Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not keep a separate site log of those search terms.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained so our team can respond. We do not disclose that message outside the organization unless the law requires disclosure.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, servers can collect routine technical facts about the visit:
- Your device's assigned IP address
- Page-view dates and times
- Browser type and version
- Operating system and device category
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- The referring site, when available
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services help combine traffic information, such as popular pages and common exit points. Browser controls can block cookies, although some site functions may then work differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a search to the selected partner service
- Maintaining site speed and availability
- Finding and repairing technical faults
- Measuring which pages are useful or need improvement
- Displaying advertising that may reflect user interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Mason County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to Mason County courts, the Sheriff, WVDCR, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau, and the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry. The site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor information is not turned into consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. A partner's privacy policy, retention schedule, and sharing rules govern information entered into its tool. We do not control those practices, so review the provider's policy before running a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Mason County offices, West Virginia courts and agencies, legal resources, or external search services. Once you leave this site, the destination's privacy terms control the visit. Review them before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to follow activity across sites for targeted ads. We do not operate that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Limited information can be available to:
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a submitted query
- Advertising networks serving content on these pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under valid legal process
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices protect the information we collect. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, however, and we cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
This site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If such information is identified, we will remove it.
Your Data Rights
Rights vary with applicable law. West Virginia public-record access is governed by West Virginia FOIA, Chapter 29B, Article 1, while dissemination of CIB criminal-history data is separately controlled by West Virginia Code §15-2-24. Where the law grants a right concerning data held by this private site, you may:
- Request access to personal information we hold
- Ask for inaccurate information to be corrected
- Seek deletion where the law permits it
- Object to eligible forms of processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. An updated version becomes available here with a new effective date, so periodic review is recommended.
Effective date: August 11, 2026