Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
Names or locations entered in a search tool are sent to the outside provider that powers that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Forest County Criminal History does not store or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email sent to us may be retained so that we can respond. We do not disclose that message outside our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
Standard technical information may be recorded when a visitor loads a page:
- The device's IP address
- Browser name and version
- Operating system and device type
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- The referring website, when available
- The time of each page request
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services help show aggregate traffic patterns, such as popular pages and common exit points. A browser can block cookies, though disabling them may change how parts of the website operate.
What We Do With This Data
Collected information supports routine site operations and improvement. It may be used for the following purposes:
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Maintaining performance and site availability
- Routing a search request to the appropriate outside service
- Understanding which content visitors use
- Displaying advertising based on general interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Forest County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It provides general directions to official custodians, including the Forest County Sheriff's Office, Forest County Circuit Court, Wisconsin DOJ Crime Information Bureau, and Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§19.31-.39, controls requests to Wisconsin public authorities. CIB criminal-history searches and dissemination are separately authorized by Wis. Stat. §165.82. This private site does not become a records custodian under either law.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search tools displayed here. Information submitted through a tool is handled under that provider's privacy policy, retention rules, and sharing practices. Review those terms before entering a search because this policy does not govern the provider's systems.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Forest County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin court services, state agencies, or outside search tools. The destination's privacy terms apply after a visitor leaves this website. Some advertising services may also measure activity across different sites through systems that they control.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics vendors that measure site use and performance
- Outside search providers that receive submitted queries
- Advertising networks serving material on these pages
- Government bodies or law enforcement responding to a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards protect information in our control. No internet service can promise absolute security, however, and we cannot guarantee that an unauthorized access event will never occur.
Users Under 18
This website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under age 18. If information from a minor comes to our attention, we will take steps to remove it.
Your Data Rights
Rights concerning information held by public offices arise under laws such as Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§19.31-.39, while CIB searches are governed by Wis. Stat. §165.82. Those laws do not create a private consumer-data file here. Subject to applicable law and the information we actually retain, a visitor may:
- Request access to personal data held by us
- Ask that inaccurate information be corrected
- Request deletion where the law permits it
- Opt out of certain forms of processing when available
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as site practices or legal requirements change. A revised version will be posted here, and its effective date will be updated.
Effective date: August 11, 2026