Kent Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kent, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Kent, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout Washington State, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies in Kent. The Act operates under the fundamental principle that the public has the right to be fully informed about governmental operations, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
The Kent Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public documents subject to disclosure under state law, with certain statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and sensitive information. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records must follow established procedures for requesting such information.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, which provides exemptions for specific investigative information, victim identities, and other sensitive data that may compromise privacy or public safety if disclosed.
How to Look Up Kent Arrest Records in 2025
The retrieval of arrest records in Kent, Washington involves several procedural options that have been enhanced through technological advancements implemented by 2025. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to access these public documents:
Kent Police Department Records Division: Individuals may submit requests in person during regular business hours. The Records Division processes requests for arrest reports, incident documentation, and related materials.
Online Public Records Portal: The City of Kent maintains a digital records request system through which citizens can submit formal requests for arrest records and track the status of their inquiries.
King County Superior Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the King County Superior Court's judicial information system.
Washington State Patrol: For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Kent, requests may be submitted to the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section.
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of the incident. Requestors should be prepared to present identification and may be required to pay applicable fees for document reproduction as established by RCW 42.56.120.
Kent Police Department Records Division
220 4th Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 856-5800
Kent Police Department Official Website
Contents of a Kent Arrest Record
Kent arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and identifying characteristics of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency case number
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Washington State law or Kent Municipal Code for which the individual was arrested
Booking Information: Processing details, including fingerprinting, photographing, and assignment of booking number
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, or bail determination
Incident Narrative: Officer's account of the circumstances leading to the arrest
Property Inventory: Documentation of personal items taken into custody during the booking process
Medical Screening Information: Basic health assessment conducted during intake procedures
The comprehensiveness of arrest records is governed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-020, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. These records are maintained in accordance with retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14.
It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. The presumption of innocence remains until adjudication through proper judicial proceedings.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kent
The expungement process in Kent follows Washington State law regarding the vacation and sealing of criminal records. Under RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. This legal remedy acknowledges that continued public access to certain arrest records may create undue hardship for individuals seeking employment, housing, or educational opportunities.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Kent include:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements for the offense
- Fulfillment of the waiting period specified by statute (varies by offense classification)
- Absence of pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
- No subsequent convictions during the statutory waiting period
- Satisfaction of restitution obligations to victims
The procedural requirements for expungement involve:
- Filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction (Kent Municipal Court or King County Superior Court)
- Providing notice to the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attending a judicial hearing where the court evaluates the petition
- Obtaining a court order directing the sealing or vacation of records
Upon successful expungement, records are removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes authorized by statute. The legal effect of expungement is governed by RCW 9.96.060 for misdemeanors and RCW 9.94A.640 for felonies.
Kent Municipal Court
1220 Central Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 856-5730
Kent Municipal Court Official Website
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