What Are Kent City Public Records?
Kent public records include documents and information created and maintained by a state or local agency. They provide information on government conducts or the performance of a governmental function. The law opens all public records for inspection unless specifically exempted, as stated in the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Documents that fall under this category are mostly records designed to protect the private rights or law enforcement’s investigative duties. Examples include medical records and records of criminal cases that are still under investigation.
Kent City Crime Statistics
The Kent City Police Department provides statistics of crimes committed within its jurisdiction. According to the FBI's 2019 UCR publication, Kent City County recorded 486 violent crimes and 5,200 property crimes. The crime category breakdown included four murders, 94 rapes, 242 robberies, 146 aggravated assaults, 754 burglaries, 3,598 larceny thefts, 848 motor vehicle thefts, and 14 arson. That year, the city's crime rate was 4,340.35 crimes per 100,000 persons. Compared to the previous year, the Police Department recorded an estimated 11.9% decline in the crime rate.
Are Kent City Criminal Records Public?
Criminal records are generally open to the public in Washington. The Washington State Patrol allows unrestricted access to conviction records on its Washington Access To Criminal History (WATCH) website. The database is composed of reports sent to WASIS by criminal justice agencies and courts in the state. It includes arrests with dispositions pending less than one-year-old, conviction information, and reports regarding registered kidnap and sex offenders. A Washington State Patrol criminal history file may also contain further reports that may not be disclosable to the general public. An example of such is a Kent arrest record. The Criminal Records Privacy Act guides Kent City criminal history release guidelines. The agency may issue data on conviction without restriction, but non-conviction data is not open to the public. The Act dictates that agencies store some information about the party requesting the record. The information held about requesters may include the date the search happened, the search’s target, and the requesting party’s name.
How to Obtain Kent City Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties can request Kent City arrest records and police reports online. They will need to create an account or login with a preexisting account to tender requests. If the requester intends to speak to staff, they can contact the Kent City Police Department on (253) 856-5800. The office line is open weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Where reports seem elusive, requesters can visit the Kent City Clerk or the Kent Police Station at:
Kent Police Department
City Hall Campus
232 4th Ave S
Kent, WA 98032
Kent Police Department
City Of Kent Corrections Facility
1230 Central Ave S
Kent, WA 98032
Kent City Clerk
220 4th Ave S,
Kent, WA 98032
_Email: _CityClerk@KentWA.gov
Phone: (253) 856-5725
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Kent City
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs maintain information on registered offenders in the City of Kent. People can search for Kent City sex offenders on the Washington Public Sex Offender Registry. Search parameters include address and name, and interested individuals may also obtain information on non-compliant offenders living around them.
Also, requesters can access the statewide database to view the full list of sex offenders living in the State of Washington. They can also search the King County Sheriff's county database or contact the Sheriff's Office at:
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Room W-150
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 296-4155
How to Find Kent City Inmate Records
Members of the public can search for inmate records via the Kent City County Jail Register. Interested parties can search by name, year of birth, or gender and view the full list of all inmates housed in the Kent City Corrections Facility. The Jail Inmate Lookup Service of the Kent City Police Department maintains jail records and updates the registry every ten minutes. Available information includes:
- Custody status
- Charges
- Bail
- Visiting schedule
- Release type
How Do I Visit an inmate in Kent City Jail?
Inmates provide a visitors list that contains the full name, date of birth, home address, and phone number of the visitors they want to receive. Only individuals whose names are on the list can visit an inmate in the Kent City Corrections Facility. Jail staff will request a valid ID upon a visit to verify the visitor's identity. If approved, the visitor will be allowed into the lobby.
Officers will subject all visitors to a search at the facility, according to section 9A.76 RCW, any individual who attempts to sneak in contraband will face prosecution. A legal guardian must accompany visitors who are less than 18 years old and provide a document that shows proof of legal guardianship. Jail staffers will not permit visitors with an active arrest warrant into the facility. Also, officers deny access to any visitor who is not a family member of the inmate and those recently released from the Kent City Correctional Facility.
Visitors must dress appropriately and ensure that cell phones are off throughout the visiting period. Visiting hours depends on the first letter of the inmate's last name:
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A-E - Tuesday; 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday; 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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F-K - Wednesday; 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday; 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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L-P - Thursday; 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday; 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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Q-Z - Friday; 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday; 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The jail facility address is:
220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (253) 856-5200
Court Records
The trial court system of Washington State consists of Superior, District, Municipal, and Toll courts and Traffic Violations Bureaus. In all, there are three court locations but four court administrations in Kent City.
King County Superior Court
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center
401 4th Avenue N.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (206) 296-9300
King County District Court South Division - Kent City
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center
401 4th Avenue N.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (206) 205-9200
Fax: (206) 205-8840
Kent City Municipal Court
1220 Central Avenue S.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (253) 856-5730
Fax: (253) 856-6730
Maple Valley Municipal Court
1220 Central Avenue S.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (253) 856-5730
Fax: (253) 856-6730
Are Kent City Court Records Public?
According to the Washington Public Records Act, members of the public have a right to view and own copies of the vast majority of records filed in court. People may access docket records, motions and pleadings of the parties to a lawsuit, judgments and court orders, facts submitted by either side in court, and transcripts of proceedings, among other things contained in a case file.
The process for obtaining these documents depends on the court. Each court in Kent City can only grant access to its records. Requesters would not, however, be allowed to access court documents that contain incredibly confidential information. These may include adoption records, records of commitment to mental treatment facilities, and commitment to alcohol and drug treatment. The court also restricts other forms of documents, such as those relating to family law cases. Applicants must file a Motion and Declaration to Allow Access to Records with the court to get access.
Can You Look up a Kent City Court Case Online?
Interested parties can utilize the King County Clerk's public search portal to access case information. The record seeker can search by case number and participant name. Available case types include civil, criminal, probate, guardianship, family law, and juvenile offender cases. Under Washington law, the search portal will only provide limited information on confidential or sealed records.
How to Obtain Kent City Civil Court Case Records
The Superior Court has the overall jurisdiction of civil cases in Washington. Civil case records are obtainable from the King County Clerk of Superior Court. Record seekers can search the Clerk's search portal by Case Number, Name, or Judgement and obtain uncertified copies for $1 per page. Certified copies are also obtainable for $5 per the first page and $1 per subsequent page of the requested document. Interested parties may request records via the Records and Research Requests website. Requests made via this platform will attract an additional $1 internet search fee and a $2.49 Credit Card fee.
Alternatively, people can send requests through email, phone, mail, or in person. The clerk will require requesters to pay a $30 research fee if they cannot provide information about the record. For mail requests, the Clerk will require a $10 shipping fee. People can request copies from the following locations:
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 477-0832
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC)
401 Fourth Avenue N
Room 2C
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (206) 477-3012
Children and Family Justice Center/Juvenile Court
1211 East Alder
Room 3015
Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 477-6770
For civil lawsuits filed in the Kent City Municipal Court, interested parties should query the Kent City Municipal Court Clerk via fax, phone, or mail at:
Kent City Municipal Court
1220 Central Ave S.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (253) 856-5730
Fax: (253) 856-6730
How to Obtain Kent City Criminal Court Records
The King County Clerk of Superior Court maintains Kent court records of a criminal nature heard in King County Superior Court. Interested parties can search Kent criminal records online by Case Number, Name, or Judgement. People can request copies of open criminal court cases via the Records and Research Requests platform, by email, phone, mail, or in person.
Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for subsequent pages. Uncertified copies cost $1 per page. Online records requests will incur a $1 internet search fee and a $2.49 Credit Card fee. Mail requests will incur an additional $10 for shipping. If the requester does not have information about the record, the Clerk will request a $30 research fee. People can request copies from the following locations:
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 477-0832
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC)
401 Fourth Avenue N
Room 2C
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (206) 477-3012
Children and Family Justice Center/Juvenile Court
1211 East Alder
Room 3015
Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 477-6770
Mail requests should include attn: Correspondence Desk.
The Kent City Municipal Court Clerk may also maintain some criminal court records if the case was heard in the Courthouse. Requesters can contact the Clerk by phone, fax, or mail at:
Kent City Municipal Court
1220 Central Ave S.
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (253) 856-5730
Fax: (253) 856-6730
What are Kent City Vital Records?
Kent City vital records are government records that provide information about life events that occurred in the city. These events include births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Under the Washington Public Records Act, many of these records are open to the public. However, the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 42.56.365, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, will exempt vital records from public accessibility.
Kent vital records are obtainable from the Washington State Department of Health. Also, divorce court records are under the purview of the King County Clerk of Superior Court. Interested parties can contact the designated office to search or obtain copies of a record.
Where and How to Obtain Kent City Divorce Records
Interested parties can search and request copies of Divorce Decrees from the King County Clerk of Superior Court. The Clerk maintains an online Case Look Up tool. People can obtain copies of divorce records by completing an Electronic Records Application, by phone, email, mail, or in-person. There are three Superior Court Clerk's Office locations:
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 477-0832
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC)
401 Fourth Avenue N
Room 2C
Kent City, WA 98032
Phone: (206) 477-3012
Children and Family Justice Center/Juvenile Court
1211 East Alder
Room 3015
Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 477-6770
The Washington State Department of Health issues certified copies of divorce records filed since January 1, 1968. Interested parties may conduct an $8 record search or obtain certified copies for $20. However, online requests and phone requests cost $33.50
Mail and in-person applications are also an alternative. The requester should fill in the required details on a Marriage/Divorce Certificate Counter Order or Marriage/Divorce Certificate Mail Order Form and submit the document to
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
Where and How to Get Public Kent City Marriage Records
The Washington State Department of Health maintains Kent marriage records and issues certified copies for $20 each. Also, the department provides an $8 "records search only." Interested parties can obtain copies of Kent marriage certificates on file since January 1, 1968. Applicants can order copies online, through phone, in person, or by mail. For mail and walk-in requests, the requesting party should submit a completed Marriage/Divorce Certificate Counter Order or Marriage/Divorce Certificate Mail Order Form to:
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Kent City
Although Kent City marriage records are open to the public, the newly enacted Washington State Legislature's Vital Records Law, effective from January 2021, will restrict access to marriage records. As such, only individuals who are directly related to the record subject can request a marriage record. The requesting party will also need to provide a copy of a valid means of identification as proof of identity. At that time, the cost of Kent marriage records will also increase to $25. Applicants who meet the requirements can obtain records online, via phone, or submit a Kent City Marriage Certificate Counter Order. They could also submit a Marriage Certificate Order Form by mail or in-person to:
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
Where and How to Find Kent City Birth Records
Kent birth certificates filed since July 1, 1907, are available at the Washington State Department of Health. Interested parties can use the "records search only" for $8 or obtain a certified copy for $20. If a record search yields "no results," the department will refund $12. Copies are obtainable online, through phone, mail, or in person. The interested party should complete a Birth Counter Order or a Birth Mail Order Form and submit any of these forms to the appropriate address:
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
Requesters can also acquire Kent birth records by delivering a completed request form and payment personally to:
King County Vital Statistics
Harborview Medical Center
Ninth & Jefferson Building
Jefferson Street
2nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98104
Birth record applicants may have to submit copies of their valid I.D. to confirm eligibility. For personal data security, only people with specific relationships to the record’s subject can receive a copy of a Kent City birth certificate.
Where and How to Find Kent City Death Records
The Washington State Department of Health issues certified copies of Kent City death records and charges $20 per copy. The department also provides a "records search only" option that allows people to search for records without obtaining copies. Interested parties can obtain copies of Kent City death records on file since July 1, 1907. However, recent records filed in less than two months are not available for request. Requesters may have to present a copy of their valid I.D. to confirm qualification. To protect the deceased’s sensitive data, only people with particular relationships to the record’s subject can receive a copy of a Kent City death certificate. The interested party may request copies online or in-person. Requests made in person or mail would require that the requesting party submits a Death Counter Order Form or a Death Mail Order Form to:
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 525-0127
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
