Arrest records are public documents in Spokane County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Washington State Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities throughout Spokane County and the entire state.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, which protects specific investigative information, victim identities, and other sensitive data. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies maintain these records in compliance with state retention schedules as mandated by the Washington State Archives.
Spokane County Sheriff's Office
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2240
Official Website
Spokane County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Spokane County Jail Inmate Roster offers real-time information regarding individuals currently in custody at the Spokane County Jail and Geiger Corrections Facility. This service is maintained pursuant to RCW 70.48.100, which governs jail records and their accessibility.
Additionally, the Spokane County Jail Records Release system facilitates public records requests for jail-related documentation. Users may submit formal requests through the Spokane County Public Records Portal, where requests are processed in accordance with state-mandated timelines as specified in RCW 42.56.520.
The online systems are updated regularly to ensure accuracy of information. However, pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 44-14-03006, requestors should note that electronic records may occasionally experience technical delays or maintenance periods that could temporarily affect accessibility.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Spokane County arrest records:
Online County Resources: The Spokane County Criminal Records portal provides searchable access to arrest and criminal history information. Users may search by name, case number, or date range in accordance with RCW 10.97, which governs criminal history record information.
Court Record Systems: The Spokane County Court Viewer and Name/Case/Court Dates Search platforms allow access to District, Superior, and Municipal Court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Spokane County Clerk's Office to request physical copies of arrest records. Identification is required, and fees may apply as authorized under RCW 42.56.120.
Spokane County Clerk's Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Court Records Access
Standard Spokane County arrest records contain the following information as prescribed by WAC 446-20-090 regarding criminal history record information:
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information may be restricted or redacted, including juvenile records (unless meeting specific criteria under RCW 13.50.050), sealed records, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Spokane County under provisions established in RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.96.060. The expungement process typically requires:
The Spokane County Superior Court evaluates expungement petitions based on several factors including:
If granted, expungement results in the sealing of arrest records from public view pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as authorized by statute.
Spokane County Superior Court
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-5777
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Criminal Records Information