At Harris County Jail, we take the privacy and security of our users very seriously. This Privacy Policy explains our commitment to protecting your personal information and outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data, ensuring compliance with applicable laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Texas privacy laws.
Types of Information We Collect
At Harris County Jail, we collect several types of information to improve the quality and functionality of our services, and to ensure compliance with legal requirements. The types of information we collect include:
Personal Information
When you engage with our services, such as submitting inquiries, filling out forms, or contacting us directly, we may collect personal details such as:
Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Postal Address
Inmate Search Queries and Browsing Behavior
We collect information related to your interactions with our website, including:
Search Queries: The terms and keywords you use when looking up inmates.
Pages Visited: Information about the pages you visit on our site.
Click-through Data: How you navigate through the site.
This helps us improve the user experience and make the search process more efficient.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
To enhance your experience on our website, we use cookies and other tracking technologies. These technologies allow us to:
Personalize content and advertisements.
Analyze web traffic and understand how visitors interact with our website.
For more information about how we use cookies and how you can manage your cookie preferences, please see our Cookies & Tracking Technologies section.
IP Addresses
We may log the IP addresses of users visiting our website for the purpose of:
Enhancing security.
Diagnosing technical issues.
Gathering analytical data.
Device Information
We may collect information about the device you are using to access our website, including:
Device Type: Mobile, tablet, or desktop.
Operating System: Windows, iOS, Android, etc.
Browser Type: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.
This helps us optimize our website for different devices and platforms.
Payment Information (If Applicable)
If you make a payment (for example, for bail or inmate services), we may collect:
Credit or Debit Card Information
Bank Account Information
This data is processed through secure payment gateways to ensure confidentiality and security.
By collecting this information, we aim to enhance your experience, improve service efficiency, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
How We Use Your Information
The information we collect serves important purposes, including:
Enhancing Services: Understanding user behavior helps us optimize our website and inmate search tools.
Providing Support: Personal details enable us to respond effectively to your requests or inquiries.
Legal Compliance and Security: Information may be used to meet legal obligations or to protect against fraudulent activities.
Data Protection and Security Measures
We implement strong security protocols to safeguard your information:
SSL Encryption: Our website uses SSL encryption to ensure secure communication between your device and our servers.
Restricted Access: Access to personal data is limited to authorized staff only.
Third-Party Standards: Any service providers we work with are required to maintain strict data protection measures.
Your Privacy Choices
You have control over your personal information:
Managing Cookies: You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies, but doing so may impact certain site features.
Communication Preferences: You can opt out of receiving promotional emails by following the unsubscribe instructions provided.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant updates will be communicated prominently on our site.
How We Update This Privacy Policy
We are committed to maintaining transparency regarding our privacy practices. As such, we may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in laws, regulations, or our data handling practices. When updates are made, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your personal information and ensure that our practices align with your privacy preferences.
Review of Changes to This Privacy Policy
Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be posted here, and we will notify you if required by law. By continuing to use our services after any changes are made, you acknowledge and agree to the updated Privacy Policy. If there are significant changes that affect your rights, we may also provide more direct notification, such as via email or a prominent notice on our website.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
To provide a better, more personalized experience, we use cookies and other tracking technologies on our website. These technologies help us understand how users interact with our content, improve functionality, deliver relevant advertising, and enhance overall site performance. Tracking technologies may include cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tools that collect information about your device, browser, and browsing behavior.
Some tracking technologies are essential for the operation of the site, while others are used for analytics, customization, and advertising purposes. These may be set by us or by third-party service providers acting on our behalf. By using our website, you consent to the deployment of these technologies unless you choose to disable them through your browser settings or our cookie consent tools.
We are committed to respecting your privacy and provide options for managing your cookie and tracking preferences in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Types of Cookies We Use
We use various types of cookies to enhance your experience on our website, personalize content, and analyze site usage. The types of cookies we use include:
Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the functioning of our website, such as enabling you to navigate and use its features.
Performance Cookies: These cookies help us analyze how visitors interact with our website, allowing us to improve performance and user experience.
Functionality Cookies: These cookies allow the website to remember your preferences, such as language settings or login details, for a more personalized experience.
Targeting Cookies: These cookies track your browsing behavior to deliver advertisements and content that are relevant to your interests.
Third-Party Cookies: These are cookies set by external services such as social media platforms, analytics providers, or advertisers.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have control over the cookies placed on your device. Most browsers allow you to manage cookie preferences through their settings. You can choose to accept or decline cookies, and you can also delete previously stored cookies. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect your experience on our website, as some features may not function as intended.
For more information on how to manage your cookie preferences, refer to your browser’s help section. Additionally, if you would like to opt out of targeted advertising, you can visit resources like the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) or the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) for more options.
Sharing Information & Third-Party Services
We are committed to maintaining your confidentiality. We only share personal information under the following conditions:
Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to lawful requests.
Trusted Service Providers: Third parties assisting with operations (such as data processing or customer support) must meet strict confidentiality standards.
When and Why We Share Your Data
We only share your personal data when it is necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, protect our rights, or enhance user experience. This includes sharing information with trusted third-party partners who assist with website functionality, analytics, payment processing, customer support, or marketing. We do not sell your personal information. All data sharing is done with strict confidentiality and only when there is a legitimate business or legal reason.
Third-Party Service Providers
We work with reputable third-party service providers who help us operate and improve our services. These providers may include cloud hosting platforms, analytics tools, email delivery services, and payment processors. Each provider is carefully selected and contractually obligated to use your data only for the purposes we specify, and to implement robust security measures to protect your information.
How Your Data is Handled by Third Parties
When your data is shared with third parties, it is handled in accordance with our privacy and security standards, as well as applicable data protection laws. We ensure that all third parties processing your data have adequate safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These third parties are not allowed to use your personal data for their own marketing or unrelated purposes. If any data is transferred internationally, we take additional measures to ensure it is protected under appropriate legal frameworks, such as standard contractual clauses or other recognized mechanisms.
Your Rights and Options
You have the right to:
Access and Correct Data: Request access to your information and request corrections if needed.
Request Deletion: Ask for your data to be deleted, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Opt-Out: Decline promotional communications at any time.
How to Access or Correct Your Personal Data
You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request corrections if the data is inaccurate or incomplete. To do so, please contact us through the designated privacy or support channels provided on our website. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request to protect your privacy and security. Once verified, we will provide the requested information or make the necessary corrections promptly and in accordance with applicable laws.
Your Right to Opt-Out and Delete Data
You also have the right to opt out of certain data processing activities, including marketing communications and the use of cookies or tracking technologies. Additionally, you may request the deletion of your personal data from our systems. While some data may be retained for legal, security, or operational reasons, we will honor your request to the fullest extent possible. To exercise your opt-out or deletion rights, please submit a request through our contact form or privacy request page. We will confirm receipt of your request and take appropriate action in a timely manner.
Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or concerns, please reach out:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (713) 755-5300
Address: 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002
Your privacy is our priority, and we are committed to protecting your personal information at all times.
Privacy FAQs
Privacy is a fundamental concern for individuals navigating digital platforms and services. To help you better understand how your personal information is collected, used, and protected, we’ve compiled this FAQ section. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our privacy practices, including details on data security, third-party sharing, and your rights regarding your personal information. We are committed to ensuring transparency and safeguarding your privacy, and we encourage you to review these FAQs for a clearer understanding of how we protect your data.
How does Harris County Jail protect my information?
We use SSL encryption, restrict data access to authorized personnel, and enforce compliance standards with our third-party providers.
Can I request my personal data be deleted?
Yes, you may submit a request to have your personal information deleted by contacting us at [email protected].
Does Harris County Jail share my information with third parties?
We do not sell or rent your information. Information is only shared when necessary to provide services or when required by law.