Pullman Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pullman, Washington?
Arrest records are public in Pullman, 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 and law enforcement activities. The Washington State Public Records Act mandates that all public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person, subject to specific exemptions defined by statute.
The City of Pullman and its law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records are considered public documents under state law, reflecting the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. Members of the public may request access to these records through established procedures, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as permitted by RCW 42.56.240.
Washington State law recognizes the public's right to information while balancing privacy concerns. Accordingly, while arrest records are generally accessible, specific details may be withheld if disclosure would violate an individual's right to privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation as defined in RCW 42.56.050 and related statutes.
How to Look Up Pullman Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Pullman provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information should be aware of the following official methods:
Public Records Request Portal: The Pullman Police Department maintains an online portal through which formal requests for arrest records can be submitted. Requests are processed in accordance with RCW 42.56.520, which requires agencies to respond within five business days.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Pullman Police Department during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff will provide assistance with the proper forms and procedures.
Daily Activity Logs: The Pullman Police Department publishes daily activity logs that include basic information about arrests and other police activities. These logs are available for public inspection.
Whitman County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the county court system, located at the Whitman County Courthouse.
Pullman Police Department
260 SE Kamiaken St
Pullman, WA 99163
(509) 334-0802
Pullman Police Department Official Website
Whitman County Courthouse
400 N Main St
Colfax, WA 99111
(509) 397-6240
Whitman County Superior Court
Contents of a Pullman Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Pullman Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and individuals involved in an arrest. Pursuant to standard law enforcement documentation practices, these records generally include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting officer's name and badge number; and the specific circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Enumeration of all charges filed against the individual, including citations to the relevant sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or Pullman Municipal Code.
Booking Information: Details regarding the processing of the arrested individual, including fingerprinting, photographing, and temporary detention.
Case Disposition: Information regarding bail determinations, court appearances, and the ultimate resolution of the case if available.
Property Inventory: Documentation of any personal property taken from the individual at the time of arrest and booking.
It should be noted that pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information contained within arrest records may be subject to restricted access depending on the status and outcome of the case. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under RCW 13.50.050.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Pullman
Washington State law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process, governed primarily by RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, allows for the removal of arrest information from public access when certain criteria are met.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Pullman include:
Case Disposition: Charges must have been dismissed, the individual acquitted, or the case otherwise resolved favorably to the arrested person.
Waiting Period: A specified period must have elapsed since the arrest or case disposition, varying according to the severity of the alleged offense.
Criminal History: The petitioner must not have subsequent criminal convictions or pending criminal charges.
Public Interest: The court must determine that sealing the record serves the interests of justice and does not compromise public safety.
The formal process for seeking expungement requires:
Filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction, typically the Whitman County Superior Court for arrests in Pullman.
Providing notice to the prosecuting attorney's office, which may contest the petition.
Attending a judicial hearing where the court will evaluate the petition based on statutory criteria.
If granted, obtaining a court order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the specified records.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, even expunged records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain legal proceedings despite being removed from public access.
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