
  • Operating system and device category
  • Pages viewed and approximate time spent on them
  • The referring website, when one is reported

Cookies and Analytics

Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help measure which pages receive traffic and where visits end. Analytics providers combine this information into broader usage reports. You may block cookies through your browser, although some site functions may then work differently.

What We Do With This Data

  • Routing a search request to the applicable outside provider
  • Finding and correcting performance or technical problems
  • Operating the site and improving load times
  • Measuring which material visitors use
  • Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests

No Criminal-Record Data on File

Cortland County Criminal History does not maintain, combine, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It identifies official request channels, including the Cortland County Sheriff's Records Division, New York courts, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the New York State Sex Offender Registry. New York Freedom of Information Law, Public Officers Law Article 6, governs access to qualifying government records. Sealing rules in CPL 160.50, 160.57, and 160.59 and registry disclosure limits in Correction Law Article 6-C may restrict release. The site is not a consumer reporting agency, and visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal files.

Third-Party Search Partners

Outside companies power the search boxes. Their own privacy policies, retention terms, and sharing rules apply to information submitted through those tools. Those practices are outside this site's control, so review the provider's policy before sending a query.

Links to Other Websites

Links may lead to sheriff pages, court systems, New York agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search providers. Once you follow an external link, that destination's privacy policy controls the visit. Review its terms before providing personal details.

Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select targeted ads. That tracking is performed by those providers.

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 you submit
  • Advertising networks serving ads on the pages
  • Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order

How We Protect Your Data

Reasonable security practices are used to protect collected information. No internet-connected service can guarantee absolute security, so a breach or unauthorized access cannot be ruled out.

Users Under 18

The site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor is believed to have submitted information, contact the site so the material can be removed.

Your Data Rights

Rights may vary by residence. New York General Business Law ยง349 prohibits deceptive acts and practices. New York Freedom of Information Law, Public Officers Law Article 6, applies to qualifying state and local government records rather than data held by a private website. Subject to applicable law and any need to retain a record for legal purposes, you may:

  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Ask what personal information is held about you
  • Object to certain forms of processing
  • Request deletion where applicable law permits it

Updates to This Policy

This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. A new version becomes available on this page with its current effective date.

Effective date: August 1, 2026