Web Site Privacy and Security Notice

State of Wisconsin laws exist to ensure that government is open and that the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by state government. At the same time, there are exceptions to the public's right to access public records provided by both state and federal laws. These exceptions include the privacy of individuals.

Information collected at this site becomes public record and may be subject to inspection and copying by the public, unless an exception in law exists. During your visit to this site, information that is not readily identifiable to an individual is automatically collected and stored. This information is used to improve our Web services.

Information Collected and How It Is Used If you are submitting a question or information that pertains to your personal situation or requires a response, DOC needs to receive information about you and/or how to contact you. Any information that specifically identifies you will only be used to deliver our services. However, the information may be subject to disclosure under the open records law.

If you do nothing during your visit to this Web site but browse or download information, DOC automatically collects and stores the following information about your visit: The Internet Protocol address and domain name used but not the e-mail address. The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly to your computer. DOC uses the Internet Protocol Address to direct Internet traffic to you; The type of browser and operating system you used and your connection speed; The date and time you visited this site; The Web pages or services you accessed at this site; and the Web site you visited prior to coming to this Web site.

The information DOC automatically collects or stores is used to improve the content of DOC's Web services and to help DOC analyze how people are using our services. DOC analyzes the Web site logs to continually improve the value of the materials available on this site. DOC's Web site logs are not personally identifiable, and DOC makes no attempt to link them with the individuals who browse this Web site.

If during your visit to this Web site, you send an e-mail, the following additional information may be collected: the e-mail address and the contents of the e-mail, and any information you volunteered.

The information collected is not limited to text characters, and may also include audio, video, and graphic information formats you send to us. The information is retained in accordance with the open records law. DOC uses your e-mail to respond appropriately. This may be to respond to you, to address issues you identify, or to further improve the Web site.

Personal Information and Choice

Personal information is information about an individual that is readily identifiable to that specific individual. Personal information includes personal identifiers such as an individual's name, address, and phone number. A domain name or Internet Protocol address is not considered personal information.

DOC collects no personal information about you unless you voluntarily participate in an activity that asks for information, such as sending an e-mail. If you choose not to participate in these activities, your choice will in no way affect your ability to use any other feature of this Web site.

If personal information is requested on the Web site or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, this information is a public record once you provide it, and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not protected by federal or state law.

DOC cautions users that the collection of personal information requested from or volunteered by children on-line or by e-mail will be treated the same as information given by an adult, and may be subject to public access.

Public Disclosure

The State of Wisconsin has laws to ensure that government is open and that the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by state government. At the same time, there are exceptions to the public's right to access public records that serve various needs.

DOC strives to protect personally identifiable information by collecting only information necessary to deliver our services. All information collected at this site becomes public information unless an exemption in law exists.

Access and Correction of Personal Information

You can review any personal information DOC collects about you. You may recommend changes to your personal information you believe are in error by submitting a written request that shows the error. If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when you submitted the information, you may contact DOC. In all cases, DOC will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.

In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Wisconsin Open Records Law or other law governing the disclosure of records, the Wisconsin Open Records Law or other applicable law will control.

Cookies

DOC does not use cookies at this time; however, some links pages to which this Web site has links may be using this technique to better serve users. Cookies are simple text files stored on your computer by your Web browser. They provide a method of distinguishing among visitors to a Web site. Other agencies have developed their own privacy policies, and you may look to thee to see whether or not cookies are being used in other links.

Security

The DOC has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of this Web site, including authentication, monitoring, auditing, and encryption. DOC has integrated security measures into the design, implementation and day to day practices.

Disclaimer of Privacy

This Web site has links to other Web sites. These include links to Web sites operated by other governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. When you link to another site, you will no longer be in the DOC Sex Offender Web site and this Privacy Notice will not apply. When you link to another Web site, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site.

Contact for Questions

If you have questions, comments or suggestions related to personal privacy on this Web site, please send a message to the Webmaster.