Information You Submit
Search Terms
When a visitor types a name, location, or related detail into a search tool, that query may be sent to the third-party provider that operates the tool. This site does not keep its own log of those search terms.
Messages
If you email us or send a contact message, we use the information in that message to read it, respond, and handle the request. We do not share contact messages outside the organization unless a valid legal requirement calls for disclosure.
Information Collected Automatically
Like most websites, this site may collect basic technical and usage details when a page loads.
- Internet Protocol address.
- Browser name and version.
- Device category and operating system.
- Pages viewed and time spent on those pages.
- Referring website, when one is available.
- Date and time stamps.
Cookies
Cookies and similar tools may be used to understand site traffic, remember basic preferences, support analytics, and measure advertising. A browser can block or delete cookies, although parts of the site or partner tools may work differently when cookies are disabled.
How the Information Is Used
- To keep the Decatur County reference pages available and loading properly.
- To send search requests to the appropriate outside search partner.
- To understand which pages, such as the jail roster or Iowa Courts Online guidance, are useful to readers.
- To diagnose broken links, page errors, and other technical problems.
- To support advertising that may be based on general interests or browsing activity.
Outside Websites and Public Records Context
This site links to Decatur County, the Decatur County Sheriff's Office, BlueHorse, Iowa Courts Online, the Iowa Department of Corrections, VINELink, BOP, ICE, and other public or private resources. Once you leave this site, the privacy notice and data practices of the destination site apply.
Some advertising partners may use their own systems to recognize activity across websites for interest-based ads. Iowa public-record access, including many government records discussed on this site, is generally governed by Iowa Code Chapter 22. That public-records framework does not mean this private site controls government records or the privacy practices of government portals. Iowa consumer-protection rules also do not turn this site into a consumer reporting agency or a background-screening service.
Who May Receive Information
We do not sell personal data. Information may still be handled by the following parties when needed for site operations or legal compliance.
- Search partners that process queries submitted through their tools.
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance.
- Advertising networks that place or measure ads.
- Law enforcement, courts, or government bodies when a valid subpoena, court order, warrant, or other lawful demand requires disclosure.
Security
We use reasonable, standard safeguards for a small public-information website. No website, email system, analytics service, or internet-connected database can be promised to be completely secure, so we cannot guarantee that information will never be accessed without authorization.
Users Under 18
This site is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a parent or guardian believes a minor submitted information here, contact us so the information can be reviewed and removed when appropriate.
Your Choices and Rights
- You may request a copy of personal information this site maintains about you.
- You may ask that inaccurate information you submitted be corrected.
- You may request deletion of information this site is not required to keep.
- You may opt out of some processing, including certain cookie-based advertising, through browser settings or partner opt-out tools.
Notice Updates
This Privacy Notice may be revised as the site, partner tools, or legal requirements change. Updated terms will be posted on this page with the new effective version reflected by the page content.