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Tacoma Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tacoma, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Tacoma, 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 pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Act mandates that all public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person, unless a specific statutory exemption applies that would justify withholding the record from public view.

The Washington State Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that government accountability requires transparency in law enforcement operations. Arrest records maintained by the Tacoma Police Department fall under this requirement, ensuring citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities within their community.

Certain exemptions may apply to portions of arrest records, particularly those that:

Contain information that would violate an individual's right to privacy
Are part of an active investigation
Include details about confidential informants
Contain juvenile records subject to sealing under RCW 13.50.050
Include medical information protected under HIPAA

When requesting arrest records, members of the public should be aware that while the records themselves are public, certain information within them may be redacted in accordance with these statutory exemptions.

How to Look Up Tacoma Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tacoma have multiple avenues available for accessing this information in 2025. The City of Tacoma maintains several official channels through which arrest records may be obtained:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests directly at the Records Division of the Tacoma Police Department.

Tacoma Police Department - Records Division
3701 South Pine Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 591-5921
Tacoma Police Department

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Online Portal Access: The City of Tacoma maintains a public records portal through which citizens may submit requests electronically. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days.
Pierce County Superior Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Pierce County Superior Court.

Pierce County Superior Court
930 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7455
Pierce County Superior Court

Tacoma Municipal Court: For violations of city ordinances resulting in arrests.

Tacoma Municipal Court
930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 841
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 591-5100
Tacoma Municipal Court

When submitting requests, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific record sought, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, reasonable fees may be charged for providing copies of records.

Contents of a Tacoma Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Tacoma Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction typically contain standardized information as required by Washington State law. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and generally include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases or known monikers, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, as documented in official incident reports.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of the Tacoma Municipal Code or Washington State law for which the individual was arrested, including citation of relevant statutes or ordinances.
Arresting Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, badge numbers and names of arresting officers.
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting, photographing (mugshots), and assignment of booking identification numbers.
Detention Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Property Inventory: Itemized list of personal effects in the individual's possession at the time of arrest.
Miranda Rights Documentation: Confirmation that constitutional rights were read to the arrested individual.
Initial Appearance Information: Date and time of first court appearance before a judicial officer.

Pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-050, arrest records must be maintained with accuracy and completeness. Individuals who believe their arrest record contains inaccuracies may submit a request for correction through established administrative procedures.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Tacoma

The expungement process in Tacoma allows for the sealing or destruction of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by Washington State law. RCW 10.97.060 provides the statutory framework for the removal of non-conviction data from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement when:

The arrest did not lead to a criminal charge within the applicable statute of limitations
Criminal charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The individual received a vacated conviction pursuant to RCW 9.96.060
The arrest record pertains to a juvenile offense eligible for sealing under RCW 13.50.260

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the court of jurisdiction. For violations of Tacoma Municipal Code, petitions must be filed with the Tacoma Municipal Court. For felony offenses or other state law violations, petitions are processed through the Pierce County Superior Court.

Requirements for expungement typically include:

Completion of all court-ordered requirements
Payment of all fines, restitution, and court costs
Absence of pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
Completion of specified waiting periods based on offense classification

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, agencies must comply with such orders within 60 days of receipt.

It should be noted that certain records, particularly those related to domestic violence offenses, sexual crimes, or driving under the influence, may be subject to additional restrictions regarding eligibility for expungement under Washington State law.

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Tacoma

Arrest records in Tacoma carry significant legal implications that extend beyond the immediate criminal justice process. These records, maintained pursuant to Title 8 of the Tacoma Municipal Code, impact individuals in various contexts:

Employment Screening: Washington State's Fair Chance Employment Act (RCW 49.94) restricts employers from inquiring about arrest records during initial employment applications, but permits background checks after conditional offers of employment.
Housing Applications: Landlords may access arrest records when evaluating rental applications, though the City of Tacoma has enacted ordinances limiting the use of criminal history in housing decisions.
Professional Licensing: Regulatory boards governing professional licenses may consider arrest records when evaluating applications for occupational credentials.
Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face immigration proceedings based on arrest records, even in cases where charges were ultimately dismissed.
Firearm Rights: Arrests for certain offenses may trigger temporary restrictions on firearm possession under RCW 9.41.040, even prior to conviction.
Enhanced Penalties: Prior arrests, even without convictions, may influence prosecutorial charging decisions and judicial sentencing considerations in subsequent cases.

The Tacoma Municipal Court adjudicates cases involving violations of city ordinances, including those related to animal control and other municipal regulations. Individuals with arrest records should be aware that these records may be accessed by various governmental and non-governmental entities, potentially affecting their legal rights and opportunities.