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.
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:
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
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.