Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside company operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its response. Houghton County Criminal History does not keep a local log of those search terms.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be retained so a response can be prepared and the exchange can be managed. It remains internal unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, servers may record routine technical details about the request:
- Page-view times and the pages reached
- Device category and operating system
- The referring website, when supplied
- Browser name and version
- Approximate time spent on a page
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device to support traffic measurement, such as which pages receive visits and where sessions end. Analytics providers may combine those measurements into reports. A browser can reject cookies, although doing so may change how some features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Routing a submitted query to the selected search partner
- Operating the site and maintaining reasonable performance
- Measuring which pages are useful or need revision
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Houghton County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a personal criminal-record database. Its pages explain routes to the Houghton County Sheriff, local courts, Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center, and the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal records, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes and apply their own privacy policies to submitted data. Each provider decides its retention and disclosure practices. Review the provider's policy before entering a query because this policy does not govern that processing.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to government offices, courts, state agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows a link, the destination's privacy policy controls. Check it before providing personal details.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across sites and select targeted ads.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
- Search partners processing a query sent to their tool
- Advertising networks serving material on a page
- A government body when disclosure is compelled by a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected data. No internet-connected system is completely secure, so the policy cannot promise that unauthorized access will never occur.
Users Under 18
The site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. Data identified as belonging to a minor will be removed when a valid request establishes that fact.
Your Data Rights
Michigan FOIA, MCL 15.231 et seq., governs public-body records, while MCL 28.242a governs public criminal-history access through ICHAT. Those laws do not turn this private site into a government record custodian. Other law applicable to a visitor may provide added data rights. At a minimum, a visitor may:
- Request deletion of data associated with that visitor
- Ask for a copy of personal data held about that visitor
- Object to certain forms of processing
- Request correction of inaccurate personal data
Updates to This Policy
A revised policy becomes available on this page with a new effective date. Visitors should review the current text when they want to understand how information is handled.
Effective date: July 27, 2026