Warrant records are public in Vancouver, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW. This legislation mandates that public agencies make records available for public inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. The law promotes transparency and accountability in government operations by providing citizens with access to records related to governmental activities, including warrants.
In Vancouver, warrant records are maintained by multiple law enforcement agencies and the courts. These records are considered public documents because they document actions taken by government officials in the performance of their official duties. Public access to these records serves as an important mechanism for citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement and the judicial system, thereby fostering trust and accountability in public institutions.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of criminal records and warrants that may be accessed by members of the public in accordance with state law. Additionally, the Vancouver Police Department maintains records that may be accessed through their Records Division.
Members of the public seeking warrant information online in Vancouver may utilize several official resources:
Clark County Sheriff's Office Criminal Records & Warrants: Provides access to local warrant information and criminal records maintained by the county.
Washington State Department of Corrections Warrant Search: Offers a searchable database of warrants for individuals under DOC jurisdiction.
Clark County District Court: Maintains records of warrants issued by district courts within the county.
Clark County Superior Court Records: Provides access to records of warrants issued by the superior court.
Individuals seeking warrant information may search these databases using name, date of birth, or case number identifiers. Pursuant to RCW 10.31.100, certain warrant information may be restricted based on the nature of the case or ongoing investigations.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Vancouver may utilize several official methods:
Online Database Search: The Washington State Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database of warrants. Additionally, the Clark County Sheriff's Office provides online access to warrant information.
Contact Local Law Enforcement: Individuals may contact the Vancouver Police Department directly:
Vancouver Police Department
605 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
360-487-7400
Vancouver Police Department
Court Clerk's Office: Direct inquiries may be made to the clerk of the court where the warrant might have been issued:
Clark County District Court
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
564-397-2424
Clark County District Court
Legal Counsel: Consultation with an attorney is advisable, as legal professionals have access to court systems and can interpret warrant status and potential legal implications.
Pursuant to RCW 10.31.030, individuals with active warrants may be subject to arrest. Therefore, addressing warrant issues promptly through proper legal channels is strongly recommended.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Vancouver may be accomplished through several official channels:
Online Resources: The Clark County Jail Roster provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, which may include those arrested on outstanding warrants. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Corrections Warrant Search allows for searches of DOC-related warrants.
In-Person Verification: Individuals may visit the Vancouver Police Records Division during business hours:
Vancouver Police Records Division
605 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
360-487-7400
Clark County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records and can provide information:
Clark County Sheriff's Office
707 W 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
564-397-2211
Clark County Sheriff
Pursuant to RCW 10.31.100, law enforcement agencies are authorized to arrest individuals with outstanding warrants. Individuals with reason to believe they may have an outstanding warrant are advised to address the matter through appropriate legal channels.
Vancouver warrant records typically contain the following official information as required by Washington State law:
Identifying Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, the last known address of the subject.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) as defined in RCW 10.31.030 and RCW 10.31.040.
Issuing Authority: The specific court or judicial officer who issued the warrant, including the court case number and jurisdiction.
Issuance Date and Expiration: The date when the warrant was issued and, if applicable, expiration information.
Offense Details: Description of the alleged violation or reason for the warrant issuance, including the relevant Washington State or Vancouver municipal code sections.
Bail Information: When applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation if the subject is to be held without bail.
Service Instructions: Special instructions for law enforcement regarding the execution of the warrant.
Pursuant to RCW 10.31.020, all warrants must be signed by the issuing judicial officer and contain sufficient particularity regarding the offense and the person to be arrested. The Clark County District Court and Clark County Superior Court maintain these records in accordance with state record retention schedules.
The Vancouver Police Department maintains records of search warrants executed within city limits. These records document the legal process by which law enforcement obtains judicial authorization to search specified locations or seize property. Pursuant to RCW 10.79.015 and RCW 10.79.020, search warrants must be supported by probable cause and particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office also maintains records of search warrants executed in unincorporated areas of Clark County. These records may include affidavits supporting the warrant application, the warrant itself, and inventory lists of items seized during execution.
Members of the public seeking information about search warrants may submit public records requests to the appropriate agency. However, certain information may be exempt from disclosure under RCW 42.56.240 if release would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved.
The Vancouver Community Court Program offers alternative resolution for certain offenses and may provide information about warrants related to failure to appear for community court proceedings.
For cold cases and unsolved homicides, the Vancouver Police Department maintains a database of unsolved homicide cases that may include information about related search warrants.