Thurston County, Washington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Thurston County, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Thurston County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including arrest information, shall be accessible to the public to promote transparency and accountability within public agencies. The Act specifically designates that records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Thurston County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county, are presumptively open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may request access to arrest records through designated procedures established by each agency. The Washington State Public Records Act requires that agencies respond to requests within five business days, either by providing the requested records, acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated time frame for response, or denying the request with specific citation to the applicable exemption.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, which protects specific investigative information, victim identities, and other sensitive data. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under RCW 13.50.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Thurston County?
Thurston County provides digital access to certain arrest records through various online platforms maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Washington State Legislature has recognized the importance of electronic access to public records through amendments to the Public Records Act that specifically address electronic records management and accessibility.
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly with information about current detainees in the county correctional facility. This resource includes basic arrest information such as the individual's name, booking date, and charges. The Thurston County Corrections Inmate Roster provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody.
Additionally, several municipalities within Thurston County, including Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, participate in collaborative online records services that allow the public to access certain police reports and arrest information electronically. These systems typically require users to register and may involve nominal fees for record retrieval.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Washington State Patrol maintains the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system, which provides statewide arrest and conviction data for a fee of $11 per name-based search.
How to Look Up Thurston County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Thurston County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to obtain this information, as prescribed by Washington State law and county procedures:
Online Search Options:
- The Thurston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster provides current detention information and can be accessed through the county's official website
- The Washington State Patrol's WATCH system offers statewide criminal history information for a fee of $11 per name-based search
- Municipal police departments in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater provide certain arrest records through their respective online portals
- Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Washington Courts JIS-Link system
In-Person Requests:
Thurston County Sheriff's Office 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502 Phone: (360) 786-5500 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thurston County Clerk's Office (for court records related to arrests) 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2 Olympia, WA 98502 Phone: (360) 786-5430 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency by mail. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days. Requests should include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific description of the records sought
- Date range of interest
- Subject individual's identifying information (name, date of birth)
Telephone Inquiries: Limited information regarding arrests may be available via telephone. Agencies typically require verification of the requestor's identity and purpose before releasing information by phone. The Thurston County Sheriff's Records Division can be reached at (360) 786-5500 during regular business hours.
Contents of a Thurston County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Thurston County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Washington State law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known monikers
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed enumeration of criminal charges, including applicable RCW citations
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during the intake process
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, in some cases, DNA samples
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Case numbers and incident report references
- Custody status and bail information
- Prior criminal history references
The Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97) governs the dissemination of criminal history record information and establishes parameters for what information may be released to the public. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and information about confidential informants, is typically redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with RCW 42.56.240.
Law enforcement agencies in Thurston County maintain arrest records in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records are stored in the Jail Management System (JMS) and may be linked to the statewide Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) and the national Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) databases maintained by the FBI.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Thurston County
Individuals with arrest records in Thurston County may petition for expungement under specific circumstances as provided by Washington State law. The process of expungement, also referred to as "vacating" or "sealing" records in Washington State, is governed primarily by RCW 9.96 and RCW 10.97.060.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Thurston County include:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements, including payment of legal financial obligations
- Expiration of specified waiting periods (typically 3-10 years depending on offense classification)
- Absence of pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
- No subsequent convictions during the waiting period
- Satisfaction of offense-specific requirements (certain violent offenses, sex crimes, and DUI convictions are generally ineligible)
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Thurston County Superior Court, located at:
Thurston County Superior Court 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2 Olympia, WA 98502 Phone: (360) 786-5560 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Petitioners must provide certified copies of their criminal history, proof of completed sentencing requirements, and a properly executed petition form. The court filing fee is approximately $240, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals under GR 34.
Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing where a judge determines whether the statutory requirements have been met. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
The Washington State Patrol, which maintains the central repository of criminal history information, implements the court's order by restricting public access to the expunged records in its databases. Local law enforcement agencies in Thurston County similarly modify their record systems to comply with expungement orders.
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