Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. Clay 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 so it can be answered. It remains within the site team unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the server automatically receives basic technical and visit information:
- Page-view times and the pages opened
- The device's assigned IP address
- Browser name and version
- Operating system and device category
- Time spent on visited pages
- The referring site, when one is available
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services help measure traffic in aggregate, such as which pages are used most and where visits end. A browser can be set to reject cookies, though blocking them may change how parts of the site work.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing search requests to the selected partner service
- Operating the site and maintaining page speed
- Finding and correcting technical problems
- Measuring which content visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Clay County Criminal History does not maintain, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It explains how official records may be obtained from the Clay County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Superior Court, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. The site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or third-party criminal-history files.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information entered there is governed by the provider's privacy policy, including its retention and sharing terms, rather than this policy. Review that provider's rules before sending a query because this site does not control them.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Clay County Sheriff, North Carolina court portals, state agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's privacy policy applies. Check it before providing personal information.
Some advertising providers may use cross-site activity to select ads. That processing takes place on the provider's systems.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a visitor's chosen query
- Advertising networks serving ads on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard security practices are used to protect collected information. No internet system can be guaranteed secure, so the site cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. A verified request concerning information supplied by a minor will be handled by deleting that information.
Your Data Rights
North Carolina's Public Records Law, Chapter 132, governs records held by public agencies. G.S. 132-1.4 separately limits access to criminal-investigation and intelligence records, while NCSBI criminal-history information is subject to narrower state dissemination rules and is not a general public name database. Those laws do not turn this private site into a government custodian. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request deletion of personal data held by this site
- Ask for access to personal information on file
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Object to certain forms of processing where applicable
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. An updated version becomes available on this page and carries a new effective date.
Effective date: August 1, 2026