Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or location entered into a search tool is sent directly to the outside company that operates that tool. The provider processes the request and supplies its results. Michigan Criminal History does not keep or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
An email or other direct message may be retained so the team can respond. It is not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by a valid legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the website's systems may automatically receive basic technical and usage details:
- The pages viewed and the time spent on each one
- The device's assigned IP address
- Browser name and version
- Device category and operating system
- The referring website, when one is available
- The timestamp associated with each page view
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They help show broad usage patterns, such as popular pages and common exit points. Analytics vendors may combine traffic information into reports. A visitor can block cookies through browser controls, although disabling them may change how parts of the website function.
What We Do With This Data
- Route a submitted search to the selected partner service
- Maintain site availability, performance, and page speed
- Diagnose errors and other technical problems
- Measure which resources visitors use and where improvements are needed
- Display advertising that may reflect a visitor's interests
No Criminal-Record Data on File
Michigan Criminal History does not keep, assemble, or sell a database of personal criminal records. It publishes reference information about obtaining records from Michigan State Police CJIC, the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry, Michigan courts, and local agencies in all 83 counties. Government access is governed in part by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231-15.246, and criminal-history collection and dissemination by Act 289, MCL 28.241a-28.247. The website is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor data is not turned into a consumer report or a record about another person.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes. Information submitted through a tool is handled under that provider's privacy policy rather than this policy. Each provider chooses its own retention and disclosure practices, which Michigan Criminal History does not control. Review those terms before entering a search.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Michigan agency pages, court systems, county sheriffs and clerks, legal-aid resources, or outside search services. Once a visitor follows an external link, the destination's policy controls. Review it before providing personal information.
Some advertising companies may also use their own systems to track activity across websites for targeted advertising. Michigan Criminal History does not operate that tracking.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Limited information may be available to:
- Government or law-enforcement bodies when a valid legal order compels disclosure
- Search providers processing a visitor's submitted query
- Advertising networks serving ads on the website
- Analytics providers measuring traffic and performance
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable, standard safeguards are used for information the site collects. No internet-connected service can guarantee perfect security, however, so Michigan Criminal History cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
The website is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone younger than 18. If data from a minor is identified, a request may be made for its prompt deletion.
Your Data Rights
Rights can vary with a visitor's place of residence. Michigan FOIA, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231-15.246, applies to qualifying records held by Michigan public bodies, not to this privately operated website. Act 289, MCL 28.241a-28.247, governs Michigan criminal-history collection and dissemination by the state. Subject to applicable law and retention duties, visitors may ask Michigan Criminal History to:
- Stop certain forms of data processing
- Correct inaccurate personal information held by the site
- Provide a copy of personal information held by the site
- Delete personal information when the request can lawfully be honored
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised. Any new version will be posted here with a revised effective date, so visitors should review the page periodically.
Effective date: August 11, 2026