Kitsap County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kitsap County

Arrest records in Kitsap County are considered public information under Washington State law. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), government agencies, including law enforcement, must make records available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. This transparency requirement extends to arrest records maintained by the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Washington law. 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. Under RCW 10.97.050, conviction records are generally more accessible than non-conviction data.

The Washington State Patrol Criminal History Record Information policy governs the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrests. While arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other exemptions specified in RCW 42.56.240.

Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7101
Kitsap County Sheriff

What's in Kitsap County Arrest Records

Kitsap County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name (first, middle, last)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Address at time of arrest
• Booking photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Reason for arrest
• Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
• Charge description
• Applicable statutes or ordinances
• Case number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date issued
• Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

• Booking date and time
• Booking number
• Fingerprints
• Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bail amount set
• Bond type
• Whether bail was posted
• Conditions of release

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Scheduled court appearances
• Case disposition (if resolved)

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Expected release date (if applicable)
• Facility where detained

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Known aliases
• Immigration status (if relevant)
• Probation/parole status
• Risk assessment information

The Kitsap County Web Jail Viewer provides public access to certain booking information for individuals currently in custody at the Kitsap County Jail, though the information available online is typically more limited than what exists in the complete arrest record.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kitsap County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kitsap County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The process involves the following steps:

1. Determine the specific information needed

   • Identify the name of the individual
   • Gather any known details (approximate date of arrest, case number)
   • Determine the time period of interest

2. Submit a public records request to the appropriate agency

   • For arrests made by the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, submit requests through the Kitsap County Public Records Portal
   • For arrests made by municipal police departments, contact the specific department
   • Requests must include sufficient information to identify the records sought

3. Complete required forms

   • Public Records Request Form
   • Identification verification (may be required for certain records)
   • Specify preferred format for receiving records (paper, electronic)

4. Pay applicable fees

   • Standard copying fees apply per RCW 42.56.120
   • Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances
   • Payment methods include credit card, check, or money order

5. Await response

   • Agencies must respond within five business days
   • Response may include records, acknowledgment of request, or estimated time for fulfillment
   • Some requests may require additional time for processing

Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, MS-34
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7164
Kitsap County Clerk

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

How To Find Kitsap County Arrest Records Online

Kitsap County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. The following digital platforms are available for conducting searches:

1. Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup

   • The Web Jail Viewer provides real-time information on current inmates
   • Search by name to access booking information, charges, and custody status
   • Information is updated regularly as individuals are booked or released

2. Kitsap County Recent Bookings

   • The Booked Last 72 Hours page displays individuals recently taken into custody
   • Includes name, booking date, and charges
   • Updated automatically every few hours

3. Washington Courts Search Portal

   • The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search allows searches for court cases related to arrests
   • Provides case numbers, filing dates, charges, and court proceedings
   • Requires basic information such as name and may require date of birth

4. Washington State Patrol WATCH System

   • The Washington Access to Criminal History provides conviction history information
   • Requires payment of a fee for each search
   • Provides official criminal history information maintained by the state

When using these online resources, users should note that:

• Information may be subject to time delays
• Not all arrest record details are available online
• Some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws
• Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes
• More comprehensive records require formal public records requests

How To Search Kitsap County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Kitsap County arrest records without payment through several free resources. The following methods provide no-cost options for obtaining arrest information:

1. In-Person Inspection

   • Visit the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
   • Request to inspect public arrest records
   • No fee is charged for viewing records, though copying fees may apply
   • Identification may be required

2. Kitsap County Sheriff's Online Resources

   • The Booked Last 72 Hours page provides free access to recent booking information
   • The Web Jail Viewer allows free searches of current inmates
   • Information is limited to basic details about individuals currently in custody

3. Washington Courts Public Access

   • The Washington Courts website offers free case searches
   • Access information about criminal cases resulting from arrests
   • Search by name to locate court records related to arrests in Kitsap County
   • Limited to cases that have been filed with the courts

4. Public Records Request

   • Submit a public records request through the Kitsap County Public Records Center
   • While copying fees may apply, inspection of records is free
   • Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person
   • Specify that you wish to inspect records rather than receive copies to avoid fees

When utilizing these free resources, requestors should be aware that:

• Some information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under RCW 42.56
• Records may not be immediately available and may require processing time
• Comprehensive criminal history information typically requires payment
• Free resources generally provide more limited information than paid services

How To Delete Arrest Records in Kitsap County

In Washington State, including Kitsap County, individuals cannot technically "delete" arrest records, but may pursue legal remedies to limit public access through processes known as expungement, vacating convictions, or sealing records. These processes are governed by RCW 9.94A.640 and RCW 10.97.060.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

• Expungement generally refers to the destruction or deletion of records
• Sealing restricts public access while maintaining records for limited official use
• In Washington, most records are sealed rather than truly expunged

Eligibility for Record Sealing or Vacating:

1. Non-Conviction Records:

   • Arrests that did not lead to charges may be eligible for sealing after two years
   • Charges dismissed or acquitted may be eligible for immediate sealing
   • The individual must have no new criminal charges pending

2. Conviction Records:

   • Misdemeanors may be vacated after waiting periods (typically 3-5 years)
   • Certain felonies may be vacated after waiting periods (typically 5-10 years)
   • Completion of all sentencing requirements is mandatory
   • Certain offenses (violent crimes, sex offenses, DUIs) are generally ineligible

Process for Sealing/Vacating Records:

1. Obtain complete criminal history from the Washington State Patrol
2. Gather court documents related to the case(s)
3. File appropriate motion with the court of jurisdiction:
   • Motion and Declaration for Order Vacating Conviction
   • Motion to Seal Records of Non-Conviction
4. Schedule a hearing date with the court clerk
5. Attend the hearing where a judge will determine eligibility
6. If granted, obtain certified copies of the order
7. Send the order to all agencies with records, including:
   • Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
   • Washington State Patrol
   • FBI (for fingerprint records)

Kitsap County Superior Court
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7140
Kitsap County Superior Court

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process, as requirements vary based on specific circumstances and applicable laws.

What Happens After Arrest in Kitsap County?

Following an arrest in Kitsap County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

1. Booking Process

   • Transportation to Kitsap County Jail or local holding facility
   • Documentation of personal information
   • Fingerprinting and photographing
   • Property inventory and storage
   • Medical screening
   • Assignment to appropriate housing unit

2. Initial Appearance/Arraignment

   • Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
   • Judge informs defendant of charges
   • Constitutional rights are explained
   • Bail determination is made
   • Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
   • Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)

3. Pretrial Release Considerations

   • Bail amount set based on:
     • Severity of charges
     • Criminal history
     • Flight risk
     • Community safety
   • Release options include:
     • Cash bail
     • Bail bond
     • Personal recognizance
     • Electronic monitoring
     • Pretrial supervision

4. Case Processing

   • Prosecutor reviews evidence and determines formal charges
   • Discovery process where evidence is shared with defense
   • Pretrial hearings address motions and legal issues
   • Plea negotiations may occur between prosecution and defense

5. Case Resolution

   • Dismissal of charges
   • Plea agreement
   • Diversion program participation
   • Trial (bench or jury)
   • Sentencing if convicted

6. Post-Conviction

   • Incarceration in jail or prison
   • Probation supervision
   • Payment of fines and restitution
   • Completion of court-ordered programs
   • Appeal process if applicable

Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies, including the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office and the courts. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or vacated through legal processes.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kitsap County?

Arrest records in Kitsap County are maintained according to Washington State's records retention schedules as established by the Washington State Archives and governed by RCW 40.14 - Preservation and Destruction of Public Records. These retention periods ensure accountability, preserve evidence, and maintain historical documentation of law enforcement activities.

Standard Retention Periods:

1. Arrest Reports and Booking Information

   • Felony arrests: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
   • Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
   • Juvenile arrests: Until the individual reaches age 23, or longer for serious offenses

2. Fingerprint Records

   • Maintained permanently by the Washington State Patrol
   • Submitted to the FBI's national database
   • May be eligible for destruction only through court-ordered expungement

3. Photographs/Mugshots

   • Retained with the corresponding arrest record
   • Subject to the same retention schedule as the arrest report
   • Digital images may be maintained in databases indefinitely

4. Investigation Reports

   • Homicide/serious violent crimes: Permanent retention
   • Other felonies: 10 years after case closure
   • Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure

5. Court Records Related to Arrests

   • Felony case files: 50 years after case closure
   • Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
   • Index information: Permanent retention

It is important to note that different agencies within Kitsap County may have varying retention practices within the framework of state requirements. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, and court systems each maintain their own records according to their specific retention schedules.

Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention of many records beyond the minimum required periods. Even after physical records might be destroyed according to retention schedules, digital traces of arrest information may persist in various databases and systems.

How to Find Mugshots in Kitsap County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve to document the physical appearance of an arrested individual at the time of processing and become part of the official arrest record. In Kitsap County, mugshots are taken by law enforcement agencies, primarily the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, during the intake procedure at detention facilities.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Kitsap County are maintained in several locations:

• Primary storage in the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office records management system
• Copies may be maintained in the jail management system
• Digital archives accessible to law enforcement personnel
• Court files when submitted as evidence or documentation
• Washington State criminal history repositories for certain offenses

Finding Mugshots

To locate mugshots in Kitsap County, individuals may:

1. Submit a public records request specifically for booking photographs to:

   • Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Records Division
   • The law enforcement agency that made the arrest
   • Requests must include the individual's name and approximate date of arrest

2. Check the Web Jail Viewer for current inmates

   • Limited to individuals currently in custody
   • May not display mugshots for all inmates

3. Review court records if the mugshot was entered as evidence

   • Available through the Washington State Courts case search
   • May require visiting the courthouse to view complete files

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some counties publish mugshots online, Kitsap County has limited online access to booking photographs. Currently:

• The county does not maintain a public-facing mugshot database
• Booking photos are not routinely published on the sheriff's website
• Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests
• The Booked Last 72 Hours page provides booking information but typically does not include photographs

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:

1. Submitting a formal public records request through the Kitsap County Public Records Center
2. Providing specific information to identify the record
3. Paying applicable fees for reproduction
4. Allowing time for processing and potential redactions

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

• Juvenile records are generally confidential
• Active investigations may limit release
• Privacy concerns may result in redactions
• Court orders may seal or restrict access to certain records
• Recent Washington State legislation has placed additional limitations on commercial use of mugshots

Lookup Arrest Records in Kitsap County

Kitsap County Sheriff

Web Jail Viewer

Kitsap County Public Records

Booked Last 72 Hours

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search

Washington State Patrol Criminal History

Washington Courts Case Records Search

Washington State Courts

Washington Access To Criminal History