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Oak Harbor Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Oak Harbor, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Oak Harbor, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records to promote transparency in governmental operations. Under RCW § 42.56.070, all public records maintained by state and local agencies are presumed to be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records fall within this category of accessible documents and typically include the name of the arrested individual, charges filed, and details regarding the date, time, and location of the arrest. Members of the public may request these records through established procedures maintained by the Oak Harbor Police Department and other relevant agencies.

How to Look Up Oak Harbor Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Oak Harbor provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, these access methods have been enhanced to accommodate technological advancements while maintaining compliance with Washington State public disclosure laws:

Online Public Records Portal: The Oak Harbor Police Department Records Division maintains a digital database where citizens can submit requests for arrest records. This system allows for secure electronic submission of requests pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, which requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Oak Harbor Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff will assist requestors in completing the necessary forms and identifying specific records sought.
Island County Law Enforcement Records: For arrests made by county authorities within Oak Harbor city limits, records may be available through the Island County Sheriff's Office records division.
Daily Incident Reports: The Oak Harbor Police Department maintains an Incident Map showing recent law enforcement activities, which may provide preliminary information about arrests before formal records are processed.

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, as required under WAC 44-14-04002. This may include the full name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.

Contents of an Oak Harbor Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Oak Harbor Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Washington State law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following components:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including applicable Washington State or Oak Harbor Municipal Code citations.
Booking Information: Processing details including booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, or bail/bond amounts as determined at initial appearance.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates, hearing outcomes, and final resolution if available.
Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest and any cooperating agencies involved in the case.

Pursuant to RCW § 10.97.050, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under RCW § 13.50.050.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Oak Harbor

The expungement process in Oak Harbor follows Washington State law regarding the vacation and sealing of criminal records. Under RCW § 9.96.060 and RCW § 10.97.060, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal process requires:

Eligibility Determination: Petitioners must meet statutory requirements, which typically include completion of all sentencing conditions, payment of all legal financial obligations, and absence of new criminal charges within a specified waiting period.
Petition Filing: Eligible individuals must file a formal petition with the Island County District Court or Oak Harbor Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. The petition must include all relevant case information and supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility.
Judicial Review: The court conducts a comprehensive review of the petition, criminal history, and compliance with statutory requirements. The prosecuting attorney's office receives notification and may contest the petition.
Court Order: If approved, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the specified records from public access. This order must be served on all agencies maintaining copies of the records.
Agency Compliance: Upon receipt of a valid court order, the Oak Harbor Police Department and other agencies must comply by removing the specified records from public access systems and restricting their disclosure.

The expungement process is governed by the Local Rules of the District Court of Island County and the Municipal Courts of Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley. These rules establish procedural requirements for filing petitions and scheduling hearings related to record expungement.

Search Arrest Records in Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor Police Department
860 SE Barrington Drive
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Phone: 360-279-4500
Official Website

Island County District Court
101 NE 6th Street
Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone: 360-679-7361