Find SeaTac Police Records
SeaTac police records are processed through the King County Sheriff's Office, which provides contracted police services to the city. For copies of police reports from incidents in SeaTac, contact King County Public Disclosure directly, either online or at the Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit in Seattle.
SeaTac Police Records Overview
SeaTac Police Records and the King County Sheriff
SeaTac is located between Seattle and Tacoma in King County and is home to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The city has its own city government and provides various municipal services, but like many smaller King County cities, it contracts with the King County Sheriff's Office for police services. This means all police records for incidents in SeaTac are held by the Sheriff's Office, not by a SeaTac Police Department.
To get a copy of a police report from SeaTac, contact King County Public Disclosure at www.kingcounty.gov/sheriff. You can also call the Sheriff's Communications Center at 206.296.3311 for non-emergency assistance. The SeaTac Police station address is 4800 S. 188th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188, and the general police line is 206.973.4900. But for records requests, the King County Sheriff's Public Disclosure Unit is the correct contact.
The King County Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit is located at King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Avenue, Room W-150, Seattle, WA 98104. They process requests around the clock through their online system. Online submission is the fastest method. The unit handles requests for all contract cities including SeaTac.
Reporting a Crime in SeaTac
For emergencies in SeaTac, always call 9-1-1. Non-emergency crimes can be reported by calling the King County Sheriff's Office Communications Center at 206.296.3311, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This line covers SeaTac and other communities that contract for Sheriff's services.
Some types of non-emergency incidents can be reported online. Car prowls, vandalism, traffic complaints, and similar property crimes may qualify for online reporting. This service is available to residents in communities that contract with the King County Sheriff, including SeaTac. Online reports save time for both you and law enforcement when there is no immediate threat or active scene. After submitting, you receive a report number you can use later if you need a copy of the report.
When you file a report, keep your case number. You will need it later if you want a copy of the full report. Reports are typically available within a few weeks after the case is closed or the investigation is complete. Some reports involving sensitive information may take longer due to review and redaction requirements.
SeaTac Public Records Requests Through the City
For non-police public records from the City of SeaTac, requests go through the city directly. The SeaTac Public Records Request Form is available at SeaTac City Hall, 4800 South 188th Street, SeaTac WA 98188-8605. You can also get the form online. The city processes these requests in line with the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
The distinction matters. General city records, like permits, contracts, budgets, and city council minutes, come from SeaTac City Hall. Police records from incidents within city limits come from the King County Sheriff's Office. Sending a request to the wrong office will cause a delay. If you are not sure where to send your request, the city can point you in the right direction.
Collision Reports and Traffic Records
Traffic accident reports from SeaTac are not requested from the city or the Sheriff's Office directly. Washington State Patrol is the central repository for all Police Traffic Collision Reports statewide. You request these through the WSP collision records system for $10.50 each. This applies to all crashes in Washington, no matter which agency responded.
If you were involved in a crash and need the report for insurance purposes, WSP is the right source. Reports become available once the investigating officer submits them to the state system, which can take a few weeks after the incident. Complex crashes or those involving injuries may take longer as investigations are completed first.
Statewide Criminal History Records
If you need a statewide criminal history background check, the WATCH system from Washington State Patrol is the official source. The fee is $11. This covers your full Washington criminal history from all agencies in the state. Results are typically instant for most requesters. WATCH is commonly used for professional licensing, volunteer work, and other purposes that require a certified background check.
For court records showing case outcomes, you can search the Washington Courts name and case search. This system covers courts across the state and shows case filings, charges, and final dispositions. It is a separate system from police records. Police records document the original incident and investigation. Court records show what happened after an arrest was made.
More guidance on how Washington law governs criminal history and arrest records is available through the WSP criminal history page. The agency explains what types of records are available, who can request them, and how the system works for both individuals and organizations that need background checks.
Your Rights Under Washington Public Records Law
Washington's Public Records Act is one of the strongest open-records laws in the United States. Under RCW 42.56, any person can request public records from any state or local agency. You do not need to be a resident. You do not need to give a reason. Agencies must respond within five business days, either providing records, giving a timeline, requesting clarification, or denying the request with a written explanation and specific legal citation.
Fee schedules for copies are set by state law. Standard rates are $0.15 per page for printed copies and $0.10 per page for scanned records. For body camera footage, agencies may charge a per-minute redaction fee. These fees can add up for large requests, but agencies must tell you the estimated cost before charging. You can narrow your request to reduce fees.
The Criminal Records Privacy Act, RCW 10.97, limits who can see non-conviction records. Arrests that did not result in conviction have restricted access. Adult conviction records are generally public. Agencies can redact certain sensitive information even from records that are otherwise releasable. If you believe records were wrongly withheld, you have the right to appeal to the Attorney General's Office or file suit in superior court.
King County Police Records
SeaTac police records are maintained by the King County Sheriff's Office, which provides contracted police services to the city. SeaTac sits in King County.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to SeaTac and handle police records through their own departments or contracted agencies.