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Washougal, Washington Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Washougal, Washington.

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Official Government Sources

Washougal Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Washougal, Washington government websites.

About Washougal

The governing body of Washougal, Washington, is the Washougal City Council, which consists of seven members. Council members are elected at-large to serve four-year terms. The current council includes Mayor Molly Coston and Council Members Jennifer McDaniel, Paul Greenlee, and others, with elections held in odd-numbered years.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Washougal is $15.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, parks and recreation, and infrastructure improvements.

The Washougal City Council holds regular meetings every second and fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are conducted at Washougal City Hall, located at 1701 C Street, Washougal, WA 98671. These sessions are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and stay informed about city matters.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Clark County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Clark County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Vancouver Police Department, Camas Police Department, and Washougal Police Department. Each city department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and participate in joint task forces to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Clark County Jail, located in Vancouver, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information from detainees. Inmate information can be accessed through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with options for both in-person and video visits. The bond and bail process in Washington allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administration.

Court Records

Clark County is served by the Clark County Superior Court, located in Vancouver, which handles civil, criminal, family, and juvenile cases. The District Court, also in Vancouver, manages misdemeanor cases, traffic infractions, and small claims. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the court's online portal or by visiting the courthouse. The courts provide public access to records while ensuring confidentiality where required by law.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Clark County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Clark County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in providing comprehensive criminal background checks for Clark County residents.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Clark County are maintained by the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act. A Clark County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The process for obtaining these records is designed to be transparent while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Public records in Clark County are accessible under Washington's Public Records Act. The County Clerk's Office, located in the Clark County Courthouse, provides access to court records, marriage licenses, and other legal documents. The Assessor's Office offers property records, while the Auditor's Office handles birth and death certificates. Many records can be accessed online through the county's official website, with typical turnaround times varying depending on the type of record requested.

Economy & Demographics

Clark County's economy is characterized by a mix of industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Major employers in the county include PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Hewlett-Packard, and the Evergreen School District. The county's proximity to Portland, Oregon, provides additional economic opportunities and contributes to a dynamic cross-border workforce. The presence of the Port of Vancouver further enhances the county's economic profile by facilitating trade and commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Washougal, Clark County, Washington to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Washougal, Washington, you will be transported to the Clark County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Clark County Court. Under Washington law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Washington State Patrol. The Clark County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/offendersearch.aspx where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Washougal, Clark County, Washington?
The Washougal School District is located in Clark County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the district had an overall score of 73.2 out of 100 for the 2018-19 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and other indicators of school performance.
3
What are the crime statistics for Washougal, Clark County, Washington?
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Washougal had a total of 545 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 4 violent crimes, including 1 murder, 1 rape, 1 robbery, and 1 aggravated assault. There were also 541 property crimes, including 4 burglaries, 4 motor vehicle thefts, and 533 larcenies/thefts.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Washougal, Clark County, Washington Library?
The Washougal Public Library in Clark County, Washington provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Washington government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which governs access to government documents in Washington. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Washougal Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Washougal Public Library reference desk at (360) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Washougal, Clark County, Washington Public Library located?
The Washougal, Clark County, Washington Library is located at 1661 C Street, Washougal, WA 98671.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Washougal, Clark County, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Washougal, Washington residents are provided at the Washougal Police Department, which serves Clark County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Washougal Police Department at (360) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Washington State Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Washington State Patrol at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Washougal, Clark County, Washington, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Washougal, Clark County, Washington, you must contact the Clark County Auditor's Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. You will need to provide the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, as well as the date and place of the event. You will also need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person whose record you are requesting. The cost of the records varies depending on the type of record requested.
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About background check
A background check in Washougal, Clark County, Washington typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Washington. Criminal background checks are processed through the Washington State Patrol, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Washington residents. The Washington State Patrol provides official criminal history checks at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/. Under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026