Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is sent to the independent company that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. We do not keep a separate log of those search terms.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained so we can respond. We keep that correspondence within our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, routine server and analytics records may collect technical facts about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring site, when one is available
- Pages viewed and approximate time spent on them
- Browser name and version
- Device category and operating system
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small device files that help measure traffic patterns, such as popular pages and common exit points. Analytics vendors combine those observations into site-use reports. A browser can block cookies, although doing so may change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Measuring which pages are useful and which need revision
- Operating the site and maintaining page speed
- Passing a search request to the selected partner tool
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not build, retain, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Otsego County guidance identifies official custodians such as Sheriff Records, the 87-A District and 46th Circuit courts, Michigan State Police CJIC, and the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not assembled into third-party criminal files or consumer reports. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted to one of those tools is governed by that company's privacy policy, retention choices, and sharing rules. Review the provider's policy before starting a search because we do not control those practices.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Otsego County Sheriff, court portals, Michigan agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows one, the destination's privacy terms apply. Check those terms before providing personal information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to measure activity across sites and select ads. Their tracking is not operated by us.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Advertising networks that serve site ads
- Analytics vendors measuring traffic and performance
- Search providers processing a query submitted to their tool
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal demand
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected information. No internet service can promise perfect security, so a breach cannot be ruled out despite those measures.
Users Under 18
This resource is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. Information identified as coming from a minor will be removed after notice and verification.
Your Data Rights
Rights vary by residence and applicable law. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq., governs access to government records rather than private visitor data, while MCL 28.243 addresses official criminal-history dissemination. Where privacy or consumer law applies to information held by us, a visitor may:
- Object to processing where the law supplies that choice
- Request deletion where legally available
- Ask to correct inaccurate personal information
- Request access to personal information held about them
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. A revised version will appear here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: July 28, 2026