Arrest records are public in Kitsap County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying. The Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and accountability of public officials by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities. Members of the public may request these records through designated channels established by county agencies, subject to certain exemptions as provided by state law.
The Washington State Public Records Act specifically mandates that public agencies make records available promptly upon request. Under RCW 42.56.070, agencies must make available for public inspection and copying all public records unless the record falls within specific statutory exemptions. Arrest records generally do not fall under protected categories, though certain information within them may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with RCW 42.56.240.
Kitsap County arrest records are available online through several official government portals. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office maintains digital databases that provide public access to arrest information. These online resources have been established in accordance with Washington's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility as outlined in RCW 42.56.
The digital availability of arrest records serves multiple public interests, including:
Online access is subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records, with certain sensitive information potentially redacted in compliance with state privacy laws. The Kitsap County Jail Inmate Roster provides regularly updated information about individuals currently in custody.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Kitsap County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Washington State's Public Records Act, these records are maintained by various agencies and can be accessed through the following official channels:
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of recent arrests. This resource provides information about individuals booked within the previous 72 hours, including names, booking numbers, and charges. For more comprehensive searches, the Web Jail Viewer allows public access to current inmate information.
Members of the public may submit requests in person at:
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-7101
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, Room 202
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-7164
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to either of the above addresses. Requests must include:
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, fees may apply for copying and research services. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order made payable to the appropriate county agency.
Kitsap County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Washington State law and local regulations. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including accurate identification of individuals within the criminal justice system, facilitation of investigations, and maintenance of statistical data for law enforcement purposes. These records are maintained in accordance with Washington State records retention schedules as established by the Secretary of State's Office.
Under Washington State law, individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Kitsap County under specific circumstances. The process is governed by RCW 10.97 (Criminal Records Privacy Act) and RCW 9.94A (Sentencing Reform Act), which establish criteria for removing arrest information from public access.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Kitsap County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Kitsap County Superior Court located at:
Kitsap County Superior Court
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-7140
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, individuals may also request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information in their criminal history record. Such requests must be submitted in writing to the originating agency. If the agency refuses to make the requested changes, individuals may challenge this decision through administrative procedures established by the Washington State Patrol.
Successful expungement does not necessarily result in complete destruction of records but may restrict their accessibility to the public. Law enforcement agencies and courts may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes authorized by statute.