>Clark County Arrest Records Online

Clark County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County, Washington?

Arrest records are public in Clark County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Clark County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation, which citizens may access to ensure governmental transparency and accountability.

The Washington State Public Records Act operates under the premise that the public has the right to be informed about governmental operations and decisions. Arrest records fall within this purview as they document official actions taken by law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may request these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information verification.

While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in RCW 42.56.050. Such protected information may include Social Security numbers, medical information, and details about victims of certain crimes.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clark County?

Clark County arrest records are accessible online through several official platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Clark County Jail Roster provides current information about individuals currently incarcerated in the county detention facilities. This digital resource is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and basic arrest information.

The online availability of arrest records is governed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 44-14, which implements the Public Records Act and establishes guidelines for electronic access to government records. Digital access to these records enhances public convenience while reducing administrative burden on county offices.

Online arrest record searches may be conducted through:

The Clark County Jail Records portal, which provides information about current inmates
The Washington State Patrol's WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system for statewide criminal history information
The Clark County Clerk's Office online records portal for court case information related to arrests

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies.

How to Look Up Clark County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing Clark County arrest records. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records:

Online Database Access: The Clark County Jail Roster provides current inmate information. For historical arrest data, the Washington Courts Name and Case Search offers case information related to arrests.
Clark County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
707 W 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(564) 397-2211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Records requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the online portal.
Clark County Clerk's Office
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(564) 397-2292
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions.
Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
(360) 534-2000
The WATCH system provides statewide criminal history information for a fee of $11 per name-based search.

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.

Contents of a Clark County Arrest Record

Clark County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Washington State law enforcement protocols and RCW 10.97, the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act. These records typically include:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint impressions
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks
Booking number and case identification
Custody status and bail information
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Pursuant to WAC 446-20-090, certain information in arrest records may be restricted if the arrest did not result in charges being filed or if the case was dismissed.

Law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state records retention schedules as established by the Washington State Archives under RCW 40.14.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clark County

Under Washington State law, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 10.97.070 establish the framework for the removal of arrest information from public access. Eligibility criteria for expungement in Clark County include:

Arrests that did not lead to charges being filed
Cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Successful completion of diversion programs
Convictions that have been vacated pursuant to RCW 9.96.060
Juvenile records eligible for sealing under RCW 13.50.260

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Clark County Superior Court located at:

Clark County Superior Court
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(564) 397-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms and may need to attend a hearing where a judge will determine if the legal standards for expungement have been met. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy the arrest records in question. The Washington State Patrol and other agencies maintaining criminal history information will then update their databases accordingly.

It should be noted that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes as outlined in RCW 10.97.050, even after they have been removed from public access.

Search Arrest Records in Clark County

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