Auburn Arrest Records Search
Auburn arrest records are maintained by the Auburn Police Department and are available to the public under Washington's Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. The department serves a city of roughly 85,000 people in the Green River Valley and handles requests for police reports, incident logs, and booking-related documents. You can submit a request online, by mail, or in person at the police facility on East Main Street. Most requests get a response within five business days, though complex files may take longer.
Auburn Overview
Auburn Police Department Records
The Auburn Police Department is located at 340 East Main Street, Suite 201, Auburn, WA 98002. The main line is 253-931-3080. For non-emergency calls, use 253-288-2121. The department handles arrest reports, incident reports, and supplemental documents tied to cases within Auburn city limits.
To request records, visit the city's public records portal. The City Clerk's office coordinates records fulfillment under RCW 42.56. The clerk can be reached at 253-931-3039. Note that credit card payments carry a 3% processing fee, which took effect August 1, 2016. Cash or check avoids that extra charge.
The Auburn public records request portal lets you submit requests online for police reports and other city records.
Once submitted, the city will either fulfill the request, ask for clarification, provide a timeline for large files, or issue a denial with a written explanation. Denials can be appealed through the city or challenged under state law.
What Auburn Arrest Records Include
Arrest records in Auburn cover a range of documents. Police incident reports name the parties involved, list the date and location, and describe the alleged offense. Booking information from the King County jail shows the name, booking date, and cause of arrest. Under RCW 70.48.100, those three data points are always public. Other jail records may be restricted.
Records can include photos, collision reports, supplemental officer notes, and audio or video from body cameras. Not all of these are automatically released. Some are withheld under exemptions in RCW 42.56 that protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy. The department will flag any withheld portions and cite the legal basis.
Non-conviction records require more care. Under RCW 10.97.050, criminal history data tied to convictions is shareable, but records where charges were dropped or the person was acquitted have limited access. You can inspect non-conviction records but cannot get copies in most cases.
Note: Arrest records reflect an arrest, not a conviction. A record of arrest does not mean the person was found guilty of any crime.
How to Request Auburn Arrest Records
You have three ways to submit a public records request in Auburn. Online is the fastest. Go to the Auburn public records request page and fill out the form. You can also mail a written request to the City Clerk at Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001. In-person requests are accepted at City Hall during business hours.
Be specific. Include the date of the incident, the case number if you have it, and the name of the person involved. The more detail you give, the faster the city can locate the file. Vague requests may result in a clarification notice that slows the process down.
| Method | Online, mail, in person |
|---|---|
| Police Address | 340 East Main Street, Ste. 201, Auburn, WA 98002 |
| Phone | 253-931-3080 |
| City Clerk | 253-931-3039 |
| Response Time | 5 business days (initial) |
| Credit Card Fee | 3% surcharge |
The Auburn Police Department page has contact info, department news, and links to online reporting tools for minor incidents.
Some reports are available for online viewing through the department portal. Others require a formal request and possible payment before release.
Statewide Records Tools
Auburn arrest records cover only incidents in Auburn. If you need a broader picture, Washington State has two main tools. The Washington State Patrol runs the WATCH system, which provides name-based criminal history checks for $11. Results come back fast, usually within minutes. This is the most direct way to see prior convictions tied to a specific person statewide.
Court records are another solid source. The Washington Courts case search shows filed cases, charges, and dispositions across the state. It covers District Court, Superior Court, and Municipal Court cases. Auburn Municipal Court handles low-level misdemeanors committed in the city. King County Superior Court handles felonies and more serious charges tied to Auburn arrests.
If someone is currently in custody, VINELink lets you check jail status and set up alerts when a person's custody status changes. It works for the King County jail and most county facilities statewide. The service is free.
Expungement and Record Sealing in Auburn
Washington allows some arrest records to be vacated or sealed. The process runs through the courts, not through the Auburn Police Department. If a charge was dismissed, you may petition the court to seal the arrest record. If you were convicted, vacation eligibility depends on the type of offense, time since conviction, and whether you have other criminal history.
Misdemeanor vacations are handled at King County District Court or Auburn Municipal Court depending on where the case was filed. Felony vacations go through King County Superior Court. You will need to file a motion, pay a filing fee, and appear at a hearing. The court decides whether to grant the vacation.
Once a record is vacated, the Washington State Patrol updates the WATCH database. Local agencies are also notified. However, privately held databases and news archives may still show older records. Clearing those takes separate action and is not guaranteed under state law.
Legal aid is available in King County for people who cannot afford an attorney. The King County Bar Association's lawyer referral service can help connect you with attorneys who handle record sealing cases. Call 206-623-2551 for a referral.
King County Arrest Records
Auburn is in King County. All felony filings and county jail records go through King County. Visit the county page for additional resources.
Nearby Cities
Other King County and nearby cities also maintain public arrest records under RCW 42.56.