Information You Submit
A name or location entered into a search box is sent directly to the third-party provider that operates that tool. We do not store or log those query terms on our systems. The provider's own privacy terms govern its handling of the request.
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 necessary to respond, operate the service, or comply with a valid legal requirement.
Automatic Technical Data
Ordinary server, analytics, and advertising systems may record technical information when a page loads:
- Internet Protocol address;
- browser name and version;
- device type and operating system;
- pages viewed and time spent;
- the referring page, when available; and
- visit dates and timestamps.
Cookies and similar tools help measure use and remember basic settings. Browser controls can block or remove them, although some site or partner features may then work differently.
How Information Is Used
Collected data supports ordinary site operations. It may be used to keep pages stable and fast, route a query to the selected search partner, understand which Dukes County records pages are useful, diagnose technical faults, prevent misuse, and display advertising that may reflect a visitor's interests.
Outside Websites and Advertising
Links may lead to the Dukes County Sheriff's Office, town police logs, Edgartown District Court, Massachusetts DOC, federal locators, news sources, and private search tools. Once a visitor leaves, the destination's privacy notice controls. We do not control those sites.
Advertising and analytics providers may use their own cookies or identifiers to measure activity across websites or select ads. That processing happens under their systems and policies, not under the public-record rules that govern DCSO files. Massachusetts General Laws chapter 66, section 10 concerns access to government records and does not turn a private website visit into a public-record request.
When Data May Be Shared
We do not sell personal information. Data may be available to search partners that process queries, analytics vendors, advertising networks, service providers that support the site, and law enforcement or another government body when a valid legal order requires disclosure.
Security Is Best Effort
Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used. No internet service, storage system, or transmission method is completely secure, so we cannot promise that data will never be lost, intercepted, or accessed without permission.
Visitors Under Eighteen
This service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. A parent or guardian who believes a minor submitted information may use the Contact Us page to request review and deletion.
Your Privacy Choices
Subject to applicable law and our ability to verify the request, a person may ask for a copy of personal data we hold, correction of an error, deletion, or an opt-out from certain processing. Browser and device settings also provide controls for cookies and advertising identifiers. Send a request through Contact Us.
Changes to This Notice
Privacy practices may change as services or legal duties change. A revised notice takes effect when posted here with its updated effective date.