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Vancouver Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Vancouver, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Vancouver, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Washington State Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in government operations serves the public interest and promotes accountability among public officials and agencies.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff's Office unless such records are specifically exempted under state law. Exemptions may apply to records that:

Contain information protected by privacy laws
Relate to ongoing investigations
Involve juvenile offenders
Could compromise law enforcement operations
Are sealed or expunged by court order

The custodian agencies of these records must respond to public records requests within five business days, as mandated by RCW § 42.56.520, either by providing the requested records, acknowledging receipt of the request, or denying access with a specific citation of the applicable exemption.

How to Look Up Vancouver Arrest Records in 2025

Vancouver residents and interested parties seeking arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues through which to obtain this information. The Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office maintain these records and make them available through several channels:

Online Portal Access: The Vancouver Police Department's records management system allows for electronic submission of public records requests through their official website. Users must create an account and provide specific information about the records being sought.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the records division during regular business hours to submit requests in person.

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

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

Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted via mail to either agency, with appropriate identifying information about the record being sought.
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Clark County District Court located at 1200 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, where members of the public may search court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.

Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of records, including costs associated with staff time for searching, redacting, and reproducing requested documents.

Contents of a Vancouver Arrest Record

Vancouver arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; the name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed against the individual, including the Washington State RCW code sections allegedly violated and the classification of each offense (felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, and booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots").
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: The outcome of the case, including dismissals, convictions, sentences imposed, or diversion programs completed.

The Clark County Public Records Division maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations, as permitted under RCW § 42.56.240.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Vancouver

The expungement process in Vancouver allows eligible individuals to have their arrest records sealed or destroyed under specific circumstances. Washington state law provides mechanisms for expungement through RCW Chapter 10.97 (Criminal Records Privacy Act) and RCW Chapter 9.94A (Sentencing Reform Act).

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Vancouver include:

Non-Conviction Records: Individuals arrested but not charged, or whose charges were dismissed, may petition for expungement after a waiting period of two years from the date of arrest.
Conviction Records: Persons convicted of misdemeanors may petition for expungement after completing all terms of their sentence and maintaining a clean record for three years. Felony convictions have longer waiting periods and additional restrictions based on the offense classification.
Juvenile Records: Special provisions exist for the sealing and destruction of juvenile records under RCW Chapter 13.50.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Clark County District Court for misdemeanors or the Clark County Superior Court for felonies. The court reviews each petition individually, considering:

The nature and severity of the original offense
The petitioner's criminal history before and after the arrest
The petitioner's rehabilitation efforts
The public interest in maintaining or expunging the record

If granted, an expungement order directs all government agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest and prohibits disclosure of the expunged record. However, certain agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement hiring or judicial proceedings.

Clark County District Court
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(564) 397-2424
District Court Home

Legal Implications of Public Arrest Records

Public arrest records in Vancouver carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. The Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW Chapter 10.97) governs the dissemination and use of criminal history information, including arrest records.

Key legal considerations regarding arrest records include:

Presumption of Innocence: An arrest record alone does not constitute proof of guilt. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Employment Discrimination: Washington state law (RCW § 49.94) restricts employers from asking about arrests that did not lead to convictions during initial employment applications, though exceptions exist for sensitive positions.
Housing Access: Landlords may access arrest records when screening potential tenants, but must comply with fair housing laws that prohibit discriminatory practices.
Professional Licensing: Certain professional licensing boards may consider arrest records when evaluating applications, particularly for positions involving vulnerable populations.
Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face immigration proceedings based on arrest records, even without conviction, depending on the nature of the alleged offense.

Individuals concerned about the impact of their arrest records may consult with legal counsel regarding their rights under state and federal law. The Clark County District Court can provide information about accessing legal resources for those unable to afford private representation.

Accuracy and Challenges of Vancouver Arrest Records

The maintenance of accurate arrest records presents ongoing challenges for Vancouver law enforcement agencies. The Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office employ quality control measures to ensure record accuracy, but errors may occur during the documentation process.

Common issues affecting arrest record accuracy include:

Misidentification: Individuals with similar names or identifying information may be incorrectly associated with another person's arrest record.
Data Entry Errors: Clerical mistakes during the booking process can result in inaccurate information being recorded.
Incomplete Updates: Failure to update records following case dismissals, acquittals, or expungements can result in outdated or misleading information remaining accessible.
Record Consolidation Problems: When individuals have multiple interactions with different law enforcement agencies, records may not be properly consolidated or cross-referenced.

Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their arrest records may submit correction requests to the originating agency. The Vancouver Police Department maintains procedures for addressing such requests, requiring documentation supporting the claimed error. If the agency denies a correction request, individuals may pursue administrative appeals or judicial remedies through the Clark County court system.