All requests for public records from the Department of Corrections (DOC) must be submitted to the DOC's Public Records Officer (RCW 42.56.580 ). A DOC Public Records Coordinator (WAC 137-08-080 ) will respond to each request within 5 business days of receiving the request (RCW 42.56.520 )
The Department has a process to respond to requests for public records (RCW 42.56.040 ), which is codified in WAC 137-08-090 and documented in DOC Policy 280.510 Public Disclosure of Records
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How to Submit a Public Records Request (WAC 137-08-090 )
Reminder
General questions do not require a public record request. Additionally, the Department of Corrections (DOC) can provide some information about incarcerated and formerly incarcerated person(s) without a public records request. You may contact DOC Headquarters for this information, or with general questions.
All requests for public records, other than requests by incarcerated individuals currently incarcerated by the Department for inspection of their health records or central file, must be submitted in writing to the DOC Public Records Officer. Each request should include:
- (a) The name of the person requesting the record and their contact information,
- (b) The calendar date on which the request is made, and
- (c) The records requested
Public records requests can be submitted through the following ways:
Electronic Request Portal
Department of Corrections
Public Records Office
PO BOX 41118
Olympia, WA 98504-1118
Incarcerated Individual Patient Health & Chemical Dependency Records
If your public records request(s) will include patient health and/or chemical dependency records, you will need to submit additional release forms.
The appropriate release forms must be filled out completely, signed and dated by the patient.
(English)