Kennewick Arrest Records Search
Kennewick arrest records are public documents maintained by the Kennewick Police Department under Washington's Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. The city operates separate request portals for police records and general city records, making it straightforward to target the type of document you need. Most requests get an initial response within five business days, though complex or large requests may take longer. This page covers how to find and request arrest records, booking information, and related public safety documents in Kennewick.
Kennewick Overview
Kennewick Police Department Records
The Kennewick Police Department Public Records Division is the main point of contact for arrest records, incident reports, and police documents within city limits. The division is staffed by Records Specialist Jennifer Hansen. The mailing address is 211 W 6th Ave, P.O. Box 6108, Kennewick, WA 99336. The direct line for records requests is (509) 585-4507.
Kennewick has a dedicated portal for police records separate from the general city records system. This is intentional. The city uses what it calls a Matter of Right process for certain routine police documents. When you submit a request, the department has five business days to respond. That five-day window is calculated from the day after the request is received, not the day it arrives. The department can respond by providing the records, linking to them online, giving a cost estimate, asking for clarification, or issuing a formal denial with a legal basis.
The Kennewick Police Records request page covers how to submit, what to expect, and which types of records the department handles.
You can submit a request anonymously. The city does not require you to give your name or explain why you want the records. However, be as specific as possible about the incident date, case number, or name involved. Vague requests slow the process and may lead to a clarification notice.
How to Submit a Public Records Request
Kennewick runs two separate records request systems. One handles police and law enforcement records. The other covers city administrative records, fire department documents, and interagency requests from other government bodies. If you want arrest records or police incident reports, use the police records portal. If you want other city documents, use the general public records portal.
The Kennewick Public Records request page outlines all three tracks and explains which portal applies to your request.
Requests are processed Monday through Friday. There is no charge to inspect records in person. Copying fees apply when you want physical or digital copies. If a request involves a large volume of documents, the city may ask for a 10% deposit before starting work. Requests that are not picked up or paid for within 30 days are treated as abandoned and closed.
| Police Records Division | Kennewick Police Dept, 211 W 6th Ave, Kennewick WA 99336 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 6108, Kennewick WA 99336 |
| Phone | (509) 585-4507 |
| Records Specialist | Jennifer Hansen |
| Response Window | 5 business days from day after receipt |
| Anonymous Requests | Yes, allowed |
| Inspection Fee | None |
| Abandonment Policy | 30 days to retrieve or pay |
One important limit: you cannot use a public records request to run a criminal background check on another person. That is not a permitted use of the Public Records Act. If you need a formal background check, use the WATCH system through the Washington State Patrol instead.
What Kennewick Arrest Records Contain
Arrest records in Kennewick can include several types of documents. Police incident reports name the people involved, describe the alleged offense, list the date and location, and include the responding officer's account. Booking records from the Benton County jail show the name, booking date, and charge. Under RCW 70.48.100, that core booking data is always public regardless of the nature of the charge.
Other documents may be attached to an arrest file. These include supplemental officer notes, collision reports, body-worn camera footage, photos, and audio recordings. Not all of these are released automatically. The department applies exemptions under RCW 42.56 to protect open investigations, victim identities, juvenile records, and certain sensitive information. Any withheld portions will be identified, and the legal reason for the withholding will be given in writing.
Non-conviction records have different rules. Under RCW 10.97.050, criminal history tied to a conviction is generally public. But if charges were dismissed, the person was acquitted, or the case never went forward, access to those records is more limited. You may be able to inspect non-conviction records in some cases but not necessarily get copies.
If you believe a denial is wrong, you can appeal. For police records, written appeals go to the department's legal office. The city also maintains a formal denial and appeal process consistent with state law.
Note: An arrest record documents that a person was arrested. It does not mean the person was convicted of or found guilty of any crime.
Statewide Arrest Record Tools
Kennewick Police records cover incidents within city limits. For records involving the broader Benton County area or statewide activity, you have a few options. The Washington State Patrol runs the WATCH system, which provides a statewide name-based criminal history check for $11. Results are fast, usually within minutes. This is the most direct way to see prior convictions tied to a person across Washington.
Court records fill in additional detail. The Washington Courts case search portal shows filed charges, case dispositions, and sentencing information across the state. It covers District Court, Superior Court, and Municipal Court. Kennewick cases tied to misdemeanor charges go through Kennewick Municipal Court. Felony cases go to Benton County Superior Court.
If someone is currently in custody, VINELink lets you look up current custody status and sign up for alerts when that status changes. It works for the Benton County jail and most county facilities statewide. The service costs nothing to use.
For incidents that happened in unincorporated Benton County rather than inside city limits, the correct contact is the Benton County Sheriff, not the Kennewick Police. The Sheriff's office is at 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Kennewick WA 99336, and can be reached at (509) 735-6555. Benton County Jail records can be reached at 509-783-1451.
Kennewick Records FAQ
The city maintains a dedicated FAQ page that answers common questions about the public records process. It covers topics like what happens if your request is denied, how long you have to pick up records, and what types of records are off-limits. Reviewing the FAQ before you submit can save time.
The Kennewick Records FAQ addresses the most common questions about the request process, fees, and exemptions.
Key points from the FAQ: you can submit requests anonymously, the five-day response window does not count the day the request was received, there is no charge to inspect records in person, and copying fees apply only when you want copies. Requests that are not claimed or paid for within 30 days are closed as abandoned. You cannot use a public records request to get a criminal background check on someone. For that, the city FAQ specifically directs people to the WATCH system.
Benton County Arrest Records
Kennewick is in Benton County. For county-level jail records and broader arrest records information, including incidents in unincorporated Benton County, visit the county records page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities in the Tri-Cities area also maintain public records portals for arrest and police records.