Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered into a search tool is sent directly to the third-party company that operates that feature. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not keep or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
When a visitor sends an email, we retain the message as needed to respond. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers automatically receive basic technical details when a page loads:
- Page-view timestamps
- The device's assigned IP address
- Browser name and version
- Device category and operating system
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- The referring site, when available
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help show aggregate patterns, such as popular pages and common exit points. Analytics providers assist with compiling that traffic. A visitor may block cookies through browser controls, though doing so can change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a query to the selected partner service
- Maintaining site availability and performance
- Diagnosing and repairing technical problems
- Understanding which pages visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Decatur County guidance identifies the sheriff, Iowa District Court, Iowa DCI, and the Iowa Sex Offender Registry as official custodians. Public access to their records is governed in part by the Iowa Open Records Law, Iowa Code chapter 22, and Iowa Code chapter 692. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a third-party criminal file, and this website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information entered there is governed by the selected provider's privacy policy. Each provider sets its own retention and sharing rules, which we do not control. Review those terms before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Decatur County government, Iowa Courts Online, state agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's policy controls. Read that policy before providing personal data.
Advertising partners may use their own systems to track activity across websites for interest-based advertising.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics vendors that measure use and performance
- Search providers that process a visitor's chosen query
- Advertising networks that serve page ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal demand
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices are used to protect collected information. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so we cannot promise that a breach or unauthorized access will never occur.
Users Under 18
This website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that a minor supplied such data, we will delete it.
Your Data Rights
Separate Iowa laws govern the public records discussed on this website. The Iowa Open Records Law, chapter 22, controls access to government records, while Iowa Code chapter 692 governs criminal-history dissemination and challenges to repository data. Those laws do not turn visitor analytics or partner queries into Decatur County government records. Depending on residence and legal coverage, a visitor may ask about:
- Requesting access to covered personal data
- Seeking correction of inaccurate data
- Requesting deletion when the law provides it
- Opting out of covered processing where applicable
Updates to This Policy
We may revise this policy. A new version will appear here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: July 23, 2026