Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. Alleghany County Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained long enough to read it, respond, and maintain an appropriate record of the exchange. It is not shared beyond the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Routine technical information is recorded when a page loads. That information may include:
- Page-view dates, times, and visit duration
- The referring website, when one is available
- Browser name and version
- Device category and operating system
- Pages viewed during the visit
- The Internet Protocol address assigned to the device
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device to support site functions and measure use. Analytics services combine visit data so we can understand traffic patterns and page performance. A browser can be set to reject or remove cookies, although blocking them may change how some features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a search request to the selected partner service
- Diagnose errors, abuse, and performance problems
- Operate, secure, and improve the website
- Measure which pages are useful to readers
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Alleghany County Criminal History does not maintain, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general routing information for records held by the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office, the Virginia courts, Virginia State Police CARE, and the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor information is not converted into a consumer report or a file about another person.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted through a box is governed by that provider's privacy policy and retention practices, not solely by this policy. Review the provider's terms before sending a query because this site does not control how a partner stores or shares data.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Sheriff's Office, Virginia court systems, state agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's policy controls its collection and use of information. Check that policy before providing personal data.
Some advertising services may measure activity across websites to select ads. Any such tracking is handled through the advertiser's systems and rules.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. It may be available to a limited set of service providers or authorities:
- Analytics vendors that measure traffic and performance
- Advertising networks that serve material on the pages
- Search partners that process a query submitted to their tool
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal demand
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used for the information collected. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so the site cannot promise that unauthorized access or another breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults, and personal information is not knowingly collected from anyone younger than 18. If data from a minor is identified, a request may be made for its deletion.
Your Data Rights
Virginia law treats public-body records and state criminal-history dissemination through distinct rules, including the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code §2.2-3700 et seq., and Va. Code §19.2-389. Those statutes do not turn this private site into a government records custodian. Subject to applicable law and our ability to verify the request, a visitor can:
- Request deletion of personal data held by this site
- Ask that inaccurate personal information be corrected
- Seek a copy of personal information associated with the requester
- Opt out of processing where an applicable law provides that choice
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices, services, or legal requirements change. A revised version will appear on this page with its new effective date.
Effective date: August 10, 2026