Introduction

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website at dekalbsheriff.in.gov.

We comply with the Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act (INCDPA), which took effect on January 1, 2026, as well as applicable federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards.

Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• •IP address, browser type, operating system, and device information
• •Pages visited, referral sources, and navigation patterns
• •Cookie identifiers and consent preferences

This information is used for website analytics and security purposes. Non-essential data collection (analytics, marketing) only occurs if you have opted in through our cookie preferences.

Voluntarily Provided Information

If you submit a form, send an email, or otherwise provide personal information through our website, we collect the information you provide, such as your name, email address, phone number, and the content of your message.

Sensitive Data

Under the INCDPA, certain categories of data are classified as sensitive and require explicit opt-in consent before collection:

• •Precise Geolocation: Collected only with your explicit opt-in consent. Always defaulted to OFF and never enabled by “Accept All.”

We do not collect racial or ethnic origin data, biometric data, health information, sexual orientation data, or genetic data through this website.

How We Use Your Information

• •To respond to your inquiries and requests
• •To improve our website and services
• •To ensure the security and integrity of our website
• •To comply with legal obligations
• •To analyze website usage patterns (only with your consent)

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies (including localStorage) organized into the following categories:

• •Essential: Required for the website to function (always active)
• •Analytics: Anonymous usage statistics (disabled by default)
• •Functional: Personalization features (disabled by default)
• •Marketing: Campaign measurement (disabled by default)

All non-essential cookies are disabled by default in compliance with the INCDPA. You can manage your preferences at any time through the “Cookie Settings” link in our footer or by visiting our Cookie Policy for complete details.

Your Rights Under the INCDPA

As an Indiana resident, the Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act grants you the following rights regarding your personal data:

• •Right to Confirm: Confirm whether your personal data is being processed
• •Right to Access: Access your personal data in a portable format
• •Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccuracies in your data
• •Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal data
• •Right to Opt Out: Opt out of targeted advertising, sale of personal data, and profiling
• •Right to Non-Discrimination: Exercise your rights without receiving discriminatory treatment

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond within 45 days of receiving your request, with a possible 45-day extension if necessary.

Public Records

As a government agency, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is subject to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3). Information submitted through this website may be considered a public record and subject to disclosure in accordance with state law.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect information collected through our website, including encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS), secure authentication mechanisms, and access controls. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us so we can promptly delete it.

Accessibility

This website is designed to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our cookie consent mechanism is fully keyboard-navigable and screen-reader accessible. If you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights under the INCDPA, please contact us: