Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent to the outside company operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its result. Des Moines County Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or direct message may be retained so a reply can be sent. It stays within the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal duty.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, servers may receive routine technical details about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- Visited pages and approximate time spent on them
- Device type and operating system
- Browser type and version
- Referring website, when available
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help show broad patterns such as popular pages and exit points, and analytics services combine this traffic information. A browser can block cookies, although some features may then behave differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Directing a search request to the selected partner
- Finding and repairing technical faults
- Maintaining site speed and availability
- Understanding which pages visitors use
- Displaying ads that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Des Moines County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to the Des Moines County Sheriff, Iowa District Court, Iowa DCI, and Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not compiled into a third-party record or consumer report. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy policies, rather than this policy, control information entered into those tools. Each partner chooses its own retention and disclosure practices. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links lead to the sheriff, court portals, state agencies, legal resources, and outside search services. Once a visitor follows one, the destination's privacy policy applies. Read it before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to track activity across websites and select ads.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a visitor's query
- Advertising networks placing ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected data. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so a breach can never be ruled out.
Users Under 18
This service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under eighteen. If such information is identified, it will be deleted.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary by residence and applicable law. Iowa Code chapter 22 governs access to public records held by Iowa government bodies, while Iowa Code chapter 692 governs criminal-history and intelligence-data dissemination. Those statutes do not turn this private site into a government record custodian, but they help define the official sources linked from Des Moines County pages. A visitor may:
- Request deletion of personal data where applicable
- Ask for access to personal information held here
- Seek correction of inaccurate information
- Opt out of eligible forms of processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. An updated version will appear here with a new effective date.
Effective date: July 23, 2026