Criminal History Records - Washington State Patrol

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Enter search keywords: Click to submit search: Section Menu Expand All \| Collapse All Crime & Safety Overview Aggressive Driving AMBER Alert Center Criminal History Records Emergency Information Fuel Tax Evasion Homeland Security Marijuana Hotline Missing Persons Programs & Partnerships WSP's Most Wanted Forensic Lab Services Bureau Overview Crime Lab Division Forensic Services Library Web DMS-Breath Test Investigative Services Bureau Overview Accicent Investigation Auto Theft Program Crime Scene Response Criminal Investigations Investigative Assistance Special Operations VIN Inspections	Crime & Safety · Criminal History Records The Washington State Patrol is responsible for maintaining the statewide repository for fingerprint-based criminal history record information (CHRI). You can obtain criminal histories from the State Patrol in two ways: Going on-line by using WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History). This feature requires either a credit card or a pre-established account. A $10 fee is charged for each name search, regardless of the outcome of the results of the search. NOTE: If you cannot access the WATCH site please review the instructions for checking and updating to 128-bit encryption. Forms are available through the WATCH link above. Return the completed background forms to us through the US Postal Service. If setting up an account print and fill out an application packet and submit by mail or the fax number on the form. (Sorry, we don't have downloadable forms at this time.) If you are new to criminal history requests, please read About Criminal Histories below. We describe the two types of requests and their purposes, the information they contain, the laws that allow them to be given out, the cost to you, and the time it takes to receive them. We've included a glossary to help you understand the terms. If you have any questions or wish to request forms, write or call the Identification and Criminal History Section. A service representative will be happy to help you. About Criminal Histories The Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section is the statewide repository for fingerprint-based criminal history record information (CHRI). Local criminal justice agencies are required by law to submit felony and gross misdemeanor arrest and disposition information to the State Patrol, where it is included in a CHRI data base. The requested record information is furnished solely on the basis of name and/or description similarity with the subject of your inquiry. Positive identification or non-identification can only be determined upon receipt of fingerprints. Who May Request CHRI? Certified criminal justice agencies may request and receive unrestricted CHRI from the Identification and Criminal History Section for criminal justice purposes. The public may request and receive CHRI for non-criminal justice purposes, but it is limited to conviction information only. Conviction CHRI is defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 10.97.030, and it relates to an incident that has led to a conviction or other disposition adverse to the subject. In addition to the conviction CHRI, non-criminal justice requestors (the public) may receive a record showing pending arrest offenses under one year old without disposition, and if the subject is a registered sex offender or kidnapper. Two Types of Criminal History Requests Depending on the purpose, the Identification and Criminal History Section responds to non-criminal justice inquiries under two different statutes: Criminal Records Privacy Act (Chapter 10.97 RCW) Child and Adult Abuse Information Act (RCW 43.43.830-.845) On-line information from WATCH is immediate. However, it takes from 7-14 business days for us to respond to written requests. Back to Top Criminal Records Privacy Act Under the Criminal Records Privacy Act, conviction CHRI may be made public to anyone without restriction and without the consent of the subject of the record. The requestor must submit either a Request for Conviction Criminal History Record (using Form 3000-240-569 or WATCH) or a full set of the subject's fingerprints. Fees A non-refundable $17 fee is required for each record requested by name and date of birth through the mail. A non-refundable $26 fee is required for a fingerprint search. Fees must be submitted with the request for information, payable to the Washington State Patrol by a cashier's check, money order, or commercial business account. There is a $10 processing fee for a name and date of birth check through WATCH. Notarized letters are an additional $5 per notary seal. Please go to "Forms" on the WATCH Web site, print the "Credit Card Authorization" form, complete and fax the form with your web search transcript to (360) 534-2073. Instructions for Completing Form 3000-240-569 Part A - Print or type applicant’s full name, all alias names (including birth and married names) and date of birth. The applicant’s sex and race are optional. Part B - Print or type date, requestor’s name and title, telephone number, and requestor’s business, organization, or agency name and address. If you would like to receive results electronically check the box provided, print or type your email address and submit a password. Be sure requestor signs name on the appropriate line. Responses Each written response takes from 7-14 business days to complete. If a record exists, a copy of the record will be attached to the returned form. It will include all state of Washington conviction CHRI and pending arrest offenses under one year old without disposition. If the subject is a registered sex offender or kidnapper, it will be disclosed on the record you receive. If our search reveals that no CHRI exists, a no record WATCH report will be attached. Secondary dissemination of the CHRI is prohibited, unless in compliance with RCW 10.97.050. Back to Top Child and Adult Abuse Information Act Under the Child and Adult Abuse Information Act, requests for CHRI are limited to businesses or organizations licensed in the state of Washington; any agency of the state; or other governmental entities that educate, train, treat, supervise, house, or provide recreation to developmentally disabled persons, vulnerable adults, or children under 16 years of age. The requestor may submit either a Request for Criminal History Information Child/Adult Abuse Information Act (using Form 3000-240-430 or WATCH) or a full set of the subject's fingerprints. Fees If you are a for-profit organization, a non-refundable $17 fee is required for each record requested by name and date of birth through the mail. A non-refundable $26 fee is required for a fingerprint search. Fees must be submitted with the request for information, payable to the Washington State Patrol by a cashier's check, money order, or commercial business account. There is a $10 processing fee for a name and date of birth check through WATCH. There is no fee for organizations legally classified as non-profit. By definition, "Non-Profit Organization" means an organization that is incorporated under state laws and approved by the state's secretary of state and its taxing authority to operate for educational, charitable, social, religious, civic, or humanitarian purposes. Notarized letters are an additional $5 per notary seal. Please go to "Forms" on the WATCH web site, print the "Credit Card Authorization" form, complete and fax the form with your web search transcript to (360) 534-2073. Instructions for Completing the Form 3000-240-430 Part A - Print or type the complete name and address of the requesting business, organization, or agency, title of requestor, telephone number and date. An authorized signature is required on the line provided. Part B - Check the box that applies. If you would like to receive results electronically check the box provided, print or type your email address and submit a password. Part C - Print or type applicant’s full name, all alias names (including birth and married names) and date of birth. The applicant’s sex and race are optional. Part D - Print or type the name of the requesting agency, business, or organization and the applicant's name and address. Be sure to get the required applicant signature on the line provided. Responses Each written response takes from 7-14 business days to complete. If a record exists, a copy of the record will be attached to the returned form. It will include state of Washington record of convictions and any pending crimes against persons for which the applicant is currently being processed by the criminal justice system and sex offender and kidnapper registration information. The requestor is required to provide a copy of the CHRI response to the applicant (subject). If our search reveals that no CHRI exists a no record WATCH report will be attached. Secondary dissemination of the CHRI is prohibited, unless in compliance with RCW 10.97.050 . Contact Information Want to order forms, set up a WATCH account, or get more information? If you need fingerprint cards or have questions call a customer representative at (360) 534-2000. Also, you can write us at following addresses: Identification and Criminal History Section Washington State Patrol PO Box 42633 Olympia WA 98504-2633 E-mail: watch.help@wsp.wa.gov Please be sure to include your telephone number in case we have any questions. Please note that some of the documents provided on this page are available in Adobe® PDF format only and will require the Adobe® Reader in order to view or print them from your Web browser. Back to Top	Quick Links About Criminal Histories Child & Adult Abuse Information Act Contact Information Criminal Records Privacy Glossary of Terms Resources Criminal History/ Fingerprint Training Resources