Whitman County, Washington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Whitman County, Washington?
Arrest records in Whitman County, Washington are public documents pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington State Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities by permitting citizens to access and review arrest documentation. These records typically contain information regarding the circumstances of an arrest and identifying information of the arrested individual.
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.070, public agencies in Whitman County are required to make arrest records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. Requestors may examine these records at designated agency facilities or obtain copies for a reasonable fee as prescribed by law. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy provisions outlined in RCW 42.56.050, particularly when disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Whitman County?
Digital access to arrest records is available in Whitman County through various online platforms maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Whitman County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county maintain electronic databases that permit public access to arrest information in accordance with RCW 42.56.520. These digital repositories facilitate efficient searching and retrieval of arrest documentation by authorized members of the public.
Online access to arrest records is provided through the following agencies:
Whitman County Sheriff's Office
411 N. Mill Street
Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-6266
Whitman County Sheriff's Office
Pullman Police Department
260 SE Kamiaken Street
Pullman, WA 99163
Phone: (509) 334-0802
Pullman Police Department
Users of these online systems should be advised that pursuant to RCW 42.56.580, certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible arrest records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations. Additionally, the completeness and currency of online records may vary, and verification with the originating agency is recommended for official purposes.
How to Look Up Whitman County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Whitman County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.080, which governs public records requests, the following procedures are available:
In-person requests at the Whitman County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) at 411 N. Mill Street, Colfax, WA 99111. A valid government-issued identification is required, and standard copying fees apply as authorized by RCW 42.56.120.
Whitman County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed at the Clerk's Office located at 400 N Main Street, Suite 210, Colfax, WA 99111-2020. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (509) 397-6244.
Online court record search: The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search provides access to case information that may include arrest details.
WHITCOM 911 Records: The regional emergency communications center serving Whitman County maintains certain arrest-related records. Requests may be submitted to WHITCOM at 2220 NE Terre View Drive, Pullman, WA 99163, or by calling (509) 332-2521.
Requestors should note that pursuant to WAC 44-14-04003, agencies may take time to respond to requests depending on their complexity and the agency's available resources. Standard processing times range from 5 to 10 business days for routine requests.
Contents of a Whitman County Arrest Record
Whitman County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-050. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, identifying marks, and other distinguishing characteristics
- Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Enumeration of charges filed, including applicable RCW citations
- Booking photograph ("mugshot") as permitted under RCW 70.48.100
- Fingerprint information when collected pursuant to RCW 43.43.735
- Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
- Custody status and bail information if applicable
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information within arrest records may be subject to restricted access, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation. Law enforcement agencies in Whitman County adhere to the Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97) when determining the scope of information that may be released to the public.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Whitman County
The process for expungement of arrest records in Whitman County is governed by RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.96.060, which establish procedures for the vacation of records under qualifying circumstances. Individuals meeting statutory criteria may petition for expungement through a formal legal process.
Eligibility requirements for expungement include:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed within the applicable statute of limitations
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal with prejudice
- Convictions that have been vacated pursuant to RCW 9.96.060
- Completion of all sentencing requirements and prescribed waiting periods
- No pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
- No prior record expungements within specified timeframes
The petition process requires filing appropriate documentation with the Whitman County Superior Court located at 400 N Main Street, Suite 210, Colfax, WA 99111-2020. Standard filing fees apply unless waived by judicial order based on indigency. Upon judicial review and approval, the court may order records to be sealed or destroyed in accordance with RCW 10.97.060.
Expunged records are removed from public access; however, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and prosecutors, may retain limited access for specific statutory purposes as outlined in RCW 10.97.050(6).
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