Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search box is transmitted to the outside provider operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its response. Benton County Criminal History does not keep a separate log of those search terms.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email may be retained long enough to answer and manage the correspondence. It is kept within the operating team unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
Ordinary server logs can capture technical details when a page loads:
- The IP address assigned to your device
- Which browser you are using and its version
- Your device type and operating system
- The pages you visited and how long you stayed on each
- The site that sent you here, if any
- Timestamps for each page view
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small device files used to understand traffic patterns and page performance. Analytics services combine that activity into usage reports. Browser controls can reject cookies, though parts of the site may then behave differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Keeping the site up, running, and loading quickly
- Sending your search requests to the right partner service
- Figuring out which pages people find useful and which need work
- Tracking down and fixing technical issues
- Showing ads that may line up with your interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Benton County Criminal History does not maintain, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes general routing information for Sheriff Records, Benton County courts, the Washington State Patrol repository, and the Washington State Sex Offender Information Center. Visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal-history files, and this site is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted there is subject to each provider's policy, retention rules, and disclosure practices. Review those terms before running a query because this policy does not control the provider.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to courts, Sheriff pages, Washington agencies, legal-aid resources, or commercial search services. After leaving this domain, the destination's privacy terms apply. Read them before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across sites and tailor ads. Their tracking is not operated by Benton County Criminal History.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Search partners that handle queries you run on our site
- Analytics services we use to track traffic and performance
- Ad networks that place ads on our pages
- Law enforcement or government bodies when a valid legal order requires it
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable safeguards are used for collected data, but no internet system can promise absolute security or rule out every breach.
Users Under 18
The service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. Data identified as belonging to a minor will be removed.
Your Data Rights
Washington law, including the Consumer Protection Act, chapter 19.86 RCW, may provide rights in addition to those listed here. RCW 10.97.060 separately governs review and correction of a person's own state criminal history held by WSP. Visitors may:
- Ask for a copy of what we have on file about you
- Have us fix information that is wrong
- Request that we erase your data
- Opt out of certain kinds of data processing
Updates to This Policy
Revisions will be posted here and identified by a new effective date. The version shown controls from that date forward.
Effective date: August 10, 2026