Information You Submit
Information is collected when a visitor chooses to provide it. A message sent through the contact channel may include a name, email address, subject, and the contents of the request. Contact messages are retained as needed to prepare and deliver a response. They are not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is legally required. Do not send sensitive custody, financial, medical, or identification details that are not needed for the question.
Text entered into a public-record search box is transmitted to the third-party search provider that operates that tool. Watauga County Recent Arrests does not store or log those search terms on its own systems. It also does not turn queries into an official Watauga County Sheriff record, North Carolina court file, or corrections record. The provider may process the query under its own privacy terms.
Technical Data and Cookies
Routine technical data may be recorded automatically. It can include an Internet Protocol address, browser and device type, operating system, referring page, viewed pages, time of access, and broad location derived from network information. Logs help measure traffic, diagnose errors, and protect the service.
Cookies and similar technologies may remember preferences, support basic functions, measure use, and help advertising or analytics services operate. Browser settings can block or remove cookies, though parts of the site may then work differently.
How Information Is Used
Collected information may be used to operate and maintain the site, respond to messages, improve navigation and content, understand audience use, prevent misuse, detect technical problems, and meet legal duties. Search queries are used to return results through the selected partner. Technical measurements may be combined into reports that do not directly identify an individual.
Links Beyond This Site
Pages may link to the Watauga County Sheriff, Watauga County Detention Center, North Carolina courts, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC SAVAN/VINELink, federal locators, news outlets, and private search services. Those destinations set their own collection and retention practices. Leaving this site means the other site's terms and privacy notice govern the information submitted there.
When Data May Be Shared
Information may be provided to vendors that perform limited services, including search partners, hosting providers, analytics services, and advertising networks. Those recipients may use data as allowed by their agreements and policies. Information may also be disclosed to law enforcement, a court, or another authority when required by a valid legal order, or when reasonably needed to protect rights, safety, systems, and users.
Personal information is not sold as an official arrest, jail, or court record. Government records remain with the office that created or maintains them.
Security Has Limits
Reasonable administrative and technical measures are used to protect information, but no website, network, storage method, or transmission can be guaranteed secure. Visitors submit information at their own risk and should avoid including details that are not necessary.
Visitors Under Eighteen
The site is not directed to people under 18, and personal information is not knowingly collected from minors. A parent or guardian who believes a minor submitted personal information may use the Contact Us page to request review and deletion where appropriate.
Your Privacy Choices
Depending on applicable law and the nature of the request, a person may ask to access, correct, or delete personal information provided directly to the site, or object to certain processing. Browser controls can manage cookies. Advertising and analytics providers may offer separate opt-out controls. A request does not control records held by Watauga County, North Carolina agencies, courts, VINELink, or another linked service.
Changes to This Notice
This privacy notice may be revised as practices, technology, or legal duties change. A revised version takes effect when posted here. Continued use after an update means the current notice applies.
Questions about these practices may be sent through Contact Us.