How Mississippi Protects Your Privacy When You Search for Inmate Information Online

Even if you only browse ms.gov to view Carroll Montgomery Regional inmate information without filling out any forms, the site still logs routine "visit" data behind the scenes. This is basic information your browser sends automatically when loading pages and downloading files. According to ms.gov, this data isn't meant to identify you personally - but it does create a record of your visit in their system logs.

• ✓ The numeric IP address you used to access the ms.gov portal
• ✓ The type of browser and operating system you used
• ✓ The date and time you accessed the portal
• ✓ The pages you visited and any documents you downloaded (including PDFs and word processing files)

Ms.gov says it won't collect personal information just because you visited the portal - only if you choose to provide it. That typically happens when you fill out an online form, send an email, register for a MyMS account, participate in a promotion, or complete an online transaction with a user ID and password. If you do submit personally identifiable information, ms.gov will only share it in specific situations: when you consent; when sharing is needed to provide the service you requested; with contractors working for ms.gov (limited to what's necessary for their work); when required by law, subpoena, court order, or legal process; or when your actions violate the ms.gov Terms of Use.

Ms.gov uses monitoring software to protect the site itself. The goal is to catch unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. In practice, this means traffic to the portal can be monitored and data from visits can be reviewed as part of site security.

For families, the key takeaway: site logs and monitoring data aren't just stored and forgotten. They can be analyzed to protect the portal and respond to suspicious activity. If you've provided personally identifiable information as part of a request or transaction, ms.gov describes limited circumstances where that information could be shared - such as to deliver the service you requested, with contractors supporting that service, when legally required, or when site terms are violated.

1. Browse without submitting anything when you can - If you’re just checking posted information, you can often do that without filling out forms; ms.gov says personal information is collected when you voluntarily provide it.
2. Limit what you type into forms - Only provide the information a service actually requires, since that’s when personally identifiable details enter the system.
3. Remember that your visit still creates a record - Even basic browsing can log things like your IP address, the time you visited, and which pages you viewed.
4. Be mindful about downloads - Ms.gov says it records documents you download (like PDFs or word processing files), so only download what you truly need.
5. Pause before following off-site links - If you leave ms.gov for another website, you may be under a different site’s practices.

Ms.gov says its portal is not directed to children under 13 and that it does not knowingly collect personal information from children.

If you or someone in your family uses assistive technology, accessibility can change once you leave ms.gov for an outside site. When you run into barriers, look for ms.gov's accessibility resources so you can use the portal in the way that works best for you.