Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its own results. We do not retain or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
When you email us, we may keep the message long enough to respond and maintain necessary correspondence. We do not disclose it outside our organization unless the law requires disclosure.
Data We Gather Automatically
Our servers automatically receive basic technical information when a page loads, including:
- Page-view dates and times
- Your device type and operating system
- Your device's assigned IP address
- The referring website, when one is available
- Your browser type and version
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. We and our analytics providers use them to understand traffic patterns, such as which pages are used most and where a visit ends. You can block cookies through your browser, although doing so may change how parts of the website work.
What We Do With This Data
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Operating the website and improving load performance
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
- Routing a search request to the selected outside provider
- Measuring which pages are useful and which need improvement
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Cottle County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general directions to the Cottle County Sheriff, the combined County/District Clerk, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. The site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor information is not turned into a consumer report or a criminal-history file about another person.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted through a tool is governed by that provider's privacy policy, retention rules, and sharing practices. We do not set those rules. Review the applicable policy before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Cottle County government, Texas courts, DPS, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once you follow an external link, the destination site's policy controls its collection and use of information. Read that policy before providing personal details.
Some advertising providers may track visits across websites to select ads. That activity occurs through their systems and is subject to their practices.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Information may be disclosed to:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies when a valid legal order requires disclosure
- Advertising networks that place ads on these pages
- Outside search providers that process a query you submit
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and site performance
How We Protect Your Data
We use customary safeguards for information in our possession. No internet-connected system is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee that unauthorized access or a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that a minor provided such information, we will remove it.
Your Data Rights
Rights may vary with the law that applies to you. The Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, governs access to records held by Texas government bodies, not visitor data held by this private website. Government Code Chapter 411, including §411.135, separately controls the public criminal-history information DPS may disclose. Subject to applicable law, you may:
- Opt out of processing when an applicable law provides that choice
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Ask what information we hold about you
- Request deletion where the law requires it
Updates to This Policy
We may revise this policy as our practices or legal obligations change. Any revised policy will appear here with an updated effective date, and use of the site after publication is subject to the revised terms.
Effective date: August 9, 2026