Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies the response. Gallatin County Criminal History does not keep or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
When you email us, the message is retained so a response can be prepared. It is kept within our organization and is not disclosed outside it unless the law requires disclosure.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers receive basic technical information whenever a visitor loads a page, including:
- The device's assigned IP address
- The browser type and version
- The operating system and kind of device
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- A referring website, when one exists
- The time of each page request
Cookies and Analytics
Small files called cookies help show how the website is used, such as popular pages and places where visitors leave. Analytics providers combine traffic information for that purpose. You may block cookies through browser controls, although doing so can change how some website functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Maintain website availability, speed, and operation
- Route submitted searches to the correct partner
- Assess which resources are useful or need improvement
- Diagnose errors and other technical problems
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Gallatin County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It provides general directions to records held by Gallatin County offices, the Circuit Court, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification, and the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. The website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and 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 submitted through a tool is handled under that company's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each partner controls its own retention and disclosure practices. Review those terms before entering a query because we cannot direct how a partner handles the submission.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Gallatin County offices, Illinois agencies, court systems, legal-aid organizations, or outside search services. Once you leave this website, the destination's privacy policy controls. Read that policy before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may also use their own systems to follow activity across websites and select targeted advertisements. We do not operate that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal information is not sold. It may be available to these limited recipients:
- Search providers that process a query you submit
- Analytics vendors that measure site traffic and function
- Advertising networks that serve ads on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards are applied to information we collect. No internet service can guarantee absolute security, however. We work to protect the data but cannot promise that a security incident will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If data from a minor is brought to our attention, we will remove it promptly.
Your Data Rights
Rights may differ by residence and applicable law. Illinois statutes relevant to the public records discussed here include the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, and 20 ILCS 2635/5, which addresses public conviction information. Those public-record laws do not necessarily govern privately held website analytics. Subject to the law that applies, you may:
- Request a copy of personal information we hold about you
- Ask that inaccurate information be corrected
- Seek deletion of your information
- Object to certain forms of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised later. A changed version will appear here and carry an updated effective date, so visitors may return to review current practices.
Effective date: July 20, 2026