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 query and supplies its results. Wayne County Criminal History does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained long enough to answer and maintain the related correspondence. It remains within the operating team unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a visitor opens a page, the servers may automatically receive standard technical and usage details, including:
- The time recorded for each page view
- Your device's assigned IP address
- The referring website, when one is reported
- Your operating system and device category
- Browser type and version
- Pages viewed and the length of those visits
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files saved on a device. They help show, in aggregate, how people move through the website, which Wayne County record pages receive traffic, and where visits end. Analytics providers may assist with that measurement. A browser can block cookies, although disabling them may change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a search request to the appropriate outside service
- Finding and correcting technical failures
- Operating the website and maintaining reasonable load times
- Measuring which pages are useful and where improvements may be needed
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Wayne County Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal-record information. It provides general directions to records maintained by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina Judicial Branch, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Criminal Information and Identification Section, and the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. Public-agency access is governed by the North Carolina Public Records Law, including the law-enforcement limits in G.S. 132-1.4, while registry dissemination follows Chapter 14, Article 27A, including G.S. 14-208.10. The website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visitor information is not compiled into consumer reports or third-party criminal dossiers.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies power the search boxes. Information submitted there is governed by the selected provider's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each provider determines its own retention, processing, and sharing practices, which Wayne County Criminal History does not control. Review those terms before sending a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Wayne County government, the North Carolina eCourts Portal, the SBI, other public agencies, legal resources, or outside search tools. Once a visitor follows one of those links, the destination's policy controls. Read it before providing personal information.
Advertising providers may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and select targeted ads. That processing occurs under their terms, not on systems controlled by Wayne County Criminal History.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may still be received by:
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and site performance
- Outside search services that process a submitted query
- Advertising networks that place or measure advertisements
- A court, law-enforcement agency, or other public body acting under a valid legal order
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, commonly used safeguards are applied to information collected through the website. No internet service can guarantee absolute protection, however, and this policy does not promise that a breach or unauthorized access can never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If information from a minor is identified, a request may be made for its deletion.
Your Data Rights
Rights can depend on a visitor's residence and the law that applies. In North Carolina, the Identity Theft Protection Act, Chapter 75, Article 2A, addresses protection and security-breach duties for personal information. The North Carolina Public Records Law, Chapter 132, governs records held by public agencies, including Wayne County offices, but does not turn this privately run website into a government custodian. Subject to applicable law, you may ask to:
- Correct inaccurate personal information held by the operator
- Receive a copy of personal information held about you
- Opt out of processing where the governing law provides that choice
- Request deletion when applicable law allows it
Updates to This Policy
This privacy policy may be revised as practices, services, or legal requirements change. A revised version will be posted here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 2, 2026