Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent to the outside provider that operates that feature. The provider processes the query and supplies its result. We do not keep a separate log of those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
We may retain an email or other direct message long enough to respond and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, ordinary server and analytics records may collect technical details about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring website, when one is supplied
- Pages viewed and approximate time spent
- Browser name and version
- Device class and operating system
- The internet protocol address assigned to the device
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help analytics services combine traffic patterns, such as which pages are used most and where visits end. A browser can reject or remove cookies, although blocking them may change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Sending a submitted search to the provider that powers the tool
- Finding and correcting performance or security problems
- Operating the website and improving load times
- Measuring which resources visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect general interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not build, store, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Madison County material is described by directing readers to the Madison County Sheriff, Iowa District Court, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation, and Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a record about another person, and this website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy terms govern information submitted through those tools, including retention and sharing. Review the provider's policy before entering a query because this policy does not control its systems.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Madison County Sheriff, Iowa Courts Online, state agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows such a link, the destination's privacy policy applies. Check it before providing personal information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to recognize activity across websites and select ads. Their tracking practices are not operated by us.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Data may still be available to a limited set of recipients:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies when a valid legal demand requires disclosure
- Advertising networks that place ads
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and performance
- Search providers processing a query submitted to their tool
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable technical and organizational safeguards are used for the information we handle. No internet service can promise absolute security, so we cannot guarantee that unauthorized access will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be made.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary by residence and by the type of record involved. Iowa Code chapters 22 and 692 govern public records and criminal-history data held by Iowa agencies; they do not turn this private website into a government custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request deletion where the law permits it
- Ask that inaccurate personal information be corrected
- Seek a copy of personal information we hold
- Object to certain processing when a legal right applies
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal requirements change. A replacement version becomes available here with its effective date.
Effective date: July 23, 2026