Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Suffolk County Criminal History does not retain or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be kept long enough to respond and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the server may automatically receive basic technical and usage details about the visit:
- Page-view times and the pages opened during the visit
- The device category and operating system in use
- The referring website, when one is provided
- The device's assigned IP address
- Browser type and version
- Approximate time spent on visited pages
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device to support site operation and show broad use patterns, such as popular pages or common exit points. Analytics providers may combine that activity into traffic reports. Browser controls can block or remove cookies, although disabling them may change how some features behave.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a search request to the selected outside provider
- Measure which resources are useful and which need revision
- Maintain reliable page delivery and site performance
- Diagnose errors and other technical problems
- Display advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Suffolk County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Its reference material identifies channels such as Suffolk County record custodians, New York courts, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), and the New York State Sex Offender Registry. DCJS itself does not offer a general-public name database under Executive Law ยง837. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor data is not compiled into consumer reports or profiles about other people.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes that appear on some pages. Their own privacy terms govern anything submitted through those tools, including retention and sharing choices. Those practices are outside this site's control, so review the provider's policy before entering a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Suffolk County offices, New York court portals, DCJS resources, legal aid organizations, and private search services. Once an external page opens, that operator's privacy policy applies. Review it before providing personal information.
Some advertising companies may use their own technology to measure activity across websites and select ads. Any such tracking takes place under those companies' systems and policies.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Information may still be disclosed to a limited group when needed for site functions or required by law:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search providers that process a query submitted to their tool
- Advertising networks that serve placements on the pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards protect the information collected through the site. No internet system is completely secure, however, and this policy cannot promise that unauthorized access or a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If such information is identified, a request may be made for its deletion.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary with a visitor's location. New York's Freedom of Information Law, Public Officers Law Article 6, governs access to records held by public agencies. It does not turn this private site into a government records office or create a public-record request process here. Regardless of that distinction, you may:
- Request deletion of personal data held by the site
- Ask what personal information is retained about you
- Seek correction of inaccurate information
- Object to certain forms of data processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as site practices or legal duties change. A replacement version will appear here with a new effective date, so visitors should review the current text from time to time.
Effective date: August 1, 2026