Pacific County Arrest Records

Pacific County arrest records are official entries maintained by local law enforcement that detail the circumstances surrounding arrests made within a specific period. In Pacific County, Washington, peace officers typically make arrests when a crime is committed in their presence or when they have reasonable suspicion that an individual has committed or may commit a crime.

While most Pacific County arrest records are generated and maintained by the Pacific Sheriff's Office, post-arrest information such as charge filings, trial outcomes (including acquittals or convictions), and sentencing details are documented in the Pacific County Court Records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Pacific County?

Pacific County arrest records are generally considered public information. The State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) requires the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments to make the particulars of an arrest promptly available for inspection and copying to anyone who can correctly identify the relevant record.

However, the Act exempts certain information from public disclosure to protect personal privacy. These include:

• Intelligence and investigative records related to the arrest
• Information revealing the identity of the complainant, witnesses, or victims of the crime, or details about juvenile offenders.
• Body worn camera recordings, if they disclose intimate images, the interior of a private area, or the identities of victims or witnesses.

South Bend Office (Main Office)
300 Memorial Drive
P.O. Box 27
South Bend, WA 98586-0027
Phone: (360) 875-9397

Long Beach Office
7013 Sandridge Road
Long Beach, WA 98631
Phone: (360) 642-9397

Pacific County Arrest Statistics

According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Data (UCR), Pacific County reported 21 arrests in 2019 for violent crimes (0 murder, zero rape, two robbery, 19 aggravated assault) and 137 arrests for property crimes (59 burglary, 71 larceny-theft, seven motor vehicle theft, one arson). Pacific County amassed 641 arrests over the past three years. It is important to note that any individual may be arrested for multiple offenses.

Find Pacific County Arrest Records

Washington Department of Corrections (DOC)

To locate inmates at the state level in Pacific County, individuals can use the Washington Department of Corrections' inmate search tool. The DOC offers an online tool that allows interested individuals to search and retrieve the details of individuals incarcerated in facilities across the state. To find arrest records using the platform, users will need to provide a name or DOC number.

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Individuals may also use the BOP inmate locator to search for inmates incarcerated in federal prisons. They may search by name, DOC number, or prison facility. This resource will show the inmate's current status and location within the federal prison system.

Pacific County Sheriff's Office

Inmate information held by the Pacific County Sheriff's Office is electronically retained. Individuals seeking arrest records may visit the Pacific Sheriff's Office website to remotely search for arrest information.

Pacific County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records depict the facts of an individual's apprehension by law enforcement. They provide the arrestee's personal identifying information, and if they have been released, they depict the conditions relating to their bail. This includes bond and surety information. Consequently, an arrest record does not validate that an individual was charged with the crime.

Criminal records, on the other hand, depict the entire cycle of a person's interaction with the justice system, from the point of arrest through conviction or discharge and acquittal. This includes the details of their arrest, the charges, trial outcomes, and incarceration.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Unless sealed or expunged, the details of an arrest can remain on a person's criminal history record forever. However, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) [15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(5)] places a limit on how long non-conviction arrest records can be reported on background checks for employment purposes, typically seven years from the file date. It is imperative to note that this is a reporting restriction, not a removal from the official record.

Under the Revised Code (RCW 10.97.060), an individual may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances. These include if the:

• Charges were dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty (acquitted)
• No new arrests or convictions
• No prior felony or gross misdemeanor
• No deferred prosecution

The expungement process typically involves filing a petition with the court, providing documentation, and potentially waiting for a decision from the court or relevant authorities.

Pacific County Arrest Warrants

In Pacific County, an arrest warrant is a legal document issued by the court to law enforcement officers to apprehend an individual suspected of committing a crime. The process and requirements for issuing arrest warrants in Pacific County align with Washington State laws and procedures.

To obtain an arrest warrant, law enforcement officers or prosecutors must present evidence establishing probable cause to a judge or magistrate. This is typically done through a sworn affidavit or testimony. A valid arrest warrant in Washington State, including Pacific County, typically includes:

• The full name of the suspect.
• Database such as the individual's date of birth, physical characteristics, and any known aliases.
• A brief description of the offense and relevant statutes or laws violated.
• The date the warrant was issued by the judge.
• The judge's signature authorizing the arrest.
• The name of the agency authorized to execute the warrant

It's important to note that while arrest warrants are public records in Washington, specific details may be withheld to protect privacy or the integrity of ongoing investigations.

Do Pacific County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Pacific County, Washington, arrest warrants remain active indefinitely and do not expire. Once issued by a judge or magistrate, a warrant stays active until the individual is apprehended or the judge quashes it. However, if the statute of limitations for the alleged crime expires, the warrant may no longer be valid. Also, if a warrant is recalled, it loses its lawful force, and the person named in it can no longer be arrested.

Expunge Pacific County Arrest Records

Expungement in Pacific County involves filing a petition in court and proving that the applicant meets the legal criteria to petition for an expungement. Individuals eligible for expungement may include those whose charges were dismissed, acquitted, or those who were arrested but never charged with a crime.

To expunge an arrest in Washington, an individual must first obtain a copy of their criminal history from the Washington State Patrol. Next, they should proceed to file a motion to vacate with the court where the conviction occurred. If the motion is granted, the court will issue an order vacating the sentence. This order will be sent to the Washington State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies to update their records.