Access Pullman Police Records
Pullman police records are managed by the Pullman Police Department Records Division, which serves this Whitman County city in eastern Washington. The department processes requests for incident reports, personal record reviews, and other law enforcement documents under the Washington State Public Records Act. Requests can be submitted in person, by phone, or through standard written channels. For residents, students, and anyone else who needs access to Pullman police records, the process is handled directly through the department's Records Division with no online portal required.
Pullman Police Records Overview
Requesting Pullman Police Records
The Pullman Police Department Records Division is located at 348 SE Crestview St, Pullman, WA 99163. The Records Department phone number is 509-334-0802. Members of the public can request to review their personal record by calling the Records Department to set up an appointment. Walk-in visits are accepted during normal business hours. The department does not currently operate a public-facing online portal for general records requests, so most submissions happen by phone, in writing by mail, or in person at the department.
Public records are available for inspection and copying during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays. Records may also be inspected at Pullman City Hall or at the Pullman Fire Department depending on which agency holds the document you need. Standard black and white photocopies cost 15 cents per page. There is no charge for records provided by email in electronic format, which makes digital requests cost-effective for large files.
When requesting records, identify them as specifically as possible. Include the case number, the date and address of the incident, and the names of parties involved if known. Clear requests are processed faster than vague ones.
The Records Division processes requests in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act. Under RCW 42.56.520, the department must respond within five business days of receiving a complete request.
Types of Police Records Available in Pullman
The Pullman Police Department maintains a range of law enforcement records that are available to the public subject to applicable exemptions. Incident reports, arrest records, and case documentation are among the most commonly requested. Personal record reviews require an appointment and are often used by individuals checking their own history, applying for professional licenses, or complying with court orders. The department also handles requests for records related to specific investigations, though active case files may be withheld temporarily to protect investigative integrity.
Pullman is a college town and home to Washington State University, which has its own campus police through WSU Police. If an incident occurred on the WSU campus, the responsible agency may be WSU Police rather than Pullman PD. Records from campus incidents would be requested through WSU Police separately. If you're unsure which agency holds a report, call 509-334-0802 and the department can help identify the correct agency.
All public records maintained by Pullman PD, Pullman City Hall, and Pullman Fire Department are subject to the same Public Records Act framework. You don't need to explain why you want a record. The city must provide the most complete access the law allows. If records are withheld, the department must tell you why in writing and cite the specific legal exemption.
Criminal History Records and Background Checks
Personal background checks are not handled by the Pullman Police Department. Statewide criminal history data is maintained by the Washington State Patrol through the WATCH program. WATCH costs $11.00 per search and is available at fortress.wa.gov/wsp/watch/. The results reflect criminal history across Washington state, not just Pullman or Whitman County incidents. This is the correct resource for most personal background check needs.
Criminal history records in Washington are also governed by RCW 10.97, the Criminal Records Privacy Act. Arrest records that did not lead to conviction carry extra protections and may not appear in standard background searches. A police report and a formal criminal history check are different tools, and you may need both depending on what you're trying to find.
More information on criminal history record access in Washington is available through the WSP Criminal History Records page, which explains how records are maintained, what is available to the public, and how to submit requests at the state level.
Collision Reports in Pullman
Traffic collision reports for accidents in Pullman may be held by either Pullman PD or the Washington State Patrol depending on which agency responded. For WSP-held reports, use the WSP Collision Records search at $10.50 per report. Reports are typically available within 48 to 72 hours after the report is approved. For crashes handled by Pullman PD, contact the Records Division at 509-334-0802 to request a copy.
State law at RCW 46.52.085 governs collision report access. The statute generally limits who can get a copy of a collision report: parties to the crash, their insurance companies and attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and a few other authorized recipients. If you are not a party to the crash, your ability to get certain details may be limited. Call the Records Division before submitting to confirm your eligibility and what the report will contain.
Court Records for Pullman Cases
Court documents tied to Pullman cases are held by the Washington State Courts, not the police department. Cases are processed through Whitman County courts for superior and district court matters. The Washington Courts name and case search covers records statewide and is a useful starting point for finding case filings, hearing dates, and outcomes.
Police records and court records serve different purposes and contain different information. The police report captures what officers observed and documented. The court record tracks charges, hearings, plea agreements, and outcomes. If you need both, you must request from both agencies separately. The court search tool is free and publicly accessible.
For general guidance on public records access in Washington, the Municipal Research and Services Center publishes detailed information on what law enforcement records are public and how the disclosure process works for residents and third parties.
Records Inspection and Copy Fees
Records available for inspection can be viewed in person at the Pullman Police Department, Pullman City Hall, or Pullman Fire Department depending on the type of record. Inspection hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays. You can inspect records without making copies if you just need to review the contents. If you want copies, the cost is 15 cents per page for standard black and white photocopies. Electronic records provided by email are free, so ask for digital delivery when possible to reduce costs on large requests.
The city is not required to create new records or compile information that isn't already documented. If the record you want doesn't exist in a current format, the department will tell you. Requests for future, standing, or ongoing records, meaning records not yet in existence at the time of the request, are not permitted under the Public Records Act.
Whitman County Police Records
Pullman police records are maintained by the Pullman Police Department. The city sits in Whitman County, which handles records for incidents outside Pullman's city limits through the Whitman County Sheriff.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Pullman have their own police agencies and records processes.