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Whatcom County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Whatcom County, Washington?

Arrest records in Whatcom County, Washington are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, must be made available to the public with limited exceptions. The Public Records Act serves as a cornerstone of governmental transparency in Washington State, ensuring that law enforcement activities remain accountable to public scrutiny.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests through established channels, with the understanding that certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy as permitted under RCW 42.56.240. The county is legally obligated to respond to public records requests within five business days, either by providing the requested records, acknowledging receipt and estimating response time, or denying the request with specific citation to applicable exemptions.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Whatcom County?

Whatcom County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Jail Bookings database serves as the primary resource for accessing current and historical booking information dating back to 1996. This searchable database is maintained pursuant to the county's commitment to digital transparency and public information accessibility.

Additionally, the Whatcom County Inmate Database system offers comprehensive information regarding current detainees, recent bookings, and jail releases. These online resources are updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information provided to the public.

For individuals seeking broader criminal history information, the Washington State Patrol Criminal History database provides supplementary resources that may include Whatcom County arrest data within the context of statewide records. Access to certain detailed information may require payment of statutory fees as established by RCW 10.97.100.

How to Look Up Whatcom County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Whatcom County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

  • Visit the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person to request physical copies of arrest records. The office is located at:

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Records Division: 360-778-6670
Official Website

Pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 44-14-040, agencies may charge for copies of records, but not for the time spent locating records. Current fee schedules are available at each respective agency.

Contents of a Whatcom County Arrest Record

Whatcom County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Washington State law and local protocols. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable RCW citations
  • Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during the intake process
  • Biometric data including fingerprints collected at booking
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
  • Residential address of the arrested individual at time of booking
  • Case number and arresting agency identification
  • Custody status and bail information where applicable
  • Preliminary court appearance dates if scheduled

It should be noted that pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure would compromise an active investigation. The Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk maintains the official judicial records associated with arrests at:

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-778-5560
Official Website

Expungement of Arrest Records in Whatcom County

Washington State law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Whatcom County, individuals may petition for expungement pursuant to RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.94A.640 when they meet statutory eligibility requirements.

The expungement process typically requires the following:

  • Filing a formal petition with the Whatcom County Superior Court
  • Demonstrating that the arrest did not result in conviction or that the conviction is eligible for vacation under state law
  • Establishing that the statutory waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-10 years depending on offense classification)
  • Proving compliance with all court-ordered financial obligations
  • Verifying no pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
  • Confirming no subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period

Upon court approval of an expungement petition, the record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes as outlined in RCW 10.97.050(6). The Washington State Patrol is responsible for updating the criminal history database to reflect the expungement order.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict adherence to procedural requirements established in the Washington Court Rules (GR 15) and local court rules. The Whatcom County Superior Court provides standardized forms for expungement petitions in accordance with Washington State Court Administrative Office guidelines.

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