Information You Submit
A name, location, or other term entered into a search box is sent to the third-party provider operating that tool. This site does not store or log those search terms on its own systems. The provider's policy and terms govern its handling of the query.
If you send an email or contact message, we retain the details needed to read and answer it. Messages are not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by law or a valid legal process.
Technical Data and Cookies
Routine web systems may collect technical information when a page loads, including:
- Internet Protocol address
- Browser name and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages viewed and time spent on them
- Referring website, when supplied
- Date and time of the request
Cookies help measure how visitors use the site and support certain functions. Browser controls can reject or delete cookies, although parts of the site may then work differently.
How Information Is Used
Collected information is used to operate and improve the service. In particular, it may help us:
- Keep pages available and responsive
- Send a search request to the selected partner
- Understand which Dorchester County resources visitors use
- Detect and correct technical faults
- Display advertising that may reflect general interests
Websites Beyond Our Control
Links may lead to Dorchester County records, Sheriff and corrections pages, South Carolina government portals, federal locators, or independent search tools. Once you leave this site, the destination's privacy notice governs its collection and use of information.
Advertising companies may use their own systems to observe activity across websites and select targeted ads. That tracking occurs under their technologies and policies, not as a Dorchester County government process.
Parties That May Receive Data
We do not sell personal information. Depending on how a visitor uses the site, limited information may be handled by:
- Search partners that process submitted queries
- Analytics providers that measure site use
- Advertising networks that deliver or measure ads
- Law-enforcement or government bodies acting under a valid order or other lawful demand
Requests for government records are separate. Dorchester County and SCDC handle those submissions under their own policies and South Carolina law, including the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act where it applies.
Reasonable Security Measures
Standard safeguards are used to protect information under our control. No internet transmission, connected service, or storage system can be guaranteed secure in every circumstance. This notice does not promise that a breach or unauthorized access can never occur.
Visitors Under Eighteen
This site is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under eighteen. A parent or guardian who believes a minor submitted information may use the Contacts page to request review and deletion.
Your Privacy Choices
Subject to applicable law and the ability to verify a request, a person may ask to:
- Receive a copy of personal data held by this site
- Correct inaccurate personal information
- Delete eligible personal data
- Opt out of certain processing where that choice is available
These choices concern information controlled by this site. A request about a Sheriff's record, SCDC file, court entry, or partner account must go to that separate custodian.
Changes to This Notice
This privacy notice may be revised as practices, services, or legal requirements change. A new version takes effect when posted here with its updated effective date.