Shoreline Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Shoreline, Washington?
Arrest records in Shoreline, Washington are considered public documents pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests made within Shoreline city limits, shall be accessible to members of the public upon proper request. The statute serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability within law enforcement agencies operating in the jurisdiction.
The Washington State Public Records Act specifically designates that law enforcement records, with certain statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations or protected information, shall be made available for public inspection. Shoreline Police Department, operating under contract with the King County Sheriff's Office, maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies governing records retention and disclosure.
Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in compliance with privacy laws, including but not limited to:
• Personal identifying information of minors • Medical information protected under HIPAA • Information that may compromise ongoing investigations • Victim information in certain cases as specified under RCW 42.56.240
How to Access Shoreline Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Shoreline have multiple avenues through which they may submit requests. The following official channels have been established for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies Individuals may appear in person at the Shoreline Police Department to submit a formal request for arrest records. Requestors must complete the designated public disclosure request form and provide proper identification. The department processes these requests in accordance with statutory timelines established in RCW 42.56.520.
Shoreline Police Department 1206 N 185th Street Shoreline, WA 98133 Phone: (206) 801-2710 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
King County District Court - Shoreline Division The district court maintains records related to arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. These records may be requested through the court clerk's office.
King County District Court - Shoreline Division 18050 Meridian Avenue N Shoreline, WA 98133 Phone: (206) 205-9200 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Request Systems The City of Shoreline maintains an electronic public records request portal through which citizens may submit requests for arrest records. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, the city must respond to all requests within five business days, either providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating response time, or denying the request with specific statutory citation.
Written Requests Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. All written requests must include:
• Requestor's full name and contact information • Specific description of records sought • Date range of interest • Subject individual's identifying information (if known) • Preferred method of record delivery
Contents of a Shoreline Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Shoreline law enforcement agencies contain the following categories of information as prescribed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-050:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases • Date of birth and demographic information • Physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest • Statutory citation of alleged offense(s) • Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint impressions • Arresting officer identification and agency affiliation • Booking number and facility information • Disposition information, if available • Bail or bond amount established, if applicable
Pursuant to Washington State law, certain information contained within arrest records may be subject to redaction prior to public disclosure. Such redactions are performed in accordance with exemptions enumerated in RCW 42.56.240 and other applicable statutes governing confidential information.
Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Disclosure
The disclosure of arrest records in Shoreline is subject to specific statutory limitations. RCW 10.97, the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act, establishes parameters for the dissemination of criminal history record information. Under this statute, certain categories of information may be withheld from public disclosure, including:
• Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (governed by RCW 13.50) • Records sealed by court order pursuant to RCW 9.94A.640 • Information that would compromise active investigations as defined in RCW 42.56.240(1) • Intelligence information compiled for law enforcement purposes
Additionally, the Shoreline Police Department adheres to federal regulations including those established under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) when determining the releasability of arrest record information that may be contained in federal databases or shared information systems.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Shoreline
Washington State law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
• The arrest did not lead to charges being filed within the applicable statute of limitations • Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal • The individual has completed all terms of a deferred prosecution or diversion program • The statutory waiting period has elapsed since completion of all sentencing requirements
The expungement process requires the filing of a formal petition with the King County Superior Court. Petitioners must submit documentation demonstrating eligibility under the applicable statutes. Upon judicial review, the court may issue an order directing all agencies to seal or expunge records relating to the specified arrest.
King County Superior Court 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: (206) 477-1400 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves specific legal requirements as outlined in RCW 9.94A.640 and court rules. The court may require a hearing before granting an expungement petition, particularly in cases involving certain categories of offenses.
Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, including arrest records. The fee schedule established by the Shoreline Police Department for record retrieval is as follows:
• Standard paper copies: $0.15 per page • Certified copies: $5.00 per document • Electronic records: $0.10 per page for scanning • Media storage devices: Actual cost • Staff research time: No charge for the first hour; $40 per hour thereafter for customized service
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors as defined in RCW 42.56.120(4). Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with documentation of financial hardship.
Search Arrest Records in Shoreline
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