Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Washington?

Most public records laws, including the Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.

What does a public records request cost in Washington?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.

What if a Washington police department denies my request?

Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Washington Public Records Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Washington

In Washington, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). The law sets this response timeline: Within 5 business days the agency must provide the records, give a link, acknowledge the request with a reasonable time estimate, ask for clarification, or deny it in writing citing the specific exemption (RCW 42.56.520).. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: RCW Chapter 42.56 (opens in a new tab).

Write your Washington request

Washington police department

Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

How to send your request

Step 1
Pick the records
Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.
Step 2
Fill in the details
Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.
Step 3
Send it to the records custodian
Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.
Step 4
Follow up after the deadline
If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Washington

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Washington?: Most public records laws, including the Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Washington agency have to respond?: Under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56), the response timeline is: Within 5 business days the agency must provide the records, give a link, acknowledge the request with a reasonable time estimate, ask for clarification, or deny it in writing citing the specific exemption (RCW 42.56.520).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Washington?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Washington police department denies my request?: Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Public records law in Washington Police departments and incidents in Washington