Information You Provide
Search Terms
When you type a name, location, or other query into a search tool powered by a third-party provider, that provider receives the query so it can process the search. San Mateo County Inmate Population does not store or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages
If you email us or submit a contact message, we may keep the information you sent long enough to review it and respond. We do not share message contents outside the organization unless a valid legal requirement makes disclosure necessary.
Information Collected Automatically
Like most websites, this site may receive basic technical information when a page loads. That can include:
- Your IP address.
- Your browser type and version.
- Your device category and operating system.
- The pages you viewed and how long you stayed on them.
- The referring website, if your browser sends one.
- Date and time stamps connected to page activity.
Cookies
Cookies and similar tools may be used to understand site traffic, remember basic settings, and measure how visitors move through the pages. You can block or delete cookies in your browser. Some site features or ad settings may work differently when cookies are disabled.
How Information Is Used
- To keep the website operating, loading, and responding reliably.
- To send search requests to the partner service that handles a selected tool.
- To understand which San Mateo County jail, court, and locator pages visitors use most.
- To diagnose broken links, display errors, and other technical problems.
- To support advertising that may be based on general visitor interests.
Outside Websites
This site links to San Mateo County jail resources, Sheriff's Office pages, court services, CDCR CIRIS, VINELink, BOP, ICE, and third-party search tools. After you click away, the privacy policy and data practices of the destination site control what happens there.
Advertising partners may use their own systems to recognize activity across websites and show interest-based ads. That tracking is handled through their platforms, not through an official San Mateo County or California records system.
Who May Receive Information
We do not sell personal information. Information may still be processed or received by the following parties when needed for the site to function or when required by law:
- Search partners that process queries submitted through their tools.
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and page performance.
- Advertising networks that deliver or measure ads.
- Law-enforcement agencies, courts, or government bodies when a valid subpoena, court order, or other legal process requires it.
Security
We use reasonable security practices for a small public website, but no internet-connected service can be guaranteed breach-proof. You should not assume any website, email, or webform is perfectly secure.
Visitors Under 18
This site is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor has submitted information, contact us so we can review and remove it when appropriate.
Your Choices and Rights
Depending on where you live, including rights that may apply under California privacy law, you may be able to ask us to:
- Provide a copy of information we hold about you.
- Correct information that is inaccurate.
- Delete information we no longer need to keep.
- Opt you out of certain uses or processing where the law provides that choice.
Policy Updates
This notice may be revised from time to time. Any update will be posted on this page with a new effective date or revised page text.