Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is sent to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Buffalo County Criminal History does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be kept long enough to review it and respond. It remains within the operating team unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, servers may record routine technical and usage details about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- Visited pages and approximate time spent on them
- Device class and operating system
- Browser name and version
- Referring website, when one is supplied
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files stored on a device. They and analytics services help produce combined traffic reports, such as which pages receive visits and where sessions end. Browser controls can block or remove cookies, though disabling them may change how some website functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a search request to the selected outside provider
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Operating the website and improving load performance
- Understanding which resources visitors use most
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Buffalo County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Its reference material identifies official custodians, including the Buffalo County Sheriff, Wisconsin Circuit Court, Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau, and Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or profiles about other people, and the website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the embedded search tools. Information submitted to one of them is governed by that provider's privacy policy, retention rules, and sharing practices. Those choices are outside this website's control, so review the applicable provider policy before entering a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to sheriff pages, court systems, Wisconsin agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's own privacy terms apply. Check those terms before providing personal information.
Some advertising providers may use their systems to recognize activity across websites and select targeted advertisements. Their tracking practices are not controlled here.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Advertising networks that serve ads on the pages
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
- Outside search providers receiving submitted queries
- Government or law-enforcement authorities acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected data. No internet-connected service can guarantee perfect security, however, and a breach or unauthorized access cannot be ruled out.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal data from anyone younger than 18. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be made through the listed contact channel.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary with the law that applies to a visitor. Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§19.31-19.39, governs access to government records, while Wis. Stat. §§165.83-165.84 address state criminal-identification reporting. Those official-record laws do not turn this private resource into a government custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Object to certain forms of data processing
- Request deletion of eligible personal data
- Ask to correct inaccurate personal information
- Request access to personal data held about that visitor
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as website practices or legal duties change. A revised version will appear here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 11, 2026