Information You Submit
Search Terms
Queries entered into a search box are sent to the third-party provider that operates that tool. The provider may collect, process, and retain the query under its own privacy policy. Do not enter sensitive personal data unless it is needed and you accept that provider’s practices.
Messages
If you send a message, we may receive your name, email address, message text, and any other details you choose to include. Those details are used to respond, maintain correspondence, and address site questions. This site is not a government records office, so messages do not become Illinois FOIA requests to Clinton County, the Sheriff, the Circuit Clerk, IDOC, or another agency.
Information Collected Automatically
When a browser visits, standard technical data may be recorded. This can include an IP address, browser and device type, operating system, referring page, pages viewed, approximate location derived from an IP address, date and time, and interaction data. Logs help operate the service, measure use, detect abuse, and diagnose faults.
Cookies and Similar Tools
Cookies or comparable storage may remember settings, measure traffic, support advertising, or help third-party features function. Browser controls can block or delete cookies. Some parts of the site or outside tools may work differently after cookies are disabled.
How Information Is Used
Collected information may be used to provide and improve site functions, answer messages, understand which Clinton County release topics are useful, prevent fraud or misuse, maintain security, comply with legal duties, and show or measure advertising. Search data may be handled by the search partner rather than by this site.
Illinois FOIA, 5 ILCS 140, governs records held by Illinois public bodies. It does not turn private site messages or analytics into county public records, and it does not control a third-party search provider’s privacy practices.
Links Beyond This Site
Pages may link to the Clinton County Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, IDOC, Illinois VINE, BOP, ICE, legal resources, and outside search services. Each destination controls its own collection, security, retention, and disclosure practices. A link does not extend this privacy notice to that destination. Review the outside policy before sending names, dates of birth, payment details, or other information.
When Data May Be Shared
Information may be shared with service providers needed to run the site, including search partners, hosting services, analytics vendors, advertising networks, and security providers. These parties may process data under their own terms or service arrangements.
Data may also be disclosed when required by a subpoena, court order, warrant, or other lawful demand; to protect rights, safety, and systems; to investigate abuse; or as part of a business transfer. We do not promise that a message will remain confidential when law requires disclosure.
Security Measures
Reasonable safeguards are used to protect information, but no website, transmission, or storage system can guarantee complete security. Send only what is necessary. Email and web forms should not be used for urgent safety issues, privileged legal communications, or highly sensitive records.
People Under Eighteen
This service is not directed to anyone under 18, and we do not knowingly seek personal information from minors. If information from a person under 18 was submitted, use the Contacts page to request review or deletion, subject to any legal need to retain it.
Your Privacy Choices
Depending on applicable law and the nature of the data, you may ask to know what personal information was provided directly, request correction or deletion, or object to certain processing. Browser settings can manage cookies, and advertising controls may limit personalized ads. A request may require identity verification, and some data may be retained for security, legal, or operational reasons.
Requests about a government jail, court, IDOC, VINE, BOP, or ICE record must go to the agency or provider that controls it. This site cannot change those records.
Changes to This Notice
This privacy notice may be revised as site functions, vendors, or legal duties change. The updated text takes effect when posted. Continued use after a revision means the current notice applies.