Washington Arrest Records

Washington Public Records /Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington?

In Washington State, arrest records are generally considered public information under the state's robust public disclosure laws. The Washington Public Records Act (PRA), codified in Chapter 42.56 RCW, establishes that most government records, including arrest records, are available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

Arrest records in Washington are maintained by various law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, county sheriff's offices, and local police departments. These records document when an individual has been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities on suspicion of criminal activity.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Washington?

Access to arrest records in Washington is primarily governed by the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), Chapter 42.56 RCW. This comprehensive law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal history.

Key legal provisions that specifically impact access to arrest records include:

RCW 10.97 - Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act: This statute specifically addresses the dissemination of criminal history record information and establishes guidelines for its use.
RCW 13.50 - Keeping and Release of Records by Juvenile Justice or Care Agencies: This law governs the confidentiality and release of juvenile records, which have additional protections compared to adult records.
RCW 43.43.830-845 - Background Checks: These provisions establish the framework for background checks, including access to criminal history information for employment and licensing purposes.
Washington Court General Rules (GR) 31: This court rule governs access to court records, including those related to criminal proceedings.

These laws collectively establish a presumption of openness while balancing privacy concerns, public safety interests, and the rights of individuals with arrest records.

What Information Is Included in a Washington Arrest Record?

A typical Washington arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. The specific content may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency, but generally includes:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number (if applicable)
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
- Initial court appearance date
- Preliminary disposition information
Additional Information:
- Property seized during arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant)
- Witness information (may be redacted)
- Victim information (typically redacted)
- Brief narrative of circumstances leading to arrest

Arrest records document allegations, not convictions. The information in an arrest record reflects the circumstances and charges at the time of arrest, which may differ from final court dispositions.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Washington in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Washington involves several methods depending on the specific information needed and the agency that maintains the records. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Washington in 2025:

Washington State Patrol (WSP) - Criminal History Section: The WSP maintains the central repository for criminal history information in Washington.

Washington State Patrol Criminal Records Division
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol

Request options include:
- Online through WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History)
- Mail-in requests using the official form
- In-person requests at the WSP headquarters
Local Law Enforcement Agencies: The agency that made the arrest typically maintains the most detailed arrest records.
- Contact the specific police department or sheriff's office where the arrest occurred
- Submit a public records request following their established procedures
- Some agencies offer online portals for records requests
County Clerk's Offices: Court records related to arrests can be obtained from the clerk of the court where the case was processed.
- Visit the courthouse in person
- Use the court's online case management system
- Submit a written request to the clerk's office
Washington State Department of Corrections: For records related to individuals who have been incarcerated.

Washington State Department of Corrections
PO Box 41100
Olympia, WA 98504-1100
(360) 725-8213
Washington Department of Corrections

When requesting arrest records, you'll typically need to provide:

The full name of the subject
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Case or incident number (if available)
Your contact information
Purpose of the request (may be required for certain types of records)

Processing times vary by agency and request volume, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Washington

Washington offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally. These platforms provide convenient access to public criminal history information:

WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History): The official online system maintained by the Washington State Patrol.
- Website: WATCH Portal
- Provides name-based criminal history record checks
- Requires creation of an account and payment of fees
- Results are typically immediate for name-based searches
JIS-Link (Judicial Information System): The Washington Courts' case management system.
- Website: Washington Courts JIS-Link
- Provides access to court records related to arrests and prosecutions
- Subscription-based service primarily for legal professionals
- Requires registration and approval
County Sheriff and Police Department Websites: Many local law enforcement agencies maintain online inmate lookup tools or arrest logs.
- Examples include:
Washington Courts Search Portal:
- Website: Washington Courts Search
- Provides access to court case information
- Free basic search functionality
- More detailed information may require in-person visits
Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Website: DOC Offender Search
- Provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and those under DOC supervision
- Includes basic arrest and conviction information

When using online resources, be aware that:

Information may be incomplete or not fully up-to-date
Some systems may have limited historical data
Certain sensitive information is typically redacted
There may be fees associated with comprehensive searches
Official record verification may still require contacting the originating agency

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Washington?

In Washington State, access to arrest records varies based on the requester's identity and purpose. The following categories outline who can access arrest records and under what circumstances:

General Public Access:

Any member of the public can request non-confidential arrest records under the Public Records Act
Access is limited to records not specifically exempted by statute
Information may be redacted to protect privacy or sensitive details

Enhanced Access for Specific Entities:

Criminal Justice Agencies:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Prosecutors' offices
- Courts
- Corrections departments
- Have access to complete, unredacted records for official purposes
Government Agencies:
- State licensing bodies
- Regulatory agencies
- School districts
- May access records for background checks and regulatory functions
Employers and Businesses:
- Can access records for employment screening with signed consent
- Subject to limitations under RCW 49.94 (Washington Fair Chance Act)
- Certain industries (healthcare, education, financial services) have expanded access rights
Research Organizations:
- May access de-identified data for research purposes
- Requires specific agreements and privacy protections
The Individual Subject of the Record:
- Has right to access their own complete record
- May authorize third-party access through signed releases

Access restrictions are more stringent for:

Juvenile records
Sealed or expunged records
Records related to sexual assault victims
Mental health-related arrests
Cases involving confidential informants

All requesters must comply with the limitations on use established by Washington law, particularly the Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97).

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Washington?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Washington typically involves fees that vary depending on the agency providing the records and the method of access. These fees are authorized under Washington law to cover the costs of processing, copying, and maintaining records systems.

Standard Fee Structure:

Washington State Patrol (WSP) Criminal History Records:
- WATCH online system: $11.00 per name-based search
- Fingerprint-based search: $30.00 - $42.00 (varies based on purpose)
- Certified records: Additional $5.00 per certification
Local Law Enforcement Agencies:
- Fees vary by jurisdiction
- Typically range from $5.00 to $25.00 per report
- Additional fees for certified copies, photographs, or audio/video recordings
Court Records:
- Search fees: $0 - $10.00 (varies by county)
- Copy fees: $0.25 - $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 - $10.00 per document
Department of Corrections Records:
- Administrative fee: $5.00 - $15.00
- Copy fees: $0.15 - $0.50 per page

Fee Waivers and Reductions:

Under Washington law, certain requesters may qualify for fee waivers or reductions:

Indigent individuals may request fee waivers for their own records
Public interest requests may qualify for reduced fees
Government agencies requesting records for official purposes may be exempt from fees

Payment Methods:

Online payments: Credit/debit cards, electronic checks
In-person payments: Cash, check, money order, credit/debit cards
Mail requests: Check or money order

All fees are subject to change, and agencies are required to publish their fee schedules. It's advisable to check with the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fees.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington

Washington State maintains arrest records for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the severity of the alleged offense, and the outcome of the case. These retention policies are governed by state archival laws and agency-specific schedules.

Standard Retention Periods:

Washington State Patrol Criminal History Repository:
- Felony arrests: Maintained for the lifetime of the individual
- Gross misdemeanor arrests: Typically 10-15 years from date of arrest
- Simple misdemeanor arrests: Generally 5-10 years from date of arrest
- Arrests without charges filed: May be retained for 3-5 years
Local Law Enforcement Agencies:
- Follow the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE)
- Serious crime reports (murder, rape): Permanent retention
- Felony case files: 10 years to permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: 5-10 years
- Non-criminal incident reports: 2-5 years
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Domestic violence cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Juvenile records: Special retention rules under RCW 13.50
Department of Corrections:
- Inmate files: 6 years after sentence completion
- Offender supervision records: 6 years after supervision ends

Factors Affecting Retention:

Case disposition (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
Severity of alleged offense
Subsequent criminal activity
Court orders for sealing or destruction
Statutory requirements for specific offense types

Records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives after their active retention period ends, particularly for cases of historical significance or permanent retention value.

Digital records are increasingly replacing paper records, but retention periods generally remain the same regardless of format.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Washington Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Washington, certain information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy, safety, and other important interests. The specific redactions are governed by various exemptions in the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and other statutes.

Commonly Redacted Information:

Personal Identifiers:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Date of birth (may be partially redacted)
- Home addresses of certain protected individuals
Victim Information:
- Names and identifying details of sexual assault victims
- Information about child victims
- Victim contact information
- Medical information of victims
Witness Information:
- Names and contact details of confidential informants
- Information that could endanger witnesses
- Juvenile witness information
Investigative Details:
- Information that would compromise an active investigation
- Investigative techniques and procedures
- Undercover officer identities
- Intelligence information
Medical and Mental Health Information:
- Mental health evaluations
- Medical treatment details
- Substance abuse treatment information
- Competency evaluations
Juvenile Information:
- Records related to juvenile offenders have special protections under RCW 13.50
- Juvenile arrest information is generally more restricted than adult records
Other Protected Information:
- Information subject to attorney-client privilege
- Information protected by court orders
- Details about domestic violence safe houses
- Information about vulnerable adults

Law enforcement agencies and courts must carefully review records before release to ensure appropriate redactions are made. The burden is on the agency to justify any redactions by citing specific statutory exemptions.

Requesters who believe information has been improperly redacted can challenge the decision through the agency's review process or by filing an action in superior court.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Washington

Washington law provides several mechanisms for individuals to seal or destroy their arrest records under specific circumstances. This process, often called expungement, can help mitigate the long-term consequences of an arrest.

Sealing Non-Conviction Records:

Under RCW 10.97.060, individuals may request deletion of non-conviction data in these circumstances:

No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Two years have elapsed since the arrest, citation, or charge

The process involves:

Filing a petition with the law enforcement agency that created the record
Providing proof of identity and case disposition
Agency review (must respond within 60 days)
Appeal to superior court if denied

Vacating Conviction Records:

For conviction records, RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) and RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies) provide pathways to vacate convictions if:

Specified waiting periods have passed (varies by offense)
All conditions of the sentence have been completed
No pending criminal charges exist
The offense is eligible for vacation (certain violent and sexual offenses are ineligible)

The process involves:

Filing a motion with the court where the conviction occurred
Notifying the prosecuting attorney
Attending a court hearing
Obtaining a court order if granted

Juvenile Records:

RCW 13.50.260 provides special procedures for sealing juvenile records:

Automatic sealing for certain cases
Petition-based sealing for others
Specific eligibility requirements based on offense type and rehabilitation

Administrative Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP):

Under RCW 9.97, individuals can apply for a CROP which, while not sealing records, removes certain barriers to employment and licensing.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for these processes. Resources include:

Washington Law Help
County bar association legal clinics
Civil legal aid organizations

Even after sealing or vacating, certain government agencies may still access the records, and federal databases may retain the information.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Washington?

Washington law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These limitations aim to balance public safety with fair opportunities for individuals with criminal histories.

Employment Restrictions:

The Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94) establishes key protections:

Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications ("Ban the Box")
Criminal history inquiries must be delayed until after determining the applicant is otherwise qualified
Employers must provide specific reasons if denying employment based on criminal history
Arrests not leading to conviction generally cannot be considered in employment decisions

Housing Limitations:

While no statewide "Ban the Box" law exists for housing, several restrictions apply:

Seattle's Fair Chance Housing Ordinance prohibits landlords from using arrest records
Housing providers receiving federal funding must follow HUD guidelines on criminal background checks
Blanket policies rejecting all applicants with criminal histories may violate fair housing laws

Licensing Restrictions:

Under RCW 18.340:

Licensing authorities must consider whether a criminal conviction directly relates to the occupation
Certificates of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP) can remove automatic disqualifications
Certain healthcare, education, and financial service positions have statutory requirements for background checks

Additional Limitations:

Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97):
- Restricts dissemination of criminal history information
- Requires agencies to maintain record accuracy
- Provides penalties for improper disclosure
Consumer Protection:
- Background check companies must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Reports must be accurate and up-to-date
- Subjects have the right to dispute inaccurate information
Anti-Discrimination Provisions:
- Using arrest records in ways that disproportionately impact protected classes may violate state anti-discrimination laws
- Employers must show business necessity for criminal history inquiries

Violations of these limitations can result in civil penalties, administrative actions, and private lawsuits. Individuals who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints with the Washington State Human Rights Commission or seek legal counsel.

Lookup Arrest Records in Washington

State Agencies

Washington State Patrol - Criminal History Section
3000 Pacific Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol

Washington State Department of Corrections
7345 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 725-8213
Washington Department of Corrections

Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts
1206 Quince Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 753-3365
Washington Courts

Washington State Supreme Court
Temple of Justice
415 12th Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 357-2077
Washington Supreme Court

Washington State Court of Appeals
Division I:
One Union Square
600 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 464-7750
Washington Court of Appeals

Washington State Attorney General's Office
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 753-6200
Washington Attorney General

Washington State Archives
1129 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 586-1492
Washington State Archives

Washington State Library
6880 Capitol Boulevard S
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 704-5200
Washington State Library

County Sheriff's Offices

King County Sheriff's Office
516 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-4155
King County Sheriff

Pierce County Sheriff's Department
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7530
Pierce County Sheriff

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-3393
Snohomish County Sheriff

Spokane County Sheriff's Office
1100 W Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2240
Spokane County Sheriff

Clark County Sheriff's Office
707 W 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(564) 397-2211
Clark County Sheriff

Thurston County Sheriff's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5500
Thurston County Sheriff

Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7101
Kitsap County Sheriff

Yakima County Sheriff's Office
1822 S 1st Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2500
Yakima County Sheriff

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-6600
Whatcom County Sheriff

Benton County Sheriff's Office
7122 W Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 735-6555
Benton County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Seattle Police Department
610 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98124
(206) 625-5011
Seattle Police Department

Spokane Police Department
1100 W Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 456-2233
Spokane Police Department

Tacoma Police Department
3701 S Pine Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 287-4455
Tacoma Police Department

Vancouver Police Department
605 E Evergreen Boulevard
Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 487-7400
Vancouver Police Department

Bellevue Police Department
450 110th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 577-5656
Bellevue Police Department

Federal Agencies

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Seattle Field Office
1110 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 622-0460
FBI Seattle

U.S. Marshals Service - Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street, Suite 9000
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 370-8600
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Seattle Community Corrections Office
700 Stewart Street, Suite 10101
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 553-4768
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 370-8400
U.S. District Court - Western District of Washington