Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside company that operates that feature. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. Washington Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
If a visitor sends a message by an available communication channel, it may be retained long enough to respond and maintain the related correspondence. Messages remain within the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Loading a page can cause servers and service providers to receive standard technical information about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- The referring website, when one is available
- Browser name and version
- Device category and operating system
- Visited pages and approximate time spent on them
- The device's Internet Protocol address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files saved on a device. They and analytics services help measure traffic in aggregate, including popular pages and points where visits end. Browser controls can block or remove cookies. Disabling them may change how some website functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Operating the website and improving load performance
- Directing a submitted search to the provider that runs it
- Measuring which resources visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Washington Criminal History does not maintain, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes reference information about records held by Washington State Patrol, Washington courts, the Department of Corrections, the Washington Sex Offender Public Registry, and local offices across 39 counties. Visitor information is not compiled into consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles. The website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted through a box is governed by that provider's privacy policy. Each provider determines its own retention, security, and disclosure practices, which Washington Criminal History does not control. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Washington agency pages, court systems, county sheriffs and clerks, legal-aid resources, or outside search providers. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's privacy rules apply. Read them before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may also use their own technology to measure activity across websites and select ads. Their systems control that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be processed by:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal demand
- Advertising networks that place or measure ads
- Search providers that receive a visitor's submitted query
- Analytics vendors that measure website traffic and performance
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices are used to protect collected information. No Internet service can guarantee perfect security, however, and Washington Criminal History cannot promise that unauthorized access or another breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If information from a minor is identified, it will be removed when a valid deletion request is received.
Your Data Rights
Applicable law may provide rights concerning personal information. The Washington Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW, governs records held by public agencies, while chapter 10.97 RCW limits dissemination of certain state criminal-history information. Those laws do not create a general promise that this private website holds a government criminal record about a visitor. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Object to or opt out of processing when the law provides that choice
- Request deletion of eligible personal information
- Ask to correct inaccurate personal information
- Request access to personal information maintained about them
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised as practices or legal requirements change. A revised version becomes available on this page and carries a new effective date.
Effective date: August 11, 2026