Information You Provide
Search Terms
When you enter a name, county, state, or other search detail into a third-party search tool shown on the site, that query is sent to the outside provider that operates the tool. This site does not store those search terms in its own inmate, jail, or court-record database.
Messages
If you send an email or other message about the site, the information you provide is kept so the message can be reviewed and answered. It is not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is legally required.
Information Collected Automatically
Like most websites, this site may collect basic technical data when a page loads or a link is used.
- IP address.
- Browser name and version.
- Device type and operating system.
- Pages viewed and time spent on them.
- Referring website, if one was passed along.
- Date and time stamps.
Cookies
Cookies and similar tools may be used to understand how visitors use the site and to support analytics, advertising, and basic site operation. You can block cookies in your browser settings, although some features or partner tools may behave differently when cookies are disabled.
How the Information Is Used
- To keep the Winnebago County pages available and working properly.
- To route search requests to the partner service that powers a selected tool.
- To understand which jail, court, FOIA, IDOC, BOP, or ICE locator pages visitors use most.
- To diagnose broken links, page errors, and performance problems.
- To display advertising that may be relevant to visitors.
Outside Websites and Public Records
The site links to official resources such as the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, the Winnebago County Jail inmate inquiry, the Circuit Clerk's FullCourt Enterprise portal, IDOC, BOP, ICE, Illinois VINELink, and Illinois FOIA materials under 5 ILCS 140. Once you follow an outside link, that website's privacy notice and terms control how your information is handled.
Advertising partners may also use their own cookies or tracking tools across different websites. That activity happens through their systems, not through an inmate-record database maintained by this site.
Who May Receive Information
Personal information is not sold as a standalone list. It may be available to limited parties when needed for site operation or legal compliance.
- Search partners that process submitted queries.
- Analytics providers that measure site use.
- Advertising networks that serve or measure ads.
- Law-enforcement agencies, courts, regulators, or government bodies when a valid legal order requires disclosure.
Security
Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used to protect information handled through the site. No internet-connected website, email account, analytics system, or partner platform can be guaranteed as breach-proof.
Visitors Under 18
This site is intended for adults. It does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor has submitted information, a deletion request may be sent through the contact path listed on the site.
Your Privacy Choices
- Ask for a copy of personal information held by the site.
- Request correction of inaccurate information that you provided.
- Request deletion when retention is not legally required.
- Opt out of certain processing where applicable law gives that right.
Policy Changes
This privacy notice may be revised from time to time. Updates take effect when posted on this page with the new text.