Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates it. That company processes the request and supplies its response. We do not keep or log those search terms on our own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained so our team can respond. We do not disclose that communication outside the organization unless the law requires us to do so.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers receive standard technical details when a visitor loads a page:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring website, when available
- Pages viewed and approximate time spent on them
- Device type and operating system
- Browser name and version
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services help summarize traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. A browser can block cookies, though disabling them may change how some features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a submitted search to the selected partner
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Maintaining site availability and performance
- Measuring which pages are useful or need improvement
- Presenting advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Mercer County Criminal History does not keep, combine, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to the Mercer sheriff, local courts, West Virginia State Police CIB, WVDCR, and the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into a third-party criminal file or consumer report, and 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 provider's policy, retention rules, and sharing practices. Review those terms before running a search because we do not control them.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to courts, law-enforcement offices, state agencies, legal resources, and outside search services. Once a visitor leaves this site, the destination's privacy policy applies. Read it before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select ads. Their tracking does not run under this policy.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Advertising networks that serve content on these pages
- Search partners that process a query submitted to their tool
- A government or law-enforcement body acting under a valid legal demand
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for information we hold. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so we cannot promise that unauthorized access or another breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone younger than 18. If such information is identified, it will be removed.
Your Data Rights
Applicable privacy or consumer law may provide rights over personal data. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, W. Va. Code Chapter 29B, Article 1, governs access to records held by public bodies, not visitor information held by this private site. Subject to applicable law, you may:
- Request deletion of personal data
- Ask to correct inaccurate information
- Seek a copy of personal data we hold
- Object to certain forms of processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. An updated version will appear here with a new effective date, so visitors should review it periodically.
Effective date: August 11, 2026