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  1. Franklin County Court
  2. Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County, Washington Arrest Records

Franklin County arrest records are administrative and law enforcement documents that detail the arrest and detention of individuals for alleged crimes or on active warrants. In Franklin County, arrest records are created and maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Pasco Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies with operational jurisdiction within the county.

Law enforcement agencies create arrest records to ensure transparency of their actions and promote public safety. Chapter 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington governs how individuals access these documents. However, the state maintains a separate statutory framework for criminal history records information. The Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act is the state's regulatory law for Criminal History Records Information (CHRI). This legislation governs how the Washington State Patrol (WSP) collects and disseminates official criminal history records through its Identification and Criminal History Section (WASIS).

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Franklin, Washington?

Yes, Franklin County's arrest records are public information. Section 42.56.070(1) of the Washington Revised Statutes requires government agencies to make their records available for public inspection and copying, unless the records fall within specific exemptions.

Individuals seeking access to Franklin arrest records do not require identification, proof of residency, or requesters to state uses for these documents. Nonetheless, requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification documents to access their confidential files, unredacted personal records, or juvenile records.

What Do Public Franklin County Arrest Records Contain?

Under Washington law, public-facing arrest records are administrative data created during arrest and booking processes. A typical Franklin County arrest record contains:

  • Name and other identifying information of the arrested person
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Booking or case number
  • Criminal charges or alleged offenses
  • Basic incident or offense information
  • Custody status
  • Bail or bond information (if applicable)
  • Case or disposition information (when available).

While the Washington Public Records Act presumes arrest records as public information, it also outlines exemptions. According to Section 42.56.240 of the Revised Code of Washington, unauthorized entities cannot access:

  • Investigative information
  • Victim or witness details
  • Records whose public disclosure will threaten the owner's right to a fair trial or personal privacy.

Additionally, a Franklin County arrest record is not publicly available if it relates to:

  • A minor
  • A sealed or expunged case
  • Protected identifying information, such as:
  • Social Security or driver's license number
  • Financial account details
  • Private contact information.

Franklin County, Washington Arrest Search

Generally, local resources provide direct pathways to county documents. However, record seekers may bypass this route and use state or federal tools to find local government records. Information seekers may access Franklin County arrest details as part of criminal history records through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) portal. The WATCH portal provides paid access to conviction records, information about arrests less than one year old with pending dispositions, and sex offender registrations across Washington State.

Individuals may access Franklin County arrest records at the federal level through PACER. Interested parties may use this search tool to review criminal case files generated by federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, which handles federal cases from Franklin County. Additionally, individuals may request their rap sheets by submitting FBI Identity History Summary Checks.

Franklin County Inmate Locator

Official inmate locators are tools maintained by detention facilities to account for individuals in their custody. In Franklin County, the Sheriff's Office Corrections Division maintains an inmate locator to track individuals incarcerated at the Franklin County Jail. Individuals seeking access to Franklin County's arrest records through the county's jail roster should click the Franklin County Inmate Inquiry link on the Franklin County Corrections Division webpage.

To request inmate information in Franklin County, email the Franklin County Sheriff Public Records Officer at sheriffpro@franklincountywa.gov. Alternatively, submit a public records request to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at:

1016 North 4th Avenue,

Pasco,

WA 99301

Phone: (509) 545-3501, (509) 545-3549 (Jail Division).

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Franklin County

Individuals may access Franklin County arrest records for free through several pathways. The Franklin County Inmate Inquiry portal displays arrest details for individuals in custody at the Franklin County Jail. Individuals may also request free access to arrest records through the Franklin County Public Records Webpage. To inspect Franklin County arrest records in person at no cost, interested persons should visit local law enforcement agencies and request to view their booking logs under the Washington Public Records Act.

Free access to Franklin County does not require an ID. However, record seekers should note the practical limitations of this option. The Franklin County Inmate Inquiry shows only current inmates. Once an inmate is released or transferred, the record is removed from the portal. Additionally, free websites may not provide access to redacted materials or historical records.

Franklin County Arrest Report

Franklin County arrest reports are official documents created by arresting officers immediately after arrests. Unlike an arrest record, which is a snapshot of an arrest and booking for administrative tracking purposes, a Franklin County arrest report is a detailed document that establishes probable cause and gives a narrative explanation of the circumstances leading to an arrest. A Franklin County arrest report displays more information than the basic details contained in an arrest record, including:

  • The arresting officer's explanation of the events surrounding the arrest
  • Summaries of statements by the suspect, victim, witnesses, and co-defendants at the scene
  • Evidence and property log
  • Use of force and tactical documentation
  • Victim and witness information.

While basic details of arrest are public under the Washington Public Records Act, Section 42.56.240 of the Revised Code of Washington mandates redaction of arrest reports. Consequently, unauthorized entities cannot access:

  • Investigative leads
  • Victim or witness contact details
  • Confidential informant identity
  • Juvenile records.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Franklin County

Washington provides three pathways for removing arrest information from history records. The applicable option for a specific arrest record depends on the outcome of the associated case.

Expungement of non-conviction records

Under Section 10.96.060 of the Revised Code of Washington, a Franklin County arrest record is eligible for expunction if charges were not filed, or the case results in dismissal or acquittal. The subject of the arrest record should petition for expungement of the record 2 years after the arrest if it resulted in a dismissal or acquittal, and 3 years after the individual was cited but charges were not filed. Expunction of an arrest record under Washington law deletes the information from law enforcement databases.

For a Franklin County arrest that resulted in a conviction, Washington provides two pathways to hide the information from the public:

Vacating a conviction record

Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or eligible Class B or C felony in Franklin County should petition the courts to vacate their records under Sections 9.96.060 and 9.94A.640 of the Revised Code of Washington. Vacating an arrest record under Washington law updates court and background check records to show a dismissed or vacated case. However, the process does not erase the arrest information from court dockets and search terminals.

Sealing a conviction record

General Rule 15 of the Washington Court Rules, individuals with eligible arrest records may petition the courts to seal their case files and remove them from public index systems.

To expunge a Franklin County non-conviction arrest record, submit a Request for Expungement/Deletion of Non-Conviction Records to the Washington State Patrol Identification and Background Check Section. Additionally, file a written request with the arresting agency.

To seal or vacate a Franklin County arrest record, or if law enforcement denies the administrative request for deletion, file a formal petition with the Franklin County Superior Court (for felony arrests) or the Franklin County District Court (for misdemeanors).

How Do You Remove Franklin County Arrest Records From the Internet?

To remove a Franklin County arrest record from the internet, subjects generally require an official mandate and additional steps. Removing an arrest record from online platforms requires expunging or sealing the document to render it inaccessible through official channels. After expunging or sealing the record, you may need to identify all third-party online publishers of the document and submit removal requests. These requests must include copies of the official court order or administrative action expunging or sealing the arrest record, along with government-issued identification.

Additionally, affected persons may need to file Outdated Content Refresh Requests with the major public search engines to de-index the arrest information. The requests should include the specific URLs publishing the record.