Find Longview Police Records
Longview police records are available through the Longview Police Department's Public Records Center, with dispatch and CAD records handled separately by Cowlitz 911 Authority. The Records Division is located at 1351 Hudson St, Longview, WA 98632, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Washington's Public Records Act governs all requests. Knowing which agency holds which records saves time. This page covers how to get police reports, collision records, criminal history, and other law enforcement files from Longview and Cowlitz County sources.
Longview Police Records Overview
Longview Police Records Division
The Longview Police Records Division is located at 1351 Hudson St, Longview, WA 98632. The main phone number is 360-442-5800. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed on holidays. Most record requests go through the city's online Public Records Center, though in-person visits are also accepted during business hours.
You can view the records request page and learn what types of reports are available:
When you submit a request through the Public Records Center, the city tracks it and sends updates. If your request involves a large file or requires staff time to prepare, the city will estimate the cost and timeline. Standard paper copies run $0.15 per page.
Cowlitz 911 and Dispatch Records
Dispatch records for Longview, including audio and CAD logs, are handled by the Cowlitz 911 Authority, not the Police Department. The Cowlitz 911 Authority is located at 2790 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview, WA 98632. Their public records coordinator can be reached at 360-762-6824 or by email at bakerd@cowlitz911.org. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Cowlitz 911 has updated its records system in recent years. All records are now stored online, and request forms are submitted through their own online portal rather than paper forms. The agency's Public Records Policy is available as a downloadable PDF on their website. If you need audio recordings of 911 calls, radio communications, or dispatch logs tied to a specific incident, contact Cowlitz 911 directly at 360-762-6800.
It's worth knowing this distinction before filing. Many people submit a request to Longview Police and then find out that the audio or dispatch records must be obtained separately from Cowlitz 911. Routing your request to the right place from the start saves a week or more of waiting.
Online Police Report Filing in Longview
Longview offers an online police reporting system for certain non-emergency incidents. Citizens can file reports through the system for eligible incident types, including minor thefts, vandalism, and lost property. All cases submitted online are reviewed by staff, and if further investigation is needed, you may be contacted by a Longview officer.
The online submission portal is available at the city's website:
Filing online is faster than going in person for many types of incidents. The system handles both initial report filing and public records requests for existing reports. Keep the confirmation or case number you receive after filing, as you'll need it to track the status of your request.
Cowlitz County Sheriff Records
For records related to incidents in unincorporated Cowlitz County, or for records held by the County Sheriff's Office, the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Records Department is the place to go. All of Cowlitz County now uses GovQA software to manage public disclosure requests. This means both county agencies and the Sheriff's Office accept records requests through the same online platform.
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office charges for copies when requests involve large files. Reports under 30 pages generally cost $0.15 per page. For copies of reports 30 pages or longer, the fee is $0.15 per page for printed materials or $0.10 per page for scanned materials. Requests for records that require significant staff time may involve additional charges. The county publishes its fee schedule on the GovQA portal.
If you're not sure whether a record is held by the city or the county, the safest move is to file with both and let each agency respond. Washington law does not penalize you for filing with the wrong agency, and they are required to tell you if they don't have the records you're looking for.
Criminal History Records in Cowlitz County
Statewide criminal history checks are available through the Washington State Patrol's WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system. The fee is $11 per search, and results are typically available quickly online. WATCH returns conviction-based records and covers all of Washington, including Longview and Cowlitz County. Visit the WSP WATCH portal to start a search.
For more detailed background checks, including fingerprint-based searches, the WSP's Criminal History Division handles formal requests. These are often used by employers or licensing agencies that need certified results. Individual residents can also request their own personal criminal history through this division.
Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act at RCW 10.97 governs how criminal history data is used and who has access. The law limits some uses of arrest records that did not lead to conviction, which is worth understanding if you're doing a background check for a specific purpose.
Collision Reports from Longview Streets
Crash reports from traffic incidents in Longview are filed with the Washington State Patrol. WSP maintains the statewide collision database and provides access through its WRECR system. The fee is $10.50 per report under RCW 46.52.085. Officers typically take two to four weeks to complete and approve a crash report before it enters the system.
Visit the WSP collision records page to request a report online. You'll need the date, location, and name of at least one party involved. A WSP kiosk also allows in-person searches for those who prefer that method. Insurance companies and attorneys often request these reports directly, so if you were in a crash and need your own copy, the WSP site is where to start.
Your Rights Under Washington's Public Records Act
The Washington Public Records Act at RCW 42.56 gives the public broad access to government records, including police files. Agencies must respond within five business days of receiving a request, though they can extend that timeline if the records require significant preparation. Any extension must come with an explanation and an estimated date for when records will be ready.
Records may be withheld or redacted under specific exemptions. Common exemptions for police records include open investigation files, personal identifying information, and records protected under other state laws. When the city or county withholds a record, they must identify the legal basis for doing so. If you believe a denial was improper, you can seek judicial review or contact the Washington State Attorney General's Office, which provides guidance on the Public Records Act. The MRSC publishes a helpful overview of criminal history and arrest records for Washington residents.
Cowlitz County Police Records
Longview police records are maintained by the Longview Police Department. The city sits in Cowlitz County. County-level records are managed separately by the Cowlitz County Sheriff, which handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas of the county.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Longview and handle police records through their own departments.