Information You Provide
Search Queries
When a visitor enters a name, location, or similar search term into a partner search tool, that query is sent to the third-party provider that powers the tool. Winston County Released Inmates does not operate those partner databases and does not keep a separate local log of those search terms on this site.
Messages
If a visitor sends an email or contact message, the information in that message may be kept long enough to read it, respond, prevent abuse, and maintain ordinary business records. We do not share contact messages outside the organization unless a valid legal requirement calls for it.
Technical Data
Like most websites, this site may collect basic technical details when a page loads. Those details help keep the pages working and help identify errors or misuse.
- IP address
- Browser name and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages viewed and approximate time spent
- Referring site, when available
- Date and time stamps
Cookies
Cookies and similar tools may be used to understand site traffic, remember limited settings, support ads, and measure whether pages are useful. Browser settings can block or delete cookies, but some features may work differently when cookies are disabled.
How Data Is Used
- To keep the site available, stable, and reasonably fast.
- To route partner search requests to the service that handles them.
- To understand which Winston County release-record pages are being used.
- To diagnose broken links, abuse, or technical issues.
- To support advertising that may be based on general visitor interests.
Outside Websites
This site links to sheriff, jail, court, ADOC, parole, federal locator, public-record, and partner search resources. Once a visitor leaves this site, the privacy policy and terms of the outside website control that visit.
Advertising and analytics partners may collect information through their own systems, including activity across websites. Their tools are separate from Winston County government sources and from the public-record rules that apply to Alabama agencies, including Alabama's public-records law in Ala. Code Sections 36-12-40 through 36-12-46.
Limited Sharing
We do not sell personal contact messages. Information may be available to the limited parties needed to operate the site and comply with law.
- Search partners that process submitted search queries.
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and errors.
- Advertising networks that serve or measure ads.
- Law enforcement, courts, or government bodies when required by a valid legal order.
Security Practices
Reasonable safeguards are used for site operations, but no internet-connected service can be made fully secure. We cannot promise that data will never be accessed, lost, misdirected, or disclosed despite those safeguards.
Users Under 18
This site is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor has submitted information, a parent or guardian may request deletion of that submitted information.
Your Data Choices
- Ask for a copy of personal data we hold, if any.
- Ask that incorrect contact information be corrected.
- Ask that submitted contact information be deleted when retention is no longer needed.
- Opt out of certain processing where the law gives that right.
Policy Changes
This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time. A revised version takes effect when it is posted on this page with the updated text.