Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search box is sent directly to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and returns its results. We do not retain or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email sent to us may be kept so that we can answer it. We keep the message within our organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, server and analytics systems may collect these routine technical details:
- Pages viewed, visit length, and page-view timestamps
- Device type and operating system
- Browser name and version
- The device's assigned IP address
- A referring website, when one exists
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services help measure traffic, popular pages, and where visits end. Browser controls can block cookies, although some website functions may then behave differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing technical faults and maintaining performance
- Sending a search query to the selected outside service
- Understanding which pages are useful and which need revision
- Operating and securing the website
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
We do not compile, maintain, or sell a database of personal criminal records. The content explains how to reach the Gates County Sheriff, Gates Clerk of Superior Court, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. Visitor data is not assembled into a consumer report or a third-party criminal history file, and this website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Their privacy policies, retention periods, and sharing rules govern any query submitted through those tools. Review the applicable provider policy before entering information because we do not control those practices.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Gates County Sheriff, court portals, North Carolina agencies, legal resources, or outside search services. Once you leave this website, the destination's privacy policy controls. Read it before disclosing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select targeted ads.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. It may be disclosed only to:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search providers receiving a query submitted to their tool
- Advertising networks serving material on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement authorities acting under a valid legal demand
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for collected information. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, however, so we cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. Information identified as belonging to a minor will be deleted when brought to our attention.
Your Data Rights
North Carolina law includes the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act at G.S. 75-1.1. Government record access is separately governed by the North Carolina Public Records Law, including G.S. 132-1, while G.S. 132-1.4 limits dissemination of criminal investigation records but identifies public incident and arrest information. These government-record laws do not turn this private website into a record custodian. Subject to applicable privacy and consumer law where you live, you may:
- Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Ask for access to personal information we retain
- Object to certain processing where a legal right applies
- Request deletion when applicable law requires it
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. A new version becomes available on this page with an updated effective date, so visitors should review it periodically.
Effective date: August 1, 2026