How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Spokane Police Department provides the public with online access to different types of records, including police reports, crime statistics, and inmate location. Some of these records can be accessed either through the County Sheriff’s Office, the County Clerk’s Office, or the Spokane Police Department website.
Who Can Obtain A Report
To obtain a report, the request must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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The applicant must be 18 years and older.
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The incident must have occurred within the city.
Requests can be made by witnesses or victims of a crime, insurance carriers, or legal representatives of victims. Records may also be exempted if they:
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Include information that may deprive a person of a fair trial or disclose investigation techniques.
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Include juvenile or victim information.
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Include information that may endanger the safety of a person or witness.
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Include confidential or sealed information.
Submitting a Request for Public Records
The Spokane Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office Records Division are charged with the responsibility of collecting, processing and providing access to public records.
Interested parties can make requests using the city request link. Requests for Spokane Valley Police or Spokane County Sheriff's reports can be made through the county's Online Portal. Requests can also be made via US mail at:
Attn: Spokane Records
Police Records Unit
1100 W. Mallon Ave.
Spokane, WA 99260
Requesters may also submit applications in person during regular business hours to the same address.
How to Obtain Criminal History Background Checks
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) serves as a criminal background repository for Spokane County and the rest of the state. Interested parties can run background checks online or make requests in person or by mail. A fee is charged for his service.
How to Find Information on Sex Offenders
The City of Spokane provides public information on registered sexual predators in the city. It maintains a toll-free telephone for public requests as well as a sex offenders database website. Users can look up sex offenders by name, email address, or by specifying a radius around an address.
How to Find Inmate and Jail Information
The Spokane County Detention Services is responsible for the management of all data relating to inmates. Inmate information can be obtained online using the inmate roster link. Records may also be available at the different jail locations.
How to Find Court Records
The Court Clerk’s Office manages court records for cases held in the county. Residents can search for district court and superior court records using the Spokane Country Court viewer. It provides information on court hearing dates and case information. Searches can be conducted by name. Requesters can also filter results to reveal different case types, such as civil or small claims records. Court Records can also be obtained from the office of the clerk at:
Spokane County Superior Court
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
County Courthouse, 3rd Floor
Spokane, WA 99260
Court records for cases heard in the Spokane Municipal Court can be requested using the court’s request record form. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail at:
ATT: Court Records Request
Spokane Municipal Court
1100 W. Mallon Ave
Spokane, WA 99260
The records department charges a service fee for requests that incur material costs or require extensive use of resources. Payment can either be made online, in person at the department or by mail using a business check, money order or cashier’s check.
Vital Records
Spokane vital records are processed at the county and state level. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and records of domestic partnership. Applicants may be restricted from obtaining certified records depending on their eligibility.
How to Find Divorce Records
The Washington State Department of Health manages and provides records for divorces that occurred within the state of Washington. To obtain records through the Washington State Department of Health, requesters must complete the application for divorce certificate form, enclose the appropriate fee and mail to:
Washington State Department of Health
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Applications must include the full names of the spouses, the city where the divorce was granted, and the date of the event (or a range of years). Individuals must also provide personal details such as their full name, telephone number and mailing address. Application letters must also be accompanied by a check or money order made out to Vital statistics.
How to Obtain Marriage Records
Individuals can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates from the Spokane County Auditor's office or the Washington State Department of Health. To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate by mail. Requests to the Spokane County Auditor must be sent along with the names of each party at the time of application and the date of the marriage to:
1116 W Broadway Avenue
Room 300
Spokane, WA 99260
In addition, the Washington State Department of Health processes walk-in and mail orders. Residents can obtain records by downloading, filling out and submitting an application form to:
Washington State Department of Health
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Mail-in requests should be sent to the:
Center for Health Statistics Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507
How to Obtain Birth and Death Records
The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) manages and provides birth and death certificates requests to authorized individuals. Individuals can process same-day requests by visiting the office in person with the completed application form, valid identification, and the correct service fee. Payment methods are cash and money orders only. All applications and written inquiries should be mailed to:
Spokane Regional Health District
1101 W. College Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
To obtain records, requesters must provide a birth certificate application form or death certificate application form to the health district with a fee of $20.00 per copy requested. All requests must include a copy of a valid form of picture ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, military identification card or state identification card. Birth certifications can only be released to individuals who qualify for eligibility, such as the parents, legal guardian, child or legal representative.
