Clark County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clark County in 2026

ClarkWARecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Clark County, Washington. Members of the public may find booking records, jail roster entries, court case information, criminal history data, and related law enforcement records through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, booking photographs, charge information, custody status, and court case numbers. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure laws.

Records may be searched through official county resources, the Clark County Clerk's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following sections outline available methods, applicable fees, and the legal framework governing access.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Clark County Sheriff's Office — established in 1849 as the oldest law enforcement agency in Washington State — maintains booking records and arrest information for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access the jail roster online to search for currently incarcerated individuals by name. The roster is updated on a continuous basis and displays current custody status, booking date, and charges. The Public Disclosure Unit processes formal requests for arrest records in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56.

Available information through the Sheriff's Office includes:

• Arrestee name and booking number
• Date and time of arrest and booking
• Charges filed at time of arrest
• Current custody status
• Bond information

2. Local Police Departments

Clark County encompasses several incorporated cities, each maintaining its own police department with independent arrest records. The Vancouver Police Department is the largest municipal agency in the county and issues periodic press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may submit public records requests directly to individual city police departments for arrest logs and incident reports.

Vancouver Police Department
2800 NE 65th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 487-7400
Vancouver Police Department

Battle Ground Police Department
507 SW 1st St
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Phone: (360) 342-5000
Battle Ground Police Department

Camas Police Department
616 NE 4th Ave
Camas, WA 98607
Phone: (360) 834-4151
Camas Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court records associated with arrests are maintained by the Clark County Clerk's Office. Members of the public may access court records through a public computer terminal located on the First Floor of the Clark County Courthouse, or by submitting a written request to the Clerk's Office. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated criminal case numbers, charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition.

Clark County Clerk's Office
1200 Franklin St, First Floor
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Clark County Clerk's Office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Washington State Patrol maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions across Washington. Members of the public may request a criminal history report for a fee. The Washington State Department of Corrections also operates an incarcerated individual search tool for persons currently held in state correctional facilities.

• Standard criminal history background check fee: $10–$17 depending on request type
• Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person
• Results include arrests, charges, and dispositions statewide

In-Person Access:

Clark County Sheriff's Office — Records Division
707 W 13th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2211
Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and booking number if known. Copy fees apply per page.

Clark County Jail Records Unit
707 W 13th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2211
Jail Records

The Jail Records unit processes court orders, calculates sentences, and manages releases for persons incarcerated in the Clark County Jail.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit must include:

• Full legal name of the subject
• Date of birth
• Date of arrest (if known)
• Booking number (if known)
• Requestor's full name and mailing address
• Payment for applicable copy fees

Mail requests to: Clark County Sheriff's Office, Public Disclosure Unit, P.O. Box 410, Vancouver, WA 98666. Processing time varies; the agency must respond within five business days under RCW § 42.56.520.

By Phone:

• Sheriff's Office: (564) 397-2211
• Jail inmate information line: (564) 397-2211
• Phone inquiries provide limited information; callers may be directed to the online jail roster or an in-person visit for detailed records
• Information needed: Subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal discovery requests or subpoenas for detailed arrest records, police reports, and investigative files. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public under standard public disclosure requests.

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, Vancouver PD, or other city department)

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County

Arrest records are public records in Clark County, Washington, subject to the disclosure requirements of the Washington Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56. Under current law, all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Washington Office of the Attorney General provides guidance on obtaining public records, including the procedures agencies must follow when responding to requests and the options available to requestors when access is denied.

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests:

• 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 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 (removed from public access by court order)
• Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
• Active investigation information that could compromise an ongoing case
• Undercover officer identities
• Confidential informant information
• Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
• Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Washington's Public Records Act reflects a legislative determination that government transparency serves the public interest. The Act is construed broadly in favor of disclosure, with exemptions construed narrowly. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 5 of the Washington State Constitution protect press access to government records. Courts have consistently held that the public's right to know about law enforcement activity must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges were not pursued or resulted in acquittal.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

• General public
• Media organizations
• Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
• Landlords (subject to state and local fair housing laws)
• 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. Employers using third-party background check companies must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Washington State law further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts. Members of the public are advised to consult applicable state and federal law before using arrest record information for employment, housing, or licensing decisions.

What's in Clark County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

• Full legal name and aliases
• Date of birth and age at time of arrest
• Sex and race/ethnicity
• Height, 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 (street address or general area)
• Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, city police department, or state agency)
• Booking date and time
• Booking number or arrest number
• Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

• Specific criminal charges
• Washington Revised Code statute numbers violated
• Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
• Number of counts per charge
• Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

• Booking facility name and location
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints (collected but not included in standard public 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 released
• Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

• Court case number assigned
• Court jurisdiction
• Scheduled arraignment date
• Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

• Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
• Witness statements
• Victim identifying information
• Evidence collected during investigation
• Investigative techniques
• 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; not always public
Court Records	Legal proceedings following arrest
Criminal Record	Convictions and sentences; maintained by state
Background Check	Comprehensive screening from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clark County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge at the Clark County Courthouse public terminal or at the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Black-and-white paper copies	$0.15 per page
Color copies	$0.25 per page
Electronic records (CD/DVD)	$1.00 per disc
Certification of records	$5.00 per document
Washington State criminal history report	$10.00–$17.00

• Inspection of records: No charge
• Electronic delivery by email: No charge in most cases
• Search fees: Not permitted under Washington law unless the search requires customized programming
• Fee waivers: Available for indigent requestors upon written request; agencies have discretion to waive fees when disclosure is in the public interest

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash (in-person)
• Check or money order payable to Clark County
• Credit or debit card (where available)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clark County

Washington law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: vacation of a conviction (the Washington equivalent of expungement) and sealing of court records. Vacation removes the legal consequences of a conviction and restores certain civil rights; sealing restricts public access to court files. These are distinct remedies with different eligibility requirements.

Vacation of Conviction (Expungement Equivalent):

Under RCW § 9.96.060, individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses may petition the sentencing court to vacate the conviction after a specified waiting period and upon meeting eligibility criteria. Felony vacation is governed by RCW § 9.94A.640 and applies to a narrower category of offenses.

Eligibility criteria for vacation include:

• Completion of all sentence conditions, including probation, fines, and restitution
• No new criminal charges or convictions during the waiting period
• The offense is not among those categorically excluded (e.g., sex offenses, domestic violence offenses with certain histories, DUI)
• Waiting period: Three years for most misdemeanors; five or more years for felonies depending on offense class

Steps to Petition for Vacation:

1. Obtain a copy of the criminal case file from the Clark County Clerk's Office
2. Confirm eligibility under applicable statute
3. Complete the petition for vacation of conviction (available from the Clerk's Office)
4. File the petition in the court where the conviction was entered
5. Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
6. Attend the scheduled hearing
7. If granted, the court issues an order vacating the conviction

Sealing of Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Where charges were dismissed, not filed, or resulted in acquittal, individuals may petition the court to seal the associated arrest record. Washington law permits sealing of certain records where no conviction resulted, subject to a waiting period and prosecutorial review.

Clark County Superior Court — Criminal Division
1200 Franklin St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Access to Records — Clark County Clerk

Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
1013 Franklin St, Suite 400
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2261

Clark County Public Defender's Office
1200 Franklin St, Suite 250
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2478

Individuals seeking vacation or sealing of records are advised to consult with a licensed Washington State attorney. The Washington Secretary of State's office provides additional guidance on the public records request process and applicable exemptions.

What Happens After Arrest in Clark County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Clark County Jail, located at 707 W 13th St, Vancouver, WA 98660. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins. The Clark County Jail Records unit, as described on the jail records page, processes all incoming individuals, calculates sentence credits, and manages releases. Booking typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes:

• Recording of personal 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
• Issuance of jail clothing
• Medical and mental health screening
• Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Washington law, individuals held in custody must appear before a judicial officer within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the first appearance:

• The individual is formally notified of the charges
• The right to appointed counsel is addressed
• Bond or bail is determined
• Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted in person or by video conference. Court schedules are available through the Clark County Clerk's Office.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded upon case conclusion, 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, which is set by Washington State regulation.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release pending further court proceedings. Grounds include 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:

• Regular check-in with pretrial services
• Travel restrictions
• No-contact orders
• Drug and alcohol testing
• GPS monitoring

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual receives a housing assignment, participates in inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Clark County Public Defender's Office
1200 Franklin St, Suite 250
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2478

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. The Washington State Bar Association provides attorney referral services at (206) 443-9722.

Charging Decision:

The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews each 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 probable cause, resulting in an indictment if the matter proceeds.

Arraignment: At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (suppression, dismissal), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include:

• Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
• Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
• Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no-contest plea to agreed charges
• Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing options upon conviction include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	48–72 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial/resolution	Months (varies widely)
Misdemeanor cases	Typically 3–6 months
Felony cases	Typically 6–18 months or longer

Rights Throughout the Process:

• Right to remain silent
• Right to counsel
• Right to a speedy trial
• Right to confront witnesses
• Right to present a defense
• Right against self-incrimination
• Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Clark County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
707 W 13th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2211
Clark County Sheriff's Office

Clark County Clerk of Court
1200 Franklin St, First Floor
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Access to Records

Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
1013 Franklin St, Suite 400
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2261

Clark County Public Defender's Office
1200 Franklin St, Suite 250
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2478

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
2. Do not physically resist arrest
3. Exercise the right to remain silent (state this clearly and politely)
4. Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clark County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Clark County is governed by Washington State law, local agency policy, and the Washington State Archives records retention schedules. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the record.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Washington State Patrol criminal history repository
• Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) indefinitely
• Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide

Misdemeanor Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
• Local law enforcement records: Minimum 10 years; many agencies retain permanently
• Washington State Patrol repository: Permanent retention

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

• Local law enforcement booking records: Minimum 6 years under Washington State Archives schedules
• Court records: Retained permanently unless sealed by court order
• State repository: Records remain unless the individual successfully petitions for vacation or sealing
• May remain in public databases unless a court order directs removal

Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdict):

• Local law enforcement: Minimum 6 years
• Court records: Permanent retention
• State repository: Retained unless sealed
• Eligible for sealing petition under Washington law

Charges Not Filed:

• Booking records: Minimum 6 years
• Local arrest logs: Minimum 6 years
• May be eligible for earlier removal upon petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

• Law enforcement records: Minimum 6 years
• Often eligible for sealing or vacation petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

• Booking paperwork: Minimum 6 years per Washington State Archives schedule
• Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals
• Booking photographs: Minimum 6 years; permanent for convictions

Digital Records:

• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum 3–6 years
• Records management systems: Often permanent
• Court electronic records: Permanent for most criminal matters

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and removal requirements as government agencies. These entities are governed by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when records are used for employment or housing purposes. Expungement or vacation of a conviction does not automatically result in removal from third-party databases, and individuals may need to contact those companies directly.

Retention by Agency:

Clark County Sheriff's Office
707 W 13th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2211
Sheriff's Office

• Booking records: Minimum 6 years
• Arrest reports: Minimum 6 years
• Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome

Clark County Clerk of Court
1200 Franklin St, First Floor
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Access to Records

• Felony case files: Permanent
• Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
• Electronic records: Permanent

Washington State Patrol — Criminal History Repository
Criminal History — Washington State Patrol

• Statewide arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions
• Permanent retention for convictions
• Arrests without conviction retained unless sealed or vacated

FBI Database:

• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)
• Federal retention: Permanent
• Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks, firearms purchases, and employment screening

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Retention Outcome
Conviction	Permanent in all databases
Dismissal	Remains unless expunged/sealed
Acquittal	Remains unless sealed by court order
No charges filed	Shortest retention; may be purged after 6 years
Vacation/Sealing granted	Local records sealed; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

• Recent arrests: Available online through the jail roster and court case search
• Older arrests (more than 5 years): May require in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk's Office; retrieval fees may apply
• Very old arrests (20+ years): Records may not be digitized; paper archives may be consulted; some records may have been destroyed per retention schedule

Destruction of Records:

Records are destroyed only after the applicable retention period has expired, following a court order (such as a vacation or sealing order), or pursuant to the Washington State Archives records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention — including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, and sex offenses — are not eligible for destruction.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Washington State law imposes additional restrictions on the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions. Individuals subject to "ban the box" protections may not be asked about arrest history during initial stages of the hiring process in certain jurisdictions within Washington.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Clark County Sheriff's Records Division at (564) 397-2211 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted under RCW § 42.56 may be required to obtain written confirmation of record status. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records. The Washington State Patrol's public records unit also accepts requests for statewide criminal history information.

Lookup Arrest Records in Clark County

• Clark County Sheriff's Office
• Jail Records — Clark County
• Public Disclosure Unit — Clark County Sheriff's Office
• Clark County Jail Roster — Inmate Lookup
• Access to Court Records — Clark County Clerk
• Incarcerated Individual Search — Washington State Department of Corrections
• Public Records Request — Washington Secretary of State
• Obtaining Records — Washington State Office of the Attorney General
• Public Records — Washington State Patrol
• Public Records Request — Washington State Department of Commerce
• Criminal History — Washington State Patrol