Information You Provide
Search Terms
When you type a name, location, or similar detail into a search tool, that query is sent to the third-party provider operating the tool. This site does not keep its own separate log of those search terms.
Messages
If you send an email or other message, the information you provide may be kept long enough to read, route, and respond to the request. Those messages are not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Information Collected Automatically
Like most websites, this site may collect technical information when a page loads, including:
- The IP address used for the visit.
- Browser type and browser version.
- Device type and operating system.
- Pages viewed and approximate time spent on those pages.
- The referring website, when one is available.
- Date and time stamps connected to site activity.
Cookies
Cookies and similar technologies may be used to understand how visitors use the site and to support advertising or analytics features. You can block cookies through your browser settings, although some features may work differently when cookies are disabled.
How Information Is Used
- To keep the site available, usable, and reasonably fast.
- To send search requests to the partner service selected by the visitor.
- To understand which Bay County jail, court, and records pages are useful to visitors.
- To diagnose errors, broken links, and other technical problems.
- To display advertising that may be based on general visitor interests.
Outside Websites
This site links to Bay County sheriff and jail pages, Michigan corrections resources, court portals, FOIA request channels under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, and third-party search tools. After you leave this site, the privacy policy of the outside website controls its collection and use of information.
Advertising partners may use their own systems to measure activity across websites and provide interest-based ads. That tracking is handled by those partners, not by a Bay County government office or by this site as an official record system.
Who May Receive Information
Personal information is not sold as a standalone list. It may be made available to limited parties when needed for site operation, legal compliance, or user-requested services.
- Search partners that process submitted search queries.
- Analytics providers that measure page traffic and site performance.
- Advertising networks that serve or measure ads.
- Law enforcement agencies, courts, or government bodies when a valid legal order requires disclosure.
Security
Reasonable security practices are used for this site, but no internet-connected service can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We cannot promise that data transmission or storage will be free from every possible breach or unauthorized access.
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 parent or guardian may request deletion.
Your Choices
- Ask for a copy of personal information held by the site, if any.
- Request correction of information that is inaccurate.
- Request deletion of information when legally and technically available.
- Opt out of certain processing where an opt-out right applies.
Changes to This Notice
This privacy notice may be revised from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date when the notice changes.