Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query under its own practices. Erie County Criminal History does not log or retain those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be retained long enough to read and answer it. Messages remain within the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal duty.
Data We Gather Automatically
Loading a page causes the server to receive routine technical details about the visit, including:
- The IP address assigned to your device
- Which browser you are using and its version
- Your device type and operating system
- The pages you visited and how long you stayed on each
- The site that sent you here, if any
- Timestamps for each page view
Cookies and Analytics
Small cookie files and analytics services help measure aggregate traffic, popular pages, and common exit points. Browser controls can block cookies, although doing so may alter how some site functions behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Keeping the site up, running, and loading quickly
- Sending your search requests to the right partner service
- Figuring out which pages people find useful and which need work
- Tracking down and fixing technical issues
- Showing ads that may line up with your interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Erie County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of anyone's criminal records. It identifies official channels maintained by the Erie County Sheriff, the courts, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the New York State Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is never assembled into a consumer report or a file about another person, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Their privacy terms, retention rules, and sharing practices apply to information entered there. Review the relevant provider policy before sending a query because this policy does not govern that processing.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Sheriff pages, court portals, state agencies, legal resources, or outside tools. Once a visitor follows one, the destination's own privacy policy controls. Read those terms before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their systems to observe activity across websites and tailor advertising. That processing occurs outside the control of Erie County Criminal History.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal information is not sold. Limited data may be available to:
- Search partners that handle queries you run on our site
- Analytics services we use to track traffic and performance
- Ad networks that place ads on our pages
- Law enforcement or government bodies when a valid legal order requires it
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards protect collected information. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, so a breach or unauthorized access cannot be ruled out.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. Verified information submitted by a minor will be deleted as required.
Your Data Rights
Applicable law may provide rights concerning personal data. New York Freedom of Information Law, Public Officers Law Article 6, governs requests to public agencies, while Correction Law Article 6-C controls dissemination from the state sex offender registry. Those public-record laws do not convert this private site into a government record custodian. Subject to applicable law, visitors may:
- Ask for a copy of what we have on file about you
- Have us fix information that is wrong
- Request that we erase your data
- Opt out of certain kinds of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or legal duties change. A revised version takes effect when it is posted here with a new effective date.
Effective date: August 1, 2026