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Issaquah Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Issaquah, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Issaquah, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities throughout Washington State, including the City of Issaquah.

The Issaquah Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records are subject to disclosure under state law, with certain statutory exemptions that may apply to protect ongoing investigations, privacy in specific circumstances, or juvenile records as specified in RCW 13.50.050. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records must submit formal requests through established channels maintained by the Issaquah Police Department's Records Division.

How to Look Up Issaquah Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Issaquah provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records as of 2025. Pursuant to Washington State's commitment to governmental transparency, the following official channels have been established for public access to arrest documentation:

  • Submit a public records request directly to the Issaquah Police Department Records Division
  • Visit the Issaquah Police Department in person to complete a records request form
  • Access the Issaquah Jail Roster for current inmate information
  • Submit written correspondence to the Records Division specifying the information sought
  • Utilize the city's online public records portal for electronic submission of requests

Requestors should note that processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. The Issaquah Police Department processes all requests in accordance with RCW 42.56.520, which requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days.

Issaquah Police Department Records Division
130 E Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: 425-837-3200
Official Website

Contents of an Issaquah Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Issaquah Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include the following elements as mandated by Washington State law enforcement protocols:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory citation of the alleged offense(s)
  • Detailed narrative of the circumstances leading to the arrest
  • Identification of the arresting officer(s) and their badge numbers
  • Booking photographs (commonly referred to as mugshots)
  • Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
  • Custody status and bail information, if applicable
  • Case number and incident report references
  • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest

The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including facilitating proper identification, enabling appropriate prosecution, and maintaining accurate criminal justice statistics as required by state and federal reporting mandates.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Issaquah

The expungement process for arrest records in Issaquah operates under the provisions of Washington State law, specifically RCW 10.97 and RCW 9.94A. Individuals seeking to have arrest records expunged must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed legal procedures. The Washington State Courts have established a formal process through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement, sealing, or vacation of arrest records.

Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:

  • Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
  • Arrests that did not result in formal charges within the statutory timeframe
  • Successful completion of diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements
  • Satisfaction of waiting periods following conviction (for certain offense categories)
  • Demonstration that no new criminal charges are pending
  • Fulfillment of all court-ordered financial obligations

The petition process requires filing appropriate documentation with the Issaquah Municipal Court or King County Superior Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Petitioners must provide certified copies of relevant court documents and may be required to attend a hearing where a judicial officer will determine whether the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied.

Issaquah Municipal Court
135 E Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: 425-837-3170
Official Website

Pursuant to Washington State law, expunged records are removed from public access but may remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific authorized purposes. The expungement process does not automatically extend to records maintained by federal agencies or private entities that may have obtained the information prior to expungement.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Washington State law establishes certain limitations on public access to arrest records maintained by the Issaquah Police Department. These restrictions are codified in various statutes designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Key statutory restrictions include:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to confidentiality provisions under RCW 13.50.050, with limited exceptions for serious offenses
  • Information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld pursuant to RCW 42.56.240(1)
  • Records containing information that would violate an individual's right to privacy as defined in RCW 42.56.050
  • Specific identifying information of victims of certain crimes as protected under RCW 42.56.240(2)
  • Medical information contained within arrest records is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Intelligence information compiled for law enforcement purposes where disclosure would compromise effective law enforcement

The Issaquah Police Department is required to review each public records request to determine whether any statutory exemptions apply. When exemptions are invoked, the department must provide written justification citing the specific statutory provision that authorizes the withholding of information.

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records

The City of Issaquah has established a fee schedule for arrest record requests in accordance with RCW 42.56.120, which authorizes agencies to charge for the actual costs associated with providing copies of public records. The current fee structure for arrest record requests is as follows:

  • Standard paper copies: $0.15 per page
  • Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus certification fee
  • Electronic records: $0.10 per page for scanning paper records
  • Storage media (CD/DVD/USB drive): Actual cost of media
  • Mailing/delivery costs: Actual postage/delivery expenses
  • Custom electronic data compilation: Actual cost based on staff time at hourly rate

Requestors should note that Washington State law permits agencies to require a deposit of up to 10% of the estimated cost when records requests are extensive. The Issaquah Police Department may waive fees when doing so would be in the public interest and the request is primarily for a public benefit rather than personal or commercial gain.

Payment must be made prior to the release of records and can be submitted via cash, check, or credit card at the Issaquah Police Department Records Division. Electronic payment options may also be available through the city's online records portal.

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