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Tukwila Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tukwila, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Tukwila, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Act affirms that public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person regardless of the purpose for which the records are sought. The Washington State Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the definition of public records as they document the actions of government agencies in the performance of their official duties.

The Tukwila Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records are subject to disclosure under RCW § 42.56.070, which requires agencies to make available for public inspection and copying all public records unless specifically exempted by statute. While certain information within arrest records may be redacted pursuant to privacy exemptions under RCW § 42.56.240, the fundamental record of an arrest remains accessible to the public.

How to Look Up Tukwila Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tukwila have multiple methods available to obtain this information:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Tukwila Police Department Records Division to submit a request for arrest records. The Records Division processes requests during regular business hours.

Tukwila Police Department
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 433-1808
Official Website

Public Records Requests: Formal requests may be submitted through the City of Tukwila's Public Records Request system. Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, the agency must respond to requests within five business days.
Online Access: The Tukwila Police Department provides limited online reporting capabilities and information. While not all arrest records are available online, basic information about recent arrests may be accessible through this portal.
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Tukwila Municipal Court records system. Court records often contain information about arrests that led to charges being filed.

Tukwila Municipal Court
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 433-1840
Official Website

Contents of a Tukwila Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Tukwila Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard components of an arrest record include:

Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, gender, race, and residential address at the time of arrest
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of the Tukwila Municipal Code or Washington State law for which the individual was arrested
Booking Information: Processing details, including fingerprinting and photographing procedures
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on personal recognizance, or bail/bond requirements
Case Identification: Unique case number assigned for tracking purposes within the criminal justice system
Mugshot Photograph: Official photograph taken during the booking process

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with RCW § 42.56.240, which protects specific investigative information and personal privacy interests.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Tukwila

The management and disclosure of arrest records in Tukwila operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by Washington State law and local ordinances. The primary statutory authority governing public access to arrest records is the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), codified in RCW Chapter 42.56. This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Tukwila Municipal Court operates under the Local Criminal Rules (TMCLR), which establish procedures for criminal cases within the city's jurisdiction. These rules, in conjunction with Washington Court Rules, govern how arrest information transitions into court records and the accessibility of such information.

Law enforcement agencies in Tukwila must adhere to RCW § 10.97, the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act, which regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information. This statute establishes guidelines for the accuracy, completeness, and security of criminal history information, including arrest records.

Additionally, the Tukwila Police Department maintains internal policies regarding records management that comply with state accreditation standards and best practices for law enforcement agencies. These policies ensure the integrity and proper handling of arrest records throughout their lifecycle.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, certain statutory exemptions and limitations restrict access to specific information contained within these records. The Washington Public Records Act provides several exemptions that may apply to arrest records, including:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to RCW § 13.50.050, records relating to juvenile arrests are subject to heightened confidentiality protections and may not be available through standard public records requests.
Active Investigations: Information contained in arrest records that could compromise an active law enforcement investigation may be temporarily withheld under RCW § 42.56.240(1).
Privacy Protections: Personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy if disclosed may be redacted from arrest records, as provided in RCW § 42.56.050.
Victim and Witness Information: Details that could endanger victims or witnesses may be withheld from public disclosure pursuant to RCW § 42.56.240(2).
Intelligence Information: Records containing specific intelligence information may be exempt from disclosure under RCW § 42.56.240(1) if release would endanger law enforcement activities.

The Tukwila Police Department is required to cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to any portion of an arrest record. Requestors who believe information has been improperly withheld may seek judicial review of the agency's decision, as provided in RCW § 42.56.550.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Tukwila

Individuals with arrest records in Tukwila may be eligible to petition for expungement or sealing of these records under specific circumstances. The process for expungement is governed by RCW Chapter 10.97 and RCW § 9.94A.640, which establish the criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.

To qualify for expungement in Tukwila, applicants must generally meet one or more of the following conditions:

The arrest did not lead to charges being filed within the applicable statute of limitations
The charges were dismissed or resulted in an acquittal
The individual completed a deferred prosecution program successfully
The conviction was vacated pursuant to RCW § 9.96.060
The statutory waiting period has elapsed since completion of all sentencing requirements

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the case. For arrests that resulted in charges filed in Tukwila Municipal Court, petitions must be filed with:

Tukwila Municipal Court
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 433-1840
Court Forms

The court reviews each petition based on statutory criteria and determines whether expungement serves the interests of justice. If granted, an order is issued directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the records from public access. However, certain law enforcement and judicial entities may retain limited access to expunged records for specific authorized purposes.