Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent to the outside provider that operates it. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. Milwaukee County Criminal History does not keep its own log of those search terms.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be retained long enough to respond and maintain the exchange. It stays within the operation unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Loading a page can cause the servers to receive routine technical details about the visit:
- Page-view times and the pages opened
- Device type and operating system
- Browser name and version
- IP address
- Referring website, when supplied
- Approximate time spent on a page
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies stored by a browser help measure page traffic and navigation patterns. Analytics vendors combine that data into performance reports. Browser controls can block cookies, though a few site functions may then work differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a query to the selected search provider
- Maintain security, uptime, and page speed
- Diagnose errors and broken functions
- Measure which pages are useful
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Milwaukee County Criminal History does not compile, maintain, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general access information for MCSO, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Wisconsin DOJ's Crime Information Bureau, and the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a file about another person, and this operation is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy policies govern submitted queries, including retention and sharing choices beyond our control. Review the named provider's policy before using its tool.
Links to Other Websites
Links lead to MCSO, court, Wisconsin agency, legal-resource, and outside search websites. Once a visitor leaves, the destination's privacy terms apply. Read them before providing personal information.
Advertising vendors may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select ads.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be received by:
- Analytics services that measure traffic
- Search providers that process a submitted query
- Advertising networks serving page ads
- A government body when valid legal process compels disclosure
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security measures protect collected data, but no internet service can guarantee that a breach or unauthorized access will never occur.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. A verified report that a minor supplied information will be addressed by deleting it.
Your Data Rights
Applicable Wisconsin and federal law may provide rights concerning personal data. Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39, governs access to government records and should not be confused with a private website's visitor data. Subject to applicable law, a visitor may:
- Request access to personal data held about the visitor
- Ask that inaccurate data be corrected
- Seek deletion where the law permits it
- Object to certain processing where a legal right applies
Updates to This Policy
A revised policy will be posted here and identified by a new effective date. Review this page periodically for changes.
Effective date: August 11, 2026