SeaTac Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in SeaTac, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in SeaTac, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington State Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities, serves the public interest by enabling citizen oversight and accountability.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the King County Sheriff's Office, which provides law enforcement services to the City of SeaTac under a contractual agreement. These records are subject to certain exemptions as outlined in RCW 42.56.240, which protects specific investigative information, victim identities, and juvenile records from disclosure in certain circumstances.
The Washington State Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, while balancing privacy concerns and ongoing investigative needs. Records custodians are required to respond to requests within five business days, pursuant to RCW 42.56.520.
How to Look Up SeaTac Arrest Records in 2025
The retrieval of arrest records in SeaTac involves several methodologies established by the King County Sheriff's Office. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Online Request Portal: The King County Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated records request system through which members of the public may submit requests electronically. This system requires registration and allows for tracking of submitted requests.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may appear in person at the King County Sheriff's Records Unit to submit requests during regular business hours. Proper identification is required.
King County Sheriff's Records Unit
516 Third Avenue, Room W-150
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 263-2626
King County Sheriff Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)Written Requests: Standard mail submissions are accepted when accompanied by a completed Public Disclosure Request Form. Requests must include specific information about the record sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
SeaTac Airport-Related Arrests: For incidents occurring at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, requests must be directed to the Port of Seattle Police Department.
Port of Seattle Police Department
2711 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 787-3490
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, fees may be assessed for the reproduction of records. The current fee schedule includes charges for physical copies ($0.15 per page), electronic copies ($0.10 per page), and specialized media at actual cost. Fee waivers may be available based on financial hardship as determined by the records custodian.
Contents of a SeaTac Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies serving SeaTac typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-050. These records generally include the following components:
Biographical Data: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies), race, gender, height, weight, eye and hair color, and distinguishing physical characteristics.
Arrest Information: Date and time of arrest, location of apprehension, arresting officer identification, arresting agency, and statutory authority for the arrest.
Offense Details: Criminal charges filed, including RCW citation numbers, offense classification (felony/misdemeanor), and offense severity level.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, photograph identification number, and property inventory references.
Custodial Status: Information regarding detention facility, bail determination, and release conditions if applicable.
Procedural Notations: Court appearance dates, case disposition if available, and warrant information if relevant.
It should be noted that pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including but not limited to juvenile records sealed under RCW 13.50.260, information pertaining to victims of sexual offenses, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in SeaTac
The expungement process for arrest records in SeaTac follows Washington State law as codified in RCW 10.97 (Criminal Records Privacy Act) and RCW 9.94A.640 (Vacation of Records). Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed procedures.
Eligibility criteria for expungement generally include:
- Arrests that did not lead to charges within the statute of limitations
- Dismissal of charges without prejudice
- Acquittal at trial
- Completion of deferred prosecution programs
- Satisfaction of waiting periods following conviction (varies by offense classification)
The legal process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the court of jurisdiction. For SeaTac arrests, this typically involves the King County Superior Court or King County District Court, depending on the nature of the original charge.
King County Superior Court
516 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 477-1400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
King County District Court - South Division (SeaTac)
601 SW 149th Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 477-0400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, upon court approval, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. This includes records maintained by the arresting agency, prosecutor's office, courts, and the Washington State Patrol Identification Section. The practical effect of expungement is that the record becomes inaccessible through standard public disclosure requests, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific statutory purposes.
Filing fees for expungement petitions are established by RCW 36.18.020 and currently range from $120 to $240 depending on the court of jurisdiction. Fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners pursuant to GR 34 of the Washington Court Rules.
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