Pacific County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pacific County in 2026
PacificCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Pacific County, Washington. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Court case filings linked to arrests
- Criminal history summaries
- Mugshot and bond information
Arrest records in Pacific County may be accessed through the Pacific County Sheriff's Office, the Washington State Courts system, state law enforcement databases, and public access terminals at county offices. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Pacific County Sheriff's Office publishes arrest reports directly on its official website, providing members of the public with access to recent booking activity. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, arresting agency, and booking date. The arrest report page is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody activity within the county. The Sheriff's Office also maintains a corrections division responsible for housing adult offenders at the Pacific County Jail, where jail roster information may also be obtained.
2. Local Police Departments
Pacific County encompasses several incorporated municipalities, including Raymond and South Bend, each of which maintains its own police department. These departments may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information on their respective city websites. Members of the public seeking arrest records from a specific city jurisdiction should contact the relevant municipal police department directly, as records from city arrests are maintained separately from those held by the Sheriff's Office.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Pacific County are accessible through the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search portal. Members of the public may search by an individual's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. The Washington State Courts system notes that name and case information provided through the search portal is reference material and does not constitute the official court record.
Pacific County Superior Court
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9320
Washington State Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Washington State Patrol maintains statewide criminal history records through its Identification and Criminal History Section. Members of the public may submit a name-based or fingerprint-based background check request to obtain criminal history information compiled from law enforcement agencies across Washington State. Fees apply for criminal history record requests; at present, the standard fee for a name-based check is $10.00 and a fingerprint-based check is $26.50. These records include arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by participating agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Pacific County Sheriff's Office – South Bend Office
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9336
Pacific County Sheriff's Office
Pacific County Sheriff's Office – Long Beach Office
7013 Sandridge Road
Long Beach, WA 98631
Phone: (360) 642-9378
Pacific County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office to request arrest records should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page as outlined in the fees section below.
Clerk of Court:
Pacific County Clerk of Court
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9320
Washington State Courts
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours. Copy fees apply for reproduced documents.
By Mail:
Written public records requests directed to the Sheriff's Office should be mailed to 300 Memorial Drive, South Bend, WA 98586. Each request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Pacific County Sheriff's Office: (360) 875-9336
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public records requests. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials exempt from routine public disclosure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Pacific County
Arrest records in Pacific County are public records under Washington State law. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56, all records maintained by state and local government agencies are presumed open to public inspection and copying unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework, as they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
Arrest records are made available to the public for the following purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Journalism and investigative research
- Employment and tenant background screening
- Legal proceedings and civil litigation
- Academic and policy research
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Washington law)
- Expunged or vacated arrest records
- Records sealed by court order
- Information pertaining to active investigations
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Witness protection participant information
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Washington's Public Records Act reflects the state constitutional principle that government operations must remain open to public scrutiny. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Courts have consistently held that the government's interest in transparency outweighs privacy concerns for information documenting official law enforcement action, while recognizing that due process requires distinguishing between an arrest and a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable housing laws)
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Washington State law imposes additional restrictions on the use of non-conviction records in employment contexts. Employers and landlords must distinguish between an arrest record and a conviction, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.
What's in Pacific County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Pacific County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during subsequent processing.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Release conditions, if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Police Report | Detailed incident narrative prepared by the arresting officer |
| Court Records | Legal proceedings initiated following arrest |
| Criminal Records | Convictions, sentences, and dispositions |
| Background Check | Comprehensive screening drawing from multiple sources |
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Pacific County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge; fees apply when copies are requested. Under RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records, and the standard fee structure for Pacific County public records is as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies | $0.15 per page |
| Color paper copies | $0.15 per page (or actual cost) |
| Electronic copies (CD/USB) | Actual cost of media |
| Certified copies (court records) | $5.00 per document |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history (WSP) | $26.50 per request |
| Name-based criminal history (WSP) | $10.00 per request |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order made payable to the respective agency. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requestors seeking a waiver should submit a written statement explaining the basis for the request. Inspection of records at a public access terminal is available at no cost during regular business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Pacific County
Washington State law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: vacation of a conviction (the Washington equivalent of expungement) and sealing of court records. Vacation removes the conviction from the individual's record and restores certain civil rights, while sealing restricts public access to court files without destroying the underlying record.
Under RCW § 9.94A.640, individuals convicted of certain felony offenses may petition the sentencing court to vacate the conviction after completing all sentence requirements and satisfying applicable waiting periods. Misdemeanor vacation is governed by RCW § 9.96.060. Arrests that did not result in conviction, or where charges were dismissed, may be eligible for vacation or record sealing without the waiting periods applicable to convictions.
Eligibility for Vacation:
- All sentence conditions must be completed, including probation, fines, and restitution
- Required waiting period must have elapsed (varies by offense class)
- No subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period
- The offense must not be among those statutorily excluded from vacation
Steps to Petition for Vacation:
- Obtain a copy of the original court record from the Pacific County Clerk of Court
- Confirm eligibility based on offense type and sentence completion
- Complete the petition for vacation form (available from the Clerk of Court)
- File the petition in the court where the conviction or case was adjudicated
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- If granted, the court issues an order of vacation; the Clerk forwards the order to the Washington State Patrol for update of the state criminal history repository
Pacific County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9330
Pacific County Clerk of Court
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9320
Washington State Courts
Individuals seeking vacation of a record are advised to review the Washington Courts self-help resources or consult with a licensed Washington State attorney, as eligibility criteria are offense-specific and procedurally complex.
What Happens After Arrest in Pacific County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Pacific County Jail, operated by the Pacific County Sheriff's Office corrections division, located at 300 Memorial Drive, South Bend, WA 98586. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated and typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Washington State law, individuals taken into custody must be brought before a judicial officer within 72 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. At the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally adviseed
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the total bond in Washington State.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The individual is held without the option of release, applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Pacific County Public Defender's Office
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9330
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Pacific County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment, though Washington State more frequently uses the information process filed directly by the prosecutor.
Arraignment follows the filing of charges, at which time the defendant enters a formal plea. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery exchange, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Washington State guarantees the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges.
Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 72 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor) | Weeks to several months |
| Arraignment to resolution (felony) | Several months to over one year |
| Right to speedy trial (felony) | Within 60 days of arraignment (Washington State) |
| Right to speedy trial (misdemeanor) | Within 90 days of arraignment (Washington State) |
Important Contacts:
Pacific County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9336
Pacific County Sheriff's Office
Pacific County Clerk of Court
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9320
Washington State Courts Name and Case Search
Pacific County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
300 Memorial Drive
South Bend, WA 98586
Phone: (360) 875-9330
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pacific County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Pacific County is governed by Washington State law and the records retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives. Under the Washington State Records Retention Schedule, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on record type and case disposition.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Washington State Patrol criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Accessible on background checks indefinitely
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of six years under Washington State retention schedules
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of six years
- Court records may be retained permanently unless vacated
- May remain in state and federal databases unless the record is vacated by court order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Court records retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records retained per standard schedule
- May be eligible for vacation or sealing
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of six years locally
- Eligible for vacation petition in many circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum six years
- Photographs: Retained per agency policy, at present often digitized and retained indefinitely
Digital Records:
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two years
- Court electronic records: Permanent
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records; however, third-party websites are not always updated when a record is vacated or sealed
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum six years
- Arrest reports: Minimum six years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type; serious felony files may be retained permanently
- Contact: (360) 875-9336
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic infraction records: Minimum three years
- Electronic records: Permanent
Washington State Patrol:
- Maintains the Washington State criminal history repository
- Retains records from all reporting jurisdictions statewide
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated following a court order of vacation
- Washington State Patrol
FBI Database:
- NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and for firearms purchase background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent retention in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless vacated; may not appear on standard background checks |
| Expungement/Vacation | Local records sealed or updated; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation |
| No Charges Filed | Shortest retention; may be purged after minimum period; eligible for vacation |
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's arrest reports page and the Washington State Courts case search
- Arrests from prior years: May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court; retrieval fees may apply
- Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records may be held in county archives; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (360) 875-9336
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Washington State law provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in employment decisions. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Third-party websites are not subject to the same update requirements as consumer reporting agencies and may display records that have been vacated or sealed.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (360) 875-9336 or submit a written public records request to 300 Memorial Drive, South Bend, WA 98586 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.