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 the results. Rensselaer County Criminal History does not retain or record those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
When you email us, we retain the message as needed to prepare and send a response. Contact messages remain within the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our systems automatically receive certain technical details when a page loads, including:
- Page-view dates and times
- Your device's assigned IP address
- Browser name and version
- Operating system and device category
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
- The referring website, when one is available
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. We use them with analytics services to measure traffic in the aggregate, such as which pages draw visits and where sessions end. You may disable cookies through your browser controls, although doing so can change how some site features work.
What We Do With This Data
Information collected through the site supports its operation and helps us understand how it performs. Uses include:
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Maintaining site availability and page speed
- Routing search inputs to the applicable partner
- Measuring which content visitors use
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Rensselaer County Criminal History does not own, assemble, keep, or sell a database of personal criminal records. Its reference material identifies official custodians, including the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office, New York courts, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the New York State Sex Offender Registry. Visitor information is not turned into a record about another person or a consumer report. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted through a box is governed by that provider's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each provider controls its own retention and disclosure practices. Review those terms before sending a query because we cannot set or enforce them.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Rensselaer County offices, New York court portals, state agencies, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once you follow an external link, the destination's privacy policy controls. Check that policy before providing personal information.
Some advertising providers may use their own systems to follow activity across websites and select interest-based ads. We do not operate that cross-site tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Data may be available to the following recipients when needed for the stated function:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and site performance
- Search partners that process a query
- Advertising networks that deliver ads
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
We use standard safeguards intended to protect information in our control. No internet-connected service can guarantee complete security, so those measures cannot eliminate every risk or promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The site is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If we learn that a minor supplied such information, we will remove it promptly.
Your Data Rights
New York General Business Law § 349 prohibits deceptive acts and practices in business. Privacy rights can also depend on where you live. Regardless of that location, you may make the following requests concerning personal data held directly by us:
- Request access to information associated with you
- Ask us to correct inaccurate information
- Seek deletion of information we retain
- Object to certain forms of processing
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as practices or requirements change. A revised version will be posted here and will display its new effective date. Review this page periodically for the current terms.
Effective date: August 1, 2026