Washington Arrest Records

Is Washington an Open Arrest Records State?

Washington State is considered an open arrest records state pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), Chapter 42.56 RCW. This designation means that arrest records, which are documents created by law enforcement agencies when an individual is detained or taken into custody, are generally accessible to the public with certain statutory exceptions. The rationale behind making these records public is to maintain transparency and accountability within the justice system, allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and ensuring that government operations are conducted in an open manner.

In Washington, the availability of arrest records is part of a broader commitment to open government as established by the Washington State Legislature. Public access to these records supports the community's right to be informed about criminal activities and law enforcement responses. This openness is crucial for journalistic purposes and aids in the fair administration of justice by providing critical information for legal proceedings and public safety measures.

The Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history record information, including arrest data, as authorized under RCW 43.43.700. Law enforcement agencies throughout the state are required to submit arrest information to this central database, which serves as a comprehensive resource for criminal history checks.

How to Look Up Washington Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Washington Arrest Records in 2025, individuals may utilize several methods established by state agencies. The following options are available for conducting arrest record searches:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit local police departments or sheriff's offices during regular business hours to request arrest records. Identification may be required, and fees may apply for copies of documents.
Washington State Patrol: The WSP maintains the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system, which provides online access to criminal history information. This service requires payment of a fee for each record search.

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

Court Records: The Washington Courts website provides access to court records, including information about arrests that led to court proceedings. Users can search by name through the Judicial Information System.

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

County Clerk Offices: Each county maintains records of local arrests and court proceedings. These records can be accessed through the respective county clerk's office.
Department of Corrections: For information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision, the Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search provides public access to this information.

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

Contents of a Washington Arrest Record

A Washington arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.030, these records include:

Personal Identifiers: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, and physical description of the individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; and the identity of the arresting officer.
Charges: Specific criminal charges filed against the individual, including the relevant RCW sections.
Booking Information: Booking number, facility where the individual was processed, and initial court appearance details.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected at the time of arrest and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots).
Disposition Information: The outcome of the arrest, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.

It should be noted that pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or other statutory exemptions.

Understanding the Washington Open Records Act

The Washington Public Records Act (PRA), codified in Chapter 42.56 RCW, is the foundational legislation governing access to public records in Washington State. Enacted in 1972 as part of Initiative 276, this law establishes that all records maintained by state and local government agencies are presumptively open to public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

Key provisions of the PRA include:

Broad Definition of Public Records: Under RCW 42.56.010(3), "public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency.
Exemptions: While the law presumes openness, RCW 42.56.230 through 42.56.470 provide specific exemptions for certain types of records, including those that would violate personal privacy, interfere with effective law enforcement, or compromise security.
Response Requirements: Agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with a specific citation to the exemption, or providing a reasonable timeframe for response.
Enforcement: The PRA provides for judicial review of agency decisions to withhold records, with the possibility of civil penalties and attorney fees for wrongful withholding.

For arrest records specifically, the law generally allows access while balancing privacy concerns and the integrity of ongoing investigations. Agencies may redact certain information pursuant to applicable exemptions, but must provide the remainder of the record.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington

In Washington State, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific conditions established by statute and court rules. The process, governed primarily by RCW 10.97.060 and General Rule (GR) 15, provides a mechanism for limiting public access to records of arrests that did not result in conviction or where rehabilitation has been demonstrated.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Non-Conviction Records: Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, records of arrests not leading to conviction may be deleted from criminal history files after two years if no charges were filed, or three years following the date of arrest if charges were dismissed.
Conviction Records: Under RCW 9.94A.640, individuals may petition for a Certificate of Discharge, which restores civil rights and may be a prerequisite for vacating certain convictions.
Juvenile Records: RCW 13.50.260 provides specific provisions for sealing juvenile records, with different waiting periods depending on the offense classification.

The application process requires:

Filing a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated
Providing notice to the prosecuting attorney
Attending a hearing where a judge will determine if the statutory requirements have been met
If granted, obtaining an order directing agencies to seal or expunge the records

Snohomish County Clerk's Office
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-3466
Snohomish County Public Records

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process can be complex and varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

How to Find Local Arrests in Washington?

Local arrest information in Washington State is available through various official channels established by municipal and county governments. Members of the public seeking information about recent arrests may utilize the following resources:

Law Enforcement Agency Websites: Many police departments and sheriff's offices maintain online databases or publish daily arrest logs on their official websites. These resources typically include basic information about recent arrests within their jurisdiction.
County Jail Rosters: Most counties maintain publicly accessible jail rosters that list currently incarcerated individuals, including recent arrestees awaiting arraignment or trial.
Court Dockets: Daily court calendars, which include arraignments for recent arrests, are typically available through county superior and district court websites or at courthouse public terminals.
Public Records Requests: Formal requests may be submitted to law enforcement agencies under the Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW) to obtain specific arrest reports or booking information.

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

Everett Police Department Records Unit
3002 Wetmore Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 257-8400
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Everett Public Records Requests

When seeking local arrest information, requestors should be aware that certain details may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under RCW 42.56.240, particularly if disclosure would interfere with an active investigation or compromise privacy interests protected by statute.