What are Benton County Public Records?
The PRA describes Benton County public records as records containing information related to the conduct of government or the performance of a governmental function. Public records are created, maintained, or used by public agencies and are available to interested persons upon request. These records may include typewritten or handwritten documents, photographs, letters, audio, and video recordings, as well as other data storage forms regardless of characteristics or physical form. However, records that contain the following information are not open to public disclosure:
- Personal information that infringes on public employees' right to privacy
- Investigative records containing active intelligence
- Security records created or maintained to handle threats to public safety
- Commercially valuable information
- Domestic violence records and medical records
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Benton County Crime Statistics
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) publishes annual reports of statewide crime statistics. According to the WASPC's 2020 report, the Benton County Sheriff's Office reported 1 murder, 8 rape cases, 91 aggravated assaults, 341 simple assaults, and 14 cases of kidnapping. Other crimes include 5 robberies, 199 burglary incidents, 465 larceny-theft offenses, 86 motor vehicle thefts, and 4 arsons. The report also includes 100 narcotic violations, 27 weapon law violations, 9 cases of animal cruelty, and 8 pornography offenses. The publication showed a total of 2,059 committed crimes in 2020. Compared with figures from 2019, the 2020 total represents a 32.5% increase in crime.
Are Benton County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. But Benton County requestors can only receive unrestricted criminal history record information (CHRI) for non-criminal justice purposes. Interested persons may search Benton criminal records online via the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) for $11.00. Otherwise, they may request CHRI by mail or in person for $32.00.
How to Obtain Benton County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Benton County arrest records and police reports are obtainable by submitting requests to the Sheriff's Office. Interested persons may submit written applications that contain exhaustive descriptions of the desired records and information on the subject of the record. These details may include the subject's name, date of birth, a description of the incident, incident date, and incident location. Applications for Benton arrest records should be submitted to the following:
Benton County Sheriff's Office
Okanogan Place
Building B
7122 W. Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 99336
Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday
Prosser Office
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 735-6555
Phone: (509) 786-5615
Fax: (509) 783-5852
Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Benton County?
The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online registry that contains details of sex offenders registered in the county. Parties may search the registry by area, name, and city. While the area search requires an address, city, and zip code, searchers may use the name search by entering the offender's last name, first name, or alias. Record seekers may also view a separate list of non-compliant sex offenders. The registry displays offenders' names, aliases, addresses, physical descriptions, offense details, and photographs. The platform also lets residents register for email alerts to receive updates on the offender's registration details.
How to Find Benton County Inmate Records
The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains an online daily jail roster. The Sheriff's Office groups inmate records into the following categories:
- Persons booked in the last 24 hours
- Persons booked in the last 72 hours
- Persons released in the last 24 hours
- Daily inmate roster
The different categories display information such as a name, age, race, sex, inmate number, booking date, case number, pod, bond status, and bond amount. Details of prisoners are updated daily on Mondays through Fridays, except on holidays.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Benton County Jail?
The Benton County Corrections Department allows interested persons to visit inmates. However, access to inmates at the Benton County Jail is restricted to video visitations. Any interested person may schedule a visit online by creating an account. Residents may also visit the lobby kiosk at the following address:
Benton County Corrections Department
7122 West Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 783-1451 or (509) 786-5613
All visits must be scheduled 12 hours in advance. Visitations are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, and only according to the inmate's time-out period. However, visiting trustees may schedule non-working hours. Remote visits are from 8:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. every day. All inmates may receive 2 free local visits each week, between Sunday and Saturday. Each subsequent visit costs $12.50.
On-site monitor visitation is also possible at the jail lobby. Interested persons must schedule visits according to the following timetable:
- Mondays: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
- Tuesdays through Fridays: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
- Saturdays: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
Benton County Court Records
The Benton County court system features a Superior Court and a District Court. The Benton County Superior Court has general jurisdiction over all cases not exclusive to the District Court. On the other hand, the Benton County District Court has limited jurisdiction over some criminal cases, such as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings for criminal cases. The District Court also handles civil cases with less than $75,000 in dispute.
Locations of Courts in Benton County
Benton County Superior Court
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Pl
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892
Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court - Juvenile
Juvenile Justice Center
5606 West Canal Drive
Suite 106
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 783-2151
Fax: (509) 736-2728
Benton County Superior Court
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5624
Benton County District Court
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Pl
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8476
Fax: (509) 736-3069
Benton County District Court
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5480
Fax: (509) 786-5484
Are Benton County Court Records Public?
Most Benton County court records are public records. However, some records are not open to public disclosure. For instance, members of the general public cannot inspect or obtain copies of juvenile, sealed, or expunged records. Courts may also prevent public access to Benton court records that contain confidential or sensitive information.
Can You Look Up a Benton County Court Case Online?
The Washington Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a searchable online database with statewide information on court cases. Persons looking up Benton County cases may use the Case Search by selecting the relevant court level and providing required details according to the selected search type. Searchers should note that online information is limited.
How to Obtain Benton County Civil Court Case Records
The Benton County Clerk maintains copies of civil court records. Interested persons may submit written requests to the County Clerk's Office or visit in person. Each request should contain a detailed description of the record, including names, charges, judgment details, and other known information. Each plain copy costs 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each page after that. In addition, the County Clerk's Office charges $9 for the first page of an exemplified copy and $1 for each subsequent page. Interested persons may submit mail and in-person requests to the Benton County Superior or District Courts at the following locations:
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Pl
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5624
How to Obtain Benton County Criminal Court Case Records
Interested persons may request Benton County criminal court records from the County Clerk's Office by mail or in person. Records cost 50 cents per plain page or $5 for the first page of certified copy and $1 for each page thereafter. Exemplified copies are also available at $9 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Submitted requests should include detailed information, including charge details, names, dates, and the court's final judgment. Interest residents should submit orders to:
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Pl
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5624
What are Benton County Vital Records?
Benton County vital records are documents containing details of life events in the county. Government agencies generate and preserve records of events such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. In Benton County, not all vital records are public, and only eligible requestors may obtain certified copies of vital records. Available Benton vital records are maintained by the County Clerk's Office, the Washington State Department of Health, and the Benton-Franklin Health District.
Where and How to Obtain Benton County Divorce Records
The Benton County Clerk's Office maintains records of divorces filed or finalized in the county. Interested persons may contact the office to inspect these records or obtain physical copies. Record seekers may submit completed copy request forms with case numbers, case titles, and descriptions of requested documents. Alternatively, the requestor may send a letter containing information such as the names of both divorced parties, their dates of birth, the divorce date, and other known information.
Each request costs 50 cents per page for a regular copy, 25 cents per page for an email copy, and $1 per page for microfilm records. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each subsequent page. For exemplified copies, the County Clerk's Office charges $9 for the first page and $1 for each page after that. Parties may send mail requests or visit the Clerk's Office to submit requests in person. Requests for Benton County divorce decrees should go to one of the following addresses:
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Email: clerk@co.benton.wa.us
Phone: (509) 786-5624
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., and 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday
Divorce records are also obtainable from the Washington State Department of Health. Benton County divorce certificates are available for all divorces since 1968 and are obtainable by the general public. The Department requires no proof of identity or relationship with the subject of the record. Each certificate costs $25, while apostille copies cost an extra $15.
Interested parties may send mail requests by submitting completed marriage certificate mail order forms. While the exact date or county information is not required, providing all available information may decrease processing time, which usually takes up to 10 weeks. Record seekers should forward mail orders to:
Washington Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709
Benton divorce certificates are also requestable in person. Interested parties may visit one of the Department of health locations for in-person and same-day service. Requestors should note that the application must contain accurate information as the Department will close applications with incorrect information without processing refunds.
Where and How to Get Public Benton County Marriage Records
Benton County marriage records are available at the Washington State Department of Health. Benton County marriage certificates are public records accessible by all interested persons. Each record costs $25 with an option for apostille at an additional $15. Fees are nonrefundable.
The Department of Health keeps records of all marriages since 1968. An interested requestor may fill and submit a divorce certificate order form to the Department of Health. Information required on the form includes the first, middle, and last names of each party to the marriage. Furthermore, requestors may include each person's last name prior to their first marriage if different from their current name. Although optional, parties may also fill the form with the approximate date of marriage, including month and year and the licensing county.
Mail requests require checks or money orders made out to DOH. Residents may also request marriage records in person at the closest DOH location. Interested parties must provide accurate information as the Department will not refund payments if no records are found. Record seekers may have to wait for 8 to 10 weeks before receiving mail orders. All requests should be submitted to:
Washington Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709
The Washington Department of Health does not maintain records of marriages that occurred before 1968. These records are only available at the Benton County Auditor's Office. The office provides copies of Benton County marriage licenses in person or by mail. Requestors must provide the names of both parties and the marriage date. Each certified copy costs $3, while photocopies cost $1 per copy. Record seekers should submit mail and in-person requests to either of the following addresses:
Boston County Auditor's Office
Prosser Main Office
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5620
Fax: (509) 786-5528
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us
Hours: 8:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., Mondays through Fridays
Kennewick Sub-Office
5600 W Canal Dr
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 736-2727
Fax: (509) 736-2738
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us
Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Mondays through Fridays
Where and How to Find Benton County Birth Records
The Benton-Franklin Health District maintains records of births in Benton and Franklin Counties. Under Washington law, Benton County birth certificates are private records. Eligible requestors include:
- The subject of the record
- The subject's spouse or domestic partner
- The subject's sibling, child, grandchild, or stepchild
- The subject's parent, stepparent, grandparent, great grandparent
- The subject's legal guardian, legal representative, or an authorized representative
- A government agency or court as required for official business
The health district issues certified and non-certified informational copies of Benton County birth records. A non-certified copy is not issued on certified paper and cannot be used for legal purposes. However, both types of records contain the sA.M.e information. Records are requestable by mail, fax, or in person.
If eligible, a requestor seeking a certified birth record must submit a completed English or Spanish Birth Certificate Order Form. For a non-certified record request, the Informational Order Form is also available in English or Spanish. Each request requires proof of eligibility and a government-issued identity document or alternate identity documents as described on the request form. Benton birth certificates cost a nonrefundable fee of $25 per copy, payable by providing credit card information on the form or money order made out to BFHD. Residents may submit requests by mail or fax using the following information:
Benton-Franklin Health District
7102 West Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 9936
Phone: (509) 460-4204
Fax: (509) 460-4587
Interested persons may also visit the above address for in-person requests, from 8:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., on Mondays through Fridays. Same-day service is also available at an additional cost for requests submitted before 2:00 P.M..
Where and How to Find Benton County Death Records
Benton County death records are obtainable from the Benton-Franklin Health District and only available to eligible requestors. Under the law, an authorized requestor should be a family member or a person with a legal relationship. Qualified persons include:
- A spouse, domestic partner, child, stepchild, or grandchild
- A parent, stepparent, grandparent, great grandparent, or legal guardian
- An authorized representative, legal representative, or a next of kin if none of the aforementioned family members or representatives is alive
- A funeral director or funeral organization listed on the record, for 12 months from the death date
- A government agency or court official
Benton County death certificates are available as certified and non-certified informational copies. Non-certified copies carry a watermark that confirms that the record is not suitable for legal purposes. Furthermore, non-certified copies do not contain the manner of death or the decedent's social security number.
Requestors must complete the Death Certificate Order Form in English or Spanish for a certified copy. Otherwise, complete the Informational Order Form in English or Spanish for non-certified copies. Each record costs $25 and is nonrefundable. Fees are payable by filling in credit card details on the form or by money orders made out to BFHD. Record seekers must also attach one valid I.D. or at least two alternate documents as described on the request form. Interested persons may submit mail, fax, or in-person requests to the address below:
Benton-Franklin Health District
7102 West Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 9936
Phone: (509) 460-4204
Fax: (509) 460-4587
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Benton County?
Benton County property records are public records in compliance with the Washington Public Records Act. The Benton County Auditor, the Bounty County Treasurers' office, and the Benton County Assessor all maintain online property search portals. However, physical property records can be retrieved from the Benton County office. The County Auditor, county treasurer, and the county assessor can be contacted at the offices located respectively at:
Prosser Courthouse
Second Floor
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-2046
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Toll-Free: (509) 736-3088
Email: assessor@co.benton.wa.us
Kennewick Annex
5600 West Canal Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 786-2046
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Toll-Free: (509) 736-3088
Email: assessor@co.benton.wa.us
Where and How to Find Property Records in Benton County
The Benton County Auditor, the Bounty County Treasurers' office, and the Benton County Assessor individually maintain property records in the county. The Benton County Auditor maintains all physical copies of property records within the county. Retrieving physical copies of property records from the Auditor's office costs $3.00 for the first page of a certified copy and $1.00 for each additional page per document. Mail-in requests can be sent to the Auditor's mail at:
Benton County Auditor
Recording Department
P.O. Box 470
Prosser, WA 99350
The Auditor's office can be contacted for further inquiries at:
Prosser Courthouse
Second Floor
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5616
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Toll-Free: (509) 736-3088
Email:auditor@co.benton.wa.us
Kennewick Annex
5600 West Canal Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 736-2727 ext.2431
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Toll-Free: (509) 736-3088
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us
The Auditor's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M..
How to Look Up Benton County Property Records
The Benton County Auditor's Online search portal can be searched via a basic search or an advanced search. Similarly, the Benton County Treasurer's online search portal can be searched by members of the public. It is worthy of note that property records for properties in foreclosure are not available on the search portal.
Location of Benton County Property Assessors
Benton County Assessor
Prosser Courthouse
Second Floor
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-2046
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Toll-Free: (509) 736-3088
Email: assessor@co.benton.wa.us
Benton County Assessor
Kennewick Annex
5600 West Canal Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 786-2046
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Toll-Free: (509) 736-3088
Email: assessor@co.benton.wa.us
