Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or place entered in a search tool is sent directly to the outside company operating that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its results. We do not keep or log those search terms on our systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained so our team can respond. It is not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the servers may collect ordinary technical details about the visit:
- Page-view dates and times
- Device and operating-system type
- The referring website, when one is reported
- Browser name and version
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
- The device's assigned IP address
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files stored on a device that help show how visitors move through the site, including popular pages and exit points. Analytics services combine that traffic information. A browser can block cookies, although doing so may change how some features work.
What We Do With This Data
- Routing a query to the selected outside search provider
- Diagnosing errors and other technical problems
- Maintaining reliable, responsive page delivery
- Understanding which content is useful or needs revision
- Displaying advertising that may reflect visitor interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Avery County Criminal History does not keep, compile, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It provides general directions to Avery County Sheriff, the state courts, North Carolina SBI, and the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. This website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party criminal profiles.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted there is governed by the provider's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each provider controls its retention and disclosure practices, so review its terms before running a query.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to the Avery County Sheriff, North Carolina court portals, state agencies, legal resources, or outside search tools. Once a visitor leaves this site, the destination's policy applies. Read it before providing personal information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to track activity across websites for targeted advertising. We do not operate that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Some information may end up with:
- Advertising networks serving ads on the pages
- Outside search providers processing a submitted query
- Government or law-enforcement bodies acting under a valid legal order
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable standard safeguards are used for collected data. No internet service can guarantee perfect security, and we cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
This service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If such information is identified, a deletion request may be made.
Your Data Rights
Rights vary by residence. North Carolina Public Records Law, Chapter 132, governs records held by public agencies rather than visitor data held by this private site. G.S. 14-208.15 separately governs dissemination of registry information. Other applicable consumer or privacy law may provide rights over personal data, and a visitor may request the following:
- Request access to personal data held about you
- Ask that inaccurate personal data be corrected
- Seek deletion of personal data where applicable
- Decline certain forms of processing where a right applies
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. An updated version becomes available on this page with its effective date, so visitors should review it periodically.
Effective date: August 1, 2026