Buckley Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Buckley, Washington government websites.

  About Buckley City Government
Annual Budget $7.6 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The city government of Buckley, Washington, operates under a Mayor-Council system, specifically known as the Buckley City Council. This governing body consists of seven elected members, including the Mayor, who serves a four-year term. Council members are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts. The current Mayor is Pat Johnson, with council members including Council President Chris B. Smith and members Kelli A. Hinton, and others.

For the fiscal year 2023, Buckley has an approximate annual operating budget of $7.6 million. This budget is allocated across various departments, including public safety, parks and recreation, and public works, ensuring the city meets its operational needs and community services.

The Buckley City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at Buckley City Hall, located at 933 Main Street, Buckley, WA 98321. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in local governance.

  About Buckley, Washington

Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Cascade Range, Buckley emerges as a quaint and distinctive city within Pierce County, Washington. With a population of approximately 5,000 residents, this vibrant community offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to outdoor recreational activities. Founded in the late 19th century, Buckley has retained much of its historical character while evolving to meet the needs of its residents. The city is comprised of several neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from family-friendly areas to more secluded, nature-oriented spaces. The local economy is traditionally driven by small businesses, agriculture, and a growing number of service industries, which contribute to a tight-knit community atmosphere. Buckley's reputation as a gateway to the nearby Mount Rainier National Park adds to its appeal, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the region's vast natural beauty.

Law enforcement in Buckley is primarily provided by the Buckley Police Department, which works in conjunction with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. This collaboration ensures that residents feel secure and supported in their community. For those seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, the process begins with the Buckley Police Department, where individuals can inquire about local police records. Should further information be required, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office serves as the next point of contact, particularly for incidents that fall under its jurisdiction. Washington State also maintains a central criminal repository through the Washington State Patrol, known as the Criminal Records Division, which allows individuals to request statewide criminal history information. For convenience, many of these records can be accessed through online lookup portals established by state and county agencies. Individuals are encouraged to explore these resources, as they provide a streamlined approach to obtaining essential information regarding criminal activities in the area.

The administration of justice in Buckley is facilitated by the Pierce County District Court, which handles a variety of cases including civil, criminal, and family law. To request court records, individuals can access the online portal provided by the Pierce County court system or visit the courthouse in person to consult with the court clerk. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained through the Pierce County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, as well as through Washington State's Department of Health, which also maintains vital records for the entire state. Property records, crucial for real estate inquiries or ownership verification, can be accessed via the Pierce County Assessor’s Office and the Recorder’s Office, which both offer online portals for ease of use. Additionally, under the Washington Public Records Act, residents have the right to request a wide range of public records from local government agencies, with typical response timelines averaging between 5 and 10 business days. This open approach to public records fosters transparency and accountability, allowing the community of Buckley to stay informed and engaged with local governance.

  Buckley, Washington Public Records & Government Resources

About Buckley

Buckley is a small city in southeastern Pierce County, Washington, situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Tacoma and 60 miles southeast of Seattle along State Route 410. With a population of approximately 4,800 residents, Buckley was officially incorporated in 1890 and has deep roots in the logging and lumber industries that characterized the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city sits in the foothills of the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier visible to the southeast, and serves as a gateway community to Mount Rainier National Park.
Buckley is known for its small-town character, historic downtown district, annual Log Show held each June since 1946, and proximity to the White River, which runs through the area. Major employers include the Buckley School District, local government, and retail and service businesses serving the community and travelers heading to the mountains. Public records for Buckley residents are maintained by multiple agencies at the city, county, and state levels in accordance with Washington's Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW). The Buckley City Hall, located at 811 South Division Street, handles municipal records including city council minutes, ordinances, business licenses, and some code enforcement documents. The Buckley Police Department maintains law enforcement records and incident reports. For most vital records, court documents, property records, and county-level services, residents work with Pierce County agencies headquartered in Tacoma. The Pierce County Auditor's Office manages property records and recordings, the Pierce County Superior Court and District Court handle criminal and civil cases, and Washington State Department of Health oversees vital records such as birth and death certificates. Most agencies provide online access to public records databases, though some documents require in-person requests or formal public disclosure requests under state law.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Buckley, Pierce County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and municipal police departments such as the Tacoma Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and Puyallup Police Department. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the sheriff's office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The main detention facility in Pierce County is the Pierce County Jail, located in Tacoma. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrival. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the sheriff's office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a dress code. Bail can be posted through the jail's cashier or a bail bondsman, following Washington's bail procedures.

Court Records

Buckley residents are served by multiple courts depending on the nature of their legal matter. The Buckley Municipal Court, located at 811 South Division Street, Buckley, WA 98321 (phone: 360-829-1801), has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal violations, traffic infractions, and code enforcement matters occurring within Buckley city limits. Municipal court handles cases such as DUI, reckless driving, theft, assault, and city ordinance violations.
For more serious criminal matters, civil cases, family law, and probate, residents utilize the Pierce County Superior Court, located at the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402 (phone: 253-798-7550). Superior Court handles felonies, civil cases over $100,000, divorce and child custody matters, adoptions, guardianships, and probate cases. The Pierce County District Court, located at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 (phone: 253-798-7425), has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, and protection orders. Washington State provides a statewide court case search system at www.courts.wa.gov, where users can search superior and district court cases by name, case number, or attorney. Some court documents are available electronically, though certified copies typically require in-person or mail requests with fees ranging from $5 for standard copies to $20 or more for certified documents, plus per-page charges. The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office provides detailed fee schedules on its website.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pierce County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for comprehensive background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pierce County are maintained by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records through the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, and the arresting officer's details. The process ensures transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Buckley are maintained by Pierce County offices in Tacoma. The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's Office, located at 2401 South 35th Street, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7422, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/assessor), maintains assessment data for all properties in Pierce County including Buckley.
The Assessor's office provides a free online property search tool at www.piercecountywa.gov/assessor where users can search by parcel number, address, or owner name to view current assessed values, property characteristics, tax history, sales history, and exemption information. The database is updated regularly and includes residential, commercial, and vacant land parcels. For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting real property, the Pierce County Auditor's Office serves as the recording authority, located at 2401 South 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7430, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/auditor). The Auditor's office maintains indexed records dating back to the county's founding, and many documents from recent decades are available for free searching and viewing online through the county's Auditor Recording Search portal. Users can search by document type, recording date, grantor/grantee name, or parcel number. Copies of recorded documents can be ordered online with fees typically ranging from $1-3 per page. Pierce County also provides a free GIS/parcel viewer at https://gismaps.piercecountywa.gov/maps that displays property boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and other geographic data overlaid on aerial imagery, allowing users to research properties visually.

Economy & Demographics

Buckley's economy historically centered on timber and logging, reflecting its origins as a mill town in the late 1800s when the Northern Pacific Railway reached the area. While timber remains part of the regional economy, modern Buckley has diversified into a mix of small retail businesses, services, education, and local government employment. The Buckley School District (White River School District) is one of the largest employers in the immediate area, operating several schools serving Buckley and surrounding communities.
The city's location along State Route 410, a major corridor to Mount Rainier National Park, supports tourism-related businesses including restaurants, gas stations, small lodging facilities, and outdoor recreation services. Buckley also serves as a bedroom community for workers commuting to larger employment centers in Tacoma, Auburn, and the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. The median household income in Buckley is approximately $75,000-$80,000, slightly below Pierce County's median but reflecting the area's more rural character. Recent development has included residential growth as families seek more affordable housing compared to urban Pierce County, along with small commercial development along the SR-410 corridor. The city's economy remains closely tied to Pierce County's broader economic base, which includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord (one of the largest military installations in the U.S.), the Port of Tacoma (a major international shipping hub), healthcare systems, and manufacturing. Buckley's small-town character and mountain proximity give it a distinct economic identity within the county, balancing local services with regional commuter and tourism dynamics.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Buckley Police Department, located at 811 South Division Street, Buckley, WA 98321 (phone: 360-829-2721), serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Buckley. The department responds to calls for service within city limits and maintains police reports, incident logs, traffic collision reports, and arrest records. Residents can request copies of police reports by contacting the department directly during business hours; requests are processed under Washington's Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW), which requires agencies to respond to public disclosure requests within five business days. Some records may be redacted or withheld if they pertain to active investigations or contain exempt information. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 3000 South Pine Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7530, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/sheriff), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Pierce County and supports municipal agencies with specialized units including major crimes investigations, SWAT, and search and rescue. For arrests and jail bookings in Pierce County, the Pierce County Jail maintains an online inmate roster accessible at www.piercecountywa.gov/corrections, where the public can search by name or booking number to view current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots. The roster is updated regularly and provides information on individuals held at the Pierce County Jail located at 910 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma. To request historical arrest records or more detailed criminal history information, residents may submit public records requests to the Buckley Police Department or Pierce County Sheriff's Office, citing RCW 42.56 and specifying the records sought.

Vital Records

Vital records for Buckley residents are managed primarily at the state level with some county involvement. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 47814, Olympia, WA 98504-7814 (phone: 360-236-4300, website: www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce). Birth certificates for births occurring in Washington cost $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost the same.
Applicants must provide valid identification and proof of eligibility (direct family members, legal representatives, or those with tangible interest). Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.doh.wa.gov for expedited processing with additional service fees; standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Birth records are available from July 1907 to present, and death records from July 1907 to present, with some earlier records available. Marriage licenses for Buckley residents are issued by the Pierce County Auditor's Office, located at 2401 South 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7430). The fee is $66 for Washington residents, and couples must apply in person with valid photo identification. There is a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can occur, and the license is valid for 60 days. Marriage certificates (proof of marriage after the ceremony) can be ordered from the county for $10. Divorce records are maintained by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402, as divorce is a court proceeding. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are public unless sealed by court order and can be requested from the Clerk's office with case information and a valid reason for access.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Buckley must comply with city, county, and state licensing and registration requirements. The City of Buckley requires a business license for most commercial activities conducted within city limits. Business license applications and renewals are handled by Buckley City Hall, 811 South Division Street, Buckley, WA 98321 (phone: 360-829-1801). The city's business license fee structure varies by business type and gross receipts, with annual renewal required.
Buckley City Hall can provide information on current licensees, though a comprehensive searchable database may require a public records request. For fictitious business name ("doing business as" or DBA) registrations, businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Pierce County Auditor's Office, 2401 South 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-7430). The county maintains records of DBA filings which are public record. At the state level, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division. The state maintains a free searchable database at www.sos.wa.gov/corps where anyone can search business entities by name, UBI number (Unified Business Identifier), or registered agent to view formation date, status (active, dissolved, administratively dissolved), principal office address, registered agent information, and annual report filing status. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and business assets, are also filed with the Washington Secretary of State and can be searched at https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov. Business owners with commercial real property in Buckley can look up property tax assessments through the Pierce County Assessor's online portal at www.piercecountywa.gov/assessor using the property address or parcel number to view assessed values and tax history.

Elections & Voter Records

Buckley voters are served by the Pierce County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, located at 2501 South 35th Street, Suite C, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-VOTE or 253-798-8683, website: www.piercecountywa.gov/elections). Washington is a vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters receive ballots by mail for every election. Buckley residents can register to vote online at https://voter.votewa.gov, by mail, or in person at the county elections office. The deadline to register online or by mail is eight days before an election; in-person registration is available through Election Day. Voters must provide a Washington State driver's license or ID card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. For municipal elections, the City of Buckley holds elections for mayor and city council positions. Buckley's mayor serves a four-year term, and the city council consists of seven members serving staggered four-year terms. Municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years and consolidated with county and state elections where possible; the next municipal elections will occur in November 2025 for some council positions. Buckley residents can find their ballot drop box locations, voter registration status, and ballot tracking through the VoteWA portal at https://voter.votewa.gov. The closest 24-hour ballot drop box to Buckley is typically located at a secure site accessible through Election Day at 8:00 PM. In the November 2024 presidential election, Pierce County reported approximately 72-75% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting Washington's high participation rates facilitated by universal vote-by-mail. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Buckley and Pierce County voters will decide several significant races. In 2026, Washington voters will elect a U.S. Senator (the Class 3 seat is up in 2028, so no Senate race in 2026), all nine U.S. House Representatives including the district serving Buckley (currently Washington's 8th Congressional District, though boundaries may change with redistricting), state legislators for all 98 districts (Buckley is in the 2nd Legislative District covering eastern Pierce County and portions of Thurston County), and county offices including Pierce County Executive, County Council positions, County Assessor-Treasurer, Auditor, Sheriff, and Prosecuting Attorney. State executive offices such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and other statewide positions are elected in presidential years (2024, 2028), not 2026. Local ballot measures, school district levies, and judicial positions may also appear on the November 2026 ballot. Washington law makes several election records public: voter registration lists are available for purchase for political or election-related purposes, campaign finance disclosure reports are searchable at the Public Disclosure Commission website (www.pdc.wa.gov), candidate filings and declarations are public, and precinct-level election results are published by the county elections office after certification. Voters can request absentee/mail ballots (though all registered voters automatically receive them) by updating their address through VoteWA or contacting the Pierce County Elections Division directly.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Pierce County and Washington State provide excellent public records access with comprehensive free online databases for property, court, business, and election records, robust inmate search capabilities, and convenient online vital records ordering, making Buckley one of the most transparent jurisdictions for public information access in the Pacific Northwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Buckley, Pierce County, Washington to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Buckley, Washington, you will be transported to the Pierce County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Pierce County Court. Under Washington law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Washington State Patrol. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/offendersearch.aspx where you can look up current detainees.
The Buckley School District is located in Pierce County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the district has an overall score of 4 out of 10 on the School Performance Index. The district's graduation rate is 81.3%, and the district's average student proficiency in English Language Arts is 44.3%.
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Buckley had a total of 545 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 4 violent crimes, including 1 aggravated assault, and 541 property crimes, including 4 burglaries, 4 motor vehicle thefts, and 533 incidents of larceny/theft.
The Buckley Public Library in Pierce County, Washington provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Washington government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which governs access to government documents in Washington. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Buckley Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Buckley Public Library reference desk at (360) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Buckley, Pierce County, Washington Library is located at 123 S. River Ave, Buckley, WA 98321.
Fingerprinting services for Buckley, Washington residents are provided at the Buckley Police Department, which serves Pierce County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Buckley Police Department at (360) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Washington State Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Washington State Patrol at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
To obtain vital records for Buckley, Pierce County, Washington, you must contact the Pierce County Auditor's Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a record, you must provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You may also need to provide proof of your identity and relationship to the person listed on the record. Fees may apply.
A background check in Buckley, Pierce County, Washington typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Washington. Criminal background checks are processed through the Washington State Patrol, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Washington residents. The Washington State Patrol provides official criminal history checks at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/. Under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Pierce County, Washington

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Eatonville Ruston Steilacoom Bonney Lake Dupont Edgewood