Spokane Public Records / Spokane County Arrest Records

Spokane County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Spokane County

Arrest records in Spokane County are considered public information under the Washington State Public Records Act, specifically RCW 42.56. This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington State Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in government is essential to maintaining public trust and accountability.

Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.070, public agencies in Spokane County are required to make available for public inspection and copying all public records, including arrest records. However, it is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.

The Spokane County Public Records Office serves as the primary point of contact for public records requests related to arrests and other law enforcement activities. This office processes requests in accordance with state law and county policies.

Spokane County Public Records Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2770
Spokane County Public Records Office

While arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be exempt from disclosure under RCW § 42.56.240, which protects specific law enforcement and investigative information. These exemptions may include information that would compromise an ongoing investigation, reveal the identity of confidential informants, or violate an individual's privacy in certain circumstances.

What's in Spokane County Arrest Records

Spokane County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are maintained by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane County Detention Services. The content of these records typically includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Home address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Gender
Race/ethnicity

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor)
Charge description
Enhancement factors (if applicable)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Processing officer information
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location (if incarcerated)
Expected release date (if applicable)
Custody level classification

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Emergency contact information
Immigration status
Probation/parole status

The inmate roster maintained by Spokane County Detention Services provides a subset of this information for individuals currently in custody at the Spokane County Jail and Geiger Corrections Facility.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Spokane County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Spokane County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county has established specific procedures for requesting and accessing these records in compliance with the Washington State Public Records Act.

To look up arrest records, individuals may follow these steps:

Submit a Public Records Request: The primary method for obtaining comprehensive arrest records is through a formal public records request. Requesters must complete the Public Records Request form available through the Spokane County Public Records Office. This form may be submitted:
- Online through the county's public records portal
- In person at the Public Records Office
- By mail to the Public Records Office
- By email to publicrecords@spokanecounty.org
Provide Specific Information: To facilitate efficient processing, requesters should provide:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate timeframe of arrest
- Any case numbers or other identifying information
- The specific records being requested
Pay Applicable Fees: Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual costs of providing copies of records. Currently, Spokane County charges:
- $0.15 per page for standard black and white copies
- $0.25 per page for color copies
- Actual cost for electronic records, including the cost of media
- No fee for inspection of records
Visit the Sheriff's Records Division: For records specifically related to sheriff's office arrests:

Spokane County Sheriff's Records Division
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2240
Spokane County Sheriff

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Check Court Records: For information about arrests that have led to court proceedings, the Spokane County Court Viewer provides access to court calendars and basic case information.
Request Jail Records: For records related to incarceration following arrest, contact:

Spokane County Detention Services
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2278
Jail Records

The county typically processes requests in the order received. Simple requests may be fulfilled within 5 business days, while more complex requests may take longer. Requesters will receive acknowledgment of their request within 5 business days as required by state law.

How To Find Spokane County Arrest Records Online

Spokane County provides several online resources for accessing arrest-related information. These digital tools allow members of the public to search for and retrieve certain arrest records without visiting county offices in person.

The primary online resources for finding arrest records include:

Spokane County Inmate Roster: The inmate roster provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at the Spokane County Jail and Geiger Corrections Facility. This searchable database includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking number
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
Spokane County Court Viewer: The Court Viewer allows users to search for court cases that may be associated with arrests. This system provides access to:
- Case numbers
- Parties involved
- Charges filed
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Judge assigned
Washington State Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction, the Incarcerated Search tool provides information about their current status.
Washington Courts Search: The Washington Courts website (https://www.courts.wa.gov/) offers a statewide search for court cases that may contain information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Spokane County Public Records Request Portal: For records not available through the above resources, the county's online public records portal allows users to submit requests electronically and track their status.

When using these online resources, users should note that:

Information is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent changes in status
Some information may be restricted due to privacy laws or ongoing investigations
Complete arrest records typically require a formal public records request
Online systems may experience occasional maintenance or downtime
User registration may be required for certain search functions

For technical assistance with online systems, users may contact the Spokane County Information Technology Department at (509) 477-5800.

How To Search Spokane County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Spokane County arrest records without incurring fees. Washington State law and county policies provide for free access to certain public records information, particularly when records are merely inspected rather than copied.

Free methods for searching arrest records include:

In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.070, individuals may inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours. To utilize this option:
- Submit a records request specifying the desire to inspect rather than receive copies
- Schedule an appointment with the appropriate records custodian
- Present identification at the time of inspection
- Take notes as needed (though copying fees may apply if copies are requested)
Online Inmate Roster: The Spokane County Inmate Roster is available free of charge and provides information about individuals currently in custody, including their charges and booking information.
Court Records Search: The Spokane County Court Viewer is accessible without charge and provides information about court cases, which often contain details about arrests.
Public Library Access: The Spokane Public Library and Spokane County Library District provide free public computer access that can be used to search online resources.
Law Enforcement Agency Websites: The Spokane County Sheriff's Office website provides some information about recent arrests and significant cases at no cost.
Media Reports: Local news outlets often report on significant arrests, and their archives can be searched online for free.

When utilizing free search methods, requesters should be aware of certain limitations:

Free inspection does not include the right to copies without payment of applicable fees
Some records may require redaction before inspection, which could delay access
High-volume requests may be subject to scheduling constraints
Certain sensitive information may be exempt from disclosure
Online resources may not include complete arrest record information

For assistance with free record searches, individuals may contact:

Spokane County Public Records Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2770
Public Records Office

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Spokane County

Under Washington State law, individuals may have options to limit public access to their arrest records through processes known as expungement, sealing, or vacating. These legal remedies differ in their effects and eligibility requirements.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement generally refers to the physical destruction of records, which is rarely available for adult criminal records in Washington
Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for certain official purposes
Vacating a conviction effectively withdraws the guilty plea or verdict and dismisses the charges

To pursue removal of arrest records from public access in Spokane County, individuals may follow these procedures:

Vacating Criminal Convictions: Pursuant to RCW § 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) or RCW § 9.94A.640 (felonies), eligible individuals may petition to vacate their conviction. Eligibility generally requires:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- No pending criminal charges
- Specified waiting periods (varies by offense)
- No new convictions during waiting period
- Certain offenses are ineligible (including violent offenses and DUIs)
Sealing Non-Conviction Records: For arrests that did not result in conviction, individuals may petition for sealing under GR 15 and RCW § 10.97.060. This process typically requires:
- Demonstration that the record causes harm or disadvantage
- Showing that privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure
- Filing a motion with the appropriate court
Juvenile Records: Special provisions exist for sealing juvenile records under RCW § 13.50.260, with generally more favorable eligibility requirements than adult records.
Administrative Sealing: In some cases, courts may automatically seal records of non-conviction data after specified periods.

To initiate these processes, individuals should:

Obtain complete copies of their criminal history records
Determine eligibility for vacating, sealing, or expungement
Prepare and file appropriate legal documents with the court of jurisdiction
Attend any required hearings
If granted, ensure the order is distributed to all agencies holding records

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for these procedures. Resources include:

Spokane County Public Defender's Office
1033 W. Gardner Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-3690

Northwest Justice Project
1702 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 324-9128

The Spokane County Criminal Records webpage provides additional information about the process for vacating criminal convictions in the county.

What Happens After Arrest in Spokane County?

Following an arrest in Spokane County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Washington State law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Arrest and Booking: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, typically the Spokane County Jail. During booking, the following occurs:
- Personal information is recorded
- Photographs and fingerprints are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial charge information is entered into the system
First Appearance/Arraignment: Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judicial officer where:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail or conditions of release are determined
- Public defender is appointed if the defendant qualifies
- Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
Pretrial Phase: Between arraignment and trial, several activities occur:
- Discovery of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions addressing evidence and procedural issues
- Plea negotiations between defense and prosecution
- Pretrial services monitoring for those released
- Status conferences to track case progress
Resolution Options:
- Plea Agreement: Defendant pleads guilty, often to reduced charges
- Dismissal: Charges dropped by prosecution
- Diversion Programs: Alternative resolution through treatment or other programs
- Trial: Case proceeds to bench or jury trial
Trial Process (if case proceeds to trial):
- Jury selection (for jury trials)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witnesses
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
  - Incarceration in jail or prison
  - Probation
  - Fines and court costs
  - Restitution to victims
  - Treatment requirements
  - Community service
Post-Conviction Options:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Modification of sentence in certain circumstances

Throughout this process, individuals can track their case status through the Spokane County Court Viewer or by contacting their attorney. Family members seeking information about incarcerated individuals can consult the inmate roster or contact:

Spokane County Detention Services
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2278
Jail Information

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Spokane County?

Arrest records in Spokane County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Washington State law, specifically the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule. These schedules are administered by the Washington State Archives and set minimum retention periods for various types of records.

The retention of arrest records varies based on several factors:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- For cases resulting in charges: Retained for the longer of 5 years after case closure or until statute of limitations expires
- For arrests without charges: Typically retained for 3 years
- For juvenile arrests: Subject to special retention rules under RCW § 13.50.270
Fingerprints and Photographs:
- Adult offender fingerprints: Permanently maintained by the Washington State Patrol
- Booking photographs: Retained with the case file according to case disposition
- Non-conviction fingerprints and photos: May be eligible for earlier destruction upon court order
Investigation Records:
- Homicide investigations: Permanent retention
- Felony investigations with charges filed: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor investigations with charges filed: 5 years after case closure
- Investigations without charges: Typically 5 years
Jail Records:
- Inmate files: 6 years after release from custody
- Booking logs: 6 years
- Visitor logs: 3 years

The Public Disclosure Information & Retention Schedule for Spokane County provides additional information about records retention practices.

It is important to note that:

Different agencies may have different retention requirements for the same type of record
Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
Records involved in litigation holds must be retained regardless of scheduled destruction dates
Some records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives for historical preservation
Retention periods represent minimum requirements; records may be kept longer

For specific information about the retention of particular arrest records, individuals may contact:

Spokane County Records Manager
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2770

How to Find Mugshots in Spokane County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Spokane County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of booking and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken in a standardized format against a plain background. These images are created for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Spokane County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office for arrests by county deputies
The Spokane County Detention Services for individuals booked into county facilities
Municipal police departments for arrests within city jurisdictions

Finding Mugshots: To obtain booking photographs in Spokane County, individuals may:

Submit a public records request specifically requesting booking photographs to the appropriate agency:
- For sheriff's office arrests: Submit requests to the Sheriff's Records Division
- For jail bookings: Submit requests to Detention Services Records
- For Spokane Valley arrests: Direct requests to the Spokane County Public Records Office as noted on the Police Report page
Provide specific identifying information including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?: Unlike some jurisdictions, Spokane County does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. While the inmate roster provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, it does not include mugshots. Some third-party websites may publish mugshots, but these are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The official process for obtaining booking photographs requires: