Thurston County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Thurston County
Arrest records in Thurston County are considered public information pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This statute establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities, are presumptively open to public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
The Washington State Legislature has determined that maintaining open public records is essential for governmental transparency and accountability. Under RCW 42.56.070, public agencies are required to make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless the record falls within specific statutory exemptions.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.
- Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings.
While both types of records are generally public in Washington State, certain exemptions may apply to arrest records that do not result in charges or convictions. The Washington State Patrol maintains the official repository of criminal history record information for the state and provides guidance on records access through their Criminal History Records Section.
What's in Thurston County Arrest Records
Thurston County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Warrant type
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted or withheld from public disclosure pursuant to exemptions under RCW 42.56.240, which protects specific law enforcement and investigative information.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Thurston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Thurston County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the specific information needed and its age.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Thurston County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Thurston County Sheriff's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5500
Thurston County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a public records request form, which is available at the counter.
- Provide specific information about the record being requested, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction.
To request arrest records by mail:
- Download and complete the public records request form from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office website.
- Include a clear statement of the records being requested.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail the request to:
Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
To request arrest records electronically:
- Visit the Thurston County Sheriff's Office website.
- Locate the online public records request portal.
- Complete the electronic form with all required information.
- Submit the request through the portal.
- Await confirmation email with tracking information.
For records maintained by municipal police departments within Thurston County, contact the specific agency directly:
Olympia Police Department
601 4th Avenue E
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 753-8300
Olympia Police Department
Lacey Police Department
420 College Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503
(360) 459-4333
Lacey Police Department
Tumwater Police Department
555 Israel Road SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 754-4200
Tumwater Police Department
Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days by either providing the records, acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated time for response, or denying the request with a specific explanation.
How To Find Thurston County Arrest Records Online
Thurston County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and may provide immediate access to certain public information.
The primary online resources for Thurston County arrest records include:
-
Thurston County Jail Roster - The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals in custody, which is updated regularly. This resource provides basic booking information and current charges.
-
Online Records & Services - This collaborative platform represents a joint effort among local police departments in Thurston County, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and Tenino. The system allows users to:
- Search for incident reports
- View daily police activity logs
- Access accident reports
- Submit public records requests electronically
-
Washington Courts Search - The Washington State Courts maintain a searchable database of court records that includes criminal cases in Thurston County:
- Visit Washington Courts Search Portal
- Select "Search Case Records"
- Choose "Thurston County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the name of the individual
- Review case information, including charges and disposition
-
Washington State Patrol WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History) - This statewide system provides conviction history information:
- Visit the WATCH website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Pay the required fee ($12 per search)
- Enter the individual's name and date of birth
- Review the results for criminal history information
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Information may be limited compared to complete records available through formal requests
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes
- Fees may apply for certain searches or detailed reports
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section maintains fingerprint-based records and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies and courts throughout the state.
How To Search Thurston County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Thurston County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are provided in accordance with Washington's commitment to government transparency under the Public Records Act.
Free resources for arrest record searches include:
-
Thurston County Jail Inmate Roster - The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible list of current inmates:
- Visit the Thurston County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail Roster" section
- Search by name to view current booking information
- This resource is updated daily and includes basic arrest information
-
Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals are available for public use at several county facilities:
Thurston County Law Library
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5335
Thurston County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Court Records Search - The Thurston County Clerk's Office provides free access to court records related to criminal cases:
Thurston County Clerk's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5430
Thurston County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Local Newspaper Archives - The Olympian and other local publications often report on arrests and can be accessed for free at:
Timberland Regional Library - Olympia Branch
313 8th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 352-0595
Timberland Regional Library
- Law Enforcement Agency Websites - Many police departments in Thurston County post daily activity logs and significant arrests on their websites:
- Visit the website of the relevant agency (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, etc.)
- Look for sections labeled "Police Blotter," "Daily Activity," or "Recent Arrests"
- These resources typically provide basic information about recent law enforcement activities
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:
- Information may be limited in scope compared to formal records requests
- Some details may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations
- Records may not be comprehensive or include historical data
- For verification purposes, official records may still require a formal request
For individuals seeking more comprehensive information without fees, a written public records request can be submitted to the appropriate agency. While reproduction fees may apply for physical copies, agencies cannot charge for the time spent locating and making records available for inspection under RCW 42.56.120.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Thurston County
In Washington State, individuals cannot "delete" arrest records in the traditional sense, but may pursue legal remedies to limit public access through processes known as expungement, vacating convictions, or sealing records. These procedures are governed by specific statutes and require court approval.
The distinction between these remedies is important:
- Expungement: The physical destruction of records, available only in limited circumstances such as juvenile records or when an arrest did not lead to charges.
- Vacating a Conviction: The legal process that withdraws a guilty plea or verdict and dismisses the charges, available after completing all sentencing terms and waiting periods.
- Sealing Records: Restricting public access to court records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
To pursue these remedies in Thurston County, individuals must follow these steps:
-
Determine Eligibility:
- For vacating convictions, refer to RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) or RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies)
- Certain offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are generally ineligible
- Waiting periods apply (typically 3-5 years for misdemeanors, 5-10 years for felonies)
- All terms of the sentence must be completed, including financial obligations
-
Obtain Required Documents:
- Criminal history record from the Washington State Patrol
- Certified copies of court documents related to the case
- Proof of completion of all sentencing requirements
-
File the Appropriate Motion:
- Complete the required court forms (available from the Thurston County Clerk's Office)
- File the motion with the court that handled the original case
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)
Thurston County Superior Court
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5560
Thurston County Superior Court
-
Attend the Hearing:
- The court will schedule a hearing on the motion
- Be prepared to explain why the relief should be granted
- The prosecutor may oppose the motion
-
If Granted:
- Obtain certified copies of the court order
- Send copies to all agencies that maintain the records, including:
- Washington State Patrol
- Local law enforcement agencies
- FBI (for federal background checks)
Even when records are vacated or sealed, certain entities may still access them, including law enforcement agencies and some government employers. Additionally, information that has been published by media outlets or third-party websites may remain accessible.
For individuals seeking to clear their records, free legal assistance may be available through:
Northwest Justice Project
1239 120th Avenue NE, Suite J
Bellevue, WA 98005
(888) 201-1014
Northwest Justice Project
What Happens After Arrest in Thurston County?
Following an arrest in Thurston County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process ensures due process rights while moving cases toward resolution.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
-
Booking Process:
- The arrestee is transported to a detention facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Health screening is conducted
- Initial custody determination is made
-
Initial Appearance/Arraignment:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail or release conditions are established
- Public defender is appointed if the defendant qualifies
- Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
-
Pretrial Phase:
- Prosecutor reviews evidence and formally files charges
- Discovery process begins (exchange of evidence)
- Defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Pretrial hearings address legal issues before trial
- Plea negotiations may occur between defense and prosecution
-
Case Resolution:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial
- Trials may be jury trials or bench trials (judge only)
- Burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
-
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Presentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Washington State Sentencing Guidelines
- Statutory requirements
- Case-specific factors
- Sentences may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Treatment programs
- Community service
-
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Supervision by Department of Corrections (if applicable)
- Compliance with all sentencing conditions
Throughout this process, cases are managed by the Thurston County criminal justice system:
Thurston County Prosecutor's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5540
Thurston County Prosecutor
Thurston County Office of Assigned Counsel
926 24th Way SW
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 754-4897
Thurston County Office of Assigned Counsel
Individuals with active cases should maintain regular contact with their attorney and appear for all scheduled court dates. Failure to appear may result in additional charges and the issuance of bench warrants.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Thurston County?
Arrest records in Thurston County are subject to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods that vary based on record type and case disposition.
The Washington State Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule (LERRS) provides the following guidelines for arrest records:
- Arrest Reports (No Charges Filed): Retained for at least 5 years after the arrest date
- Arrest Reports (Charges Filed - Misdemeanors): Retained for at least 5 years after case completion
- Arrest Reports (Charges Filed - Felonies): Retained for at least 10 years after case completion
- Arrest Reports (Serious Violent Offenses): Retained permanently
- Booking Records: Retained for at least 5 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint Cards: Retained until the death of the subject or 99 years, whichever is sooner
- Photographs/Mugshots: Retained until the death of the subject or 99 years, whichever is sooner
The Washington State Archives Local Government Records Retention Schedules provide comprehensive guidance on the retention requirements for all law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.
It is important to note that different agencies within Thurston County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention practices:
- Law enforcement agencies (Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments) maintain original arrest reports and booking information
- The Prosecutor's Office maintains case files related to charges
- The courts maintain records of proceedings, judgments, and dispositions
- The Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information
Even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained longer for various reasons:
- Historical significance
- Ongoing legal proceedings
- Administrative needs
- Agency discretion
- Digital preservation making destruction unnecessary
The retention of these records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains accountability of law enforcement actions
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis
- Supports background checks for employment and licensing
- Documents the activities of government agencies
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention should contact the agency that created or maintains the records in question.
How to Find Mugshots in Thurston County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are considered public records in Washington State, subject to certain limitations and exemptions.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Thurston County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency (Thurston County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments)
- The Thurston County Corrections Facility for individuals who are booked into the county jail
- The Washington State Patrol's central records system for state-level offenses
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots in Thurston County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency, specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Specific request for booking photographs
Thurston County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5500
Thurston County Sheriff's Office
- Check the Thurston County Jail Roster for current inmates, which sometimes includes booking photographs
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some jurisdictions in Washington publish mugshots online, Thurston County law enforcement agencies generally do not maintain public-facing databases of booking photographs. This policy helps balance public information access with privacy concerns. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media coverage of high-profile arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
- Court records that may include booking photographs as exhibits
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain official mugshots is through a formal public records request:
- Submit a written request under the Public Records Act
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $0.15 per page for photocopies or actual cost for electronic copies)
- Allow time for processing (agencies must respond within 5 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances pursuant to RCW 42.56.240, which exempts specific law enforcement records from disclosure. Exemptions may apply when:
- The photograph is part of an active investigation
- Release would violate personal privacy in cases where:
- The charge was dismissed
- The individual was found not guilty
- The case was vacated or expunged
- The individual is a juvenile
- Release would endanger a person's safety
Requestors should be aware that using mugshots for commercial purposes, particularly "mugshot extortion" websites that charge removal fees, may violate Washington law and ethical standards.