About Ford
Official government information is available at www.census.gov.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Ford
Stevens County Sheriff's Office
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office will safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of our citizens through honest, ethical and professional service and enforcement to our community.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Ford
Quick Links • District Court
Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more · County Administrator
🏠 Property & Public Records in Ford
Stevens County Auditor
Property records for Ford, Washington are maintained by the Stevens County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Stevens County, including Ford.
Public Records & Services in Ford
About Ford — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Stevens County Jail in Colville is the primary detention facility for the entire county, including Ford. When arrests occur, the booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Ford can be conducted at sheriff.tazewell-il.gov.
Arrest Records
The Stevens County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for Ford and the surrounding unincorporated areas. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications that adhere to the Washington Public Records Act. A typical arrest record includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The records division of the Sheriff's Office handles these requests through a straightforward process designed to balance public access with privacy considerations.
Local specifics: The Ford Police Department is located at 2027 Shield Drive and reachable at 719-254-3344. More information is available at www.cityofrockyfordco.gov. Recent arrest records for Ford are published online at www.washcosoar.gov.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Stevens County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History section. The Washington State Patrol provides additional resources for Stevens County residents seeking criminal history information.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Ford residents can be requested through wsp.wa.gov. The standard fee is $11 per record request.
Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, for residents of Ford are managed by the Stevens County Auditor's Office. This centralized county-level agency, headquartered at 215 S. Oak Street in Colville, maintains a archive of these important documents. Individuals seeking to obtain copies of their own or a family member's vital records can visit the Auditor's office in person, submit requests by mail, or use the office's online portal to streamline the process.
Business & Licensing Records
As an unincorporated community, Ford has no municipal Planning and Community Development Department or city offices. Entrepreneurs and business owners in the area work directly with Stevens County departments for business licensing, permits, and regulatory matters. The Stevens County Planning Department in Colville oversees commercial construction permits, zoning compliance, and land use information for unincorporated areas. Local residents looking to start a new venture or expand an existing business can consult with county staff to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Ford is largely driven by the agriculture and natural resource sectors, reflecting the town's rural character and proximity to abundant natural landscapes. Local farms and ranches produce a variety of crops and livestock, contributing to the region's agricultural output. The nearby forests and lakes provide opportunities for resource extraction and outdoor recreation, supporting industries such as logging, mining, and tourism.
While these traditional economic pillars remain strong, Ford has also seen the emergence of a vibrant small business and artisan community, with residents operating a diverse range of enterprises, from specialty food producers to handcrafted goods. This blend of agricultural, natural resource, and entrepreneurial activities helps to sustain the local economy and provide employment opportunities for the town's 194 residents.
Elections & Voter Records
Ford voters are served by the Stevens County Elections Office, administered by the Stevens County Auditor, located at 215 South Oak Street, Room 104, Colville, WA 99114, phone (509) 684-7514. The county elections website at www.stevenscountywa.gov/auditor/elections provides voter information including registration, ballot status, election results, and polling place information. Washington is a vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters automatically receive ballots by mail for every election.
Residents don't need to visit polling places on Election Day but may deposit completed ballots at official drop boxes located throughout Stevens County, listed on the elections website. Voter registration is available online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at www.vote.wa.gov, which provides online registration, address updates, and ballot tracking. Registration or updates must occur at least eight days before an election (online) or by mail postmarked at least eight days before the election. Washington requires only a driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number, to register online. First-time voters who register by mail may need to provide ID when returning their first ballot. Because this is an unincorporated community, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Local residents vote in county, state, and federal elections. Stevens County elections include County Commissioners (three positions elected to staggered six-year terms), Sheriff, Auditor, Assessor, Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, and other county offices, typically on a rotating schedule. Senate seats (pending the rotation schedule), all statewide executive offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other constitutional officers; Washington State Legislature races for the 7th Legislative District (which covers Stevens County), including one State Senator and two State Representatives; Stevens County offices that are up for election in the regular rotation, potentially including County Commissioner positions and various elected department heads; and Superior Court and District Court judge positions if any seats are on the ballot cycle. Specific candidate filing occurs in May 2026, and voters can track filed candidates through the Secretary of State's website and the Stevens County Elections Office. Washington's Public Records Act makes many election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by campaigns and political organizations under RCW 29A.08.720, though individual voter registration information including addresses is protected from casual public access. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable online through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission at www.pdc.wa.gov, showing contributions, expenditures, and donors for all campaigns. Candidate filing information, including declarations of candidacy and financial affairs statements, are public and maintained by the elections office. Precinct-level election results are published by Stevens County after each election and archived on the Stevens County website, providing detailed geographic breakdowns of voting patterns. Washington voters can request absentee/mail ballots (though all voters automatically receive mail ballots) by updating their registration with a current mailing address through VoteWA or by contacting the Stevens County Elections Office directly. Overseas and military voters can access ballots electronically through the Federal Voting Assistance Program and Washington's special provisions for uniformed and overseas citizens.
Public Records Resources for Ford, Washington
Official government websites for Ford, Washington and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov.us.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Seattle OfficeObtain bureau records and Washington criminal background checks.
- Search for State Financial InstitutionsFinancial institution information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain vital records in Ford, Washington?
Vital records for Ford, Stevens County, Washington including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Washington State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Stevens County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
How do I find public school records in Ford, Washington?
Public schools in Ford, Stevens County, Washington are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Washington Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
How do I access crime data and statistics for Ford, Washington?
Crime data for Ford, Stevens County, Washington is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Stevens County Sheriff's Office.
How do I access public library records in Ford, Washington?
The Ford Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Stevens County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Where can I get fingerprinting services in Ford, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Ford, Washington residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Stevens County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Stevens County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
How do I register to vote in Ford, Washington?
To register to vote in Ford, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Stevens County elections office. Washington requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Washington Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Ford, contact the Stevens County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Ford, Washington?
Property records for Ford, Washington are maintained by the Stevens County Assessor's Office and the Stevens County Auditor. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Stevens County, including parcels in Ford. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Stevens County Auditor maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Stevens County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Ford, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Ford, Washington residents are available through both county and state offices. The Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Olympia, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Washington. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Stevens County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Stevens County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.