Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search box is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. California Criminal History does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
Messages sent by email are kept as needed to answer them. They remain within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, standard technical information about the visit may be recorded:
- The IP address assigned to your device
- Which browser you are using and its version
- Your device type and operating system
- The pages you visited and how long you stayed on each
- The site that sent you here, if any
- Timestamps for each page view
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small device files that help measure traffic patterns, popular pages, and where visits end. Analytics providers aggregate that information for us. A browser can block cookies, although doing so may change how parts of the site function.
What We Do With This Data
- Keeping the site up, running, and loading quickly
- Sending your search requests to the right partner service
- Figuring out which pages people find useful and which need work
- Tracking down and fixing technical issues
- Showing ads that may line up with your interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
California Criminal History does not keep, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It explains how to reach CA DOJ, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Megan's Law Website, California courts, and local agencies in all 58 counties. The California Public Records Act, Government Code §7920.000 et seq., does not override the confidentiality of state summary criminal history under Penal Code §11105. Visitor information is not assembled into third-party records or consumer reports, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the site's search tools. Their privacy policies, retention periods, and disclosure practices govern information submitted to them. Review the applicable partner policy before running a query because those practices are outside our control.
Links to Other Websites
Throughout the site we link to state agency pages, court portals, county sheriff and clerk sites, legal aid groups, and third-party search tools. Clicking any of those links takes you off our site. At that point, their privacy policy governs your visit. Read it before sharing any personal details.
Certain advertising partners may track your activity across sites to show targeted ads. That tracking runs on their systems, not ours.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Some information may end up with:
- Search partners that handle queries you run on our site
- Analytics services we use to track traffic and performance
- Ad networks that place ads on our pages
- Law enforcement or government bodies when a valid legal order requires it
How We Protect Your Data
We follow standard security practices to safeguard the data we collect. But nothing connected to the internet is bulletproof. We do what we can to keep your information secure, though we cannot promise a breach will never happen.
Users Under 18
This site is meant for adults. We do not knowingly gather personal information from anyone under 18. If you think a minor has shared data with us, reach out and we'll delete it right away.
Your Data Rights
California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act and California Privacy Rights Act, Civil Code §1798.100 et seq. Subject to applicable limits, you can:
- Ask for a copy of what we have on file about you
- Have us fix information that is wrong
- Request that we erase your data
- Opt out of certain kinds of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as site practices or legal requirements change. The replacement version will appear on this page with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 11, 2026