About Lakewood

Historically, Lakewood is significant for its proximity to Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, which have played crucial roles in the local economy and community development. The city was officially incorporated in 1833, making it one of the newer cities in Washington State.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Lakewood

Lakewood Police Department

Since the Lakewood Police Department was formed in 2004, local crime has been reduced by more than 30%. As we protect & serve Lakewood, we conduct ourselves professionally and treat residents with dignity and respect. Lakewood Police Department9401 Lakewood Drive SWLakewood, WA 98499(253) 830-5000.

https://cityoflakewood.us/police-homepage/

Pierce County Sheriff's Office

In addition to his formal career. enjoys competing in motorsports and spending quality time adventuring in the mountains with family and friends. Major Dobson has served with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department since 2000.

https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1924/Sheriffs-Command-Staff

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Lakewood

Municipal Court Records - City of Lakewood

Access court case records with our Request Portal:

🔗 https://cityoflakewood.us/municipal-court/records/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Lakewood

Pierce County Auditor

Property records for Lakewood, Washington are maintained by the Pierce County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Pierce County, including Lakewood.

Public Records & Services in Lakewood

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Lakewood, Pierce County, Washington are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Pierce County school administration or the Washington Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Lakewood, Pierce County, Washington is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Lakewood police department or the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Lakewood Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Pierce County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Lakewood, Washington residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Pierce County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Pierce County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Washington Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Lakewood — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

Pierce County operates its main detention facility, the Pierce County Jail, in Tacoma. Upon arrival, individuals go through a booking process that includes photographing and fingerprinting. The sheriff's office provides an online inmate lookup tool where the public can access information about current detainees, including charges and bond amounts. Visitation at the facility requires appointments and adherence to specific dress code requirements. Those posting bail can work through the jail's cashier or arrange payment through a bail bondsman, following Washington's established bail procedures.

Arrest Records

Law enforcement agencies throughout Pierce County maintain arrest records as part of their operations. The Washington Public Records Act governs access, typically requiring a formal written request. Each arrest record contains the individual's personal information, the charges filed, and details about the arresting officer. This system provides transparency and accountability in how local law enforcement carries out its duties.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pierce County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal history information through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system. The Washington State Patrol offers additional resources for background checks.

Vital Records

Lakewood residents can obtain vital records, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, through the Washington State Department of Health's Vital Records office. These essential documents are often required for a variety of legal, personal, and administrative purposes. The Lakewood community can access these records online or by visiting the nearest Vital Records office location.

Business & Licensing Records

The Lakewood Building Department manages business licenses, zoning permits, and construction-related approvals throughout the city. This office supports the local business community while making sure of compliance with building codes and land use regulations. Entrepreneurs and established business owners can navigate the permitting process through the department's online resources and in-person services. The department's oversight helps maintain orderly development while helping with economic activity across the community.

Economy & Demographics

Lakewood's economy is diverse, with a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. The city's largest employers include Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which has a significant economic impact, as well as local healthcare providers, educational institutions, and retail businesses. The Lakewood Towne Center is a thriving commercial hub, attracting both People with its a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The city's strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and business-friendly policies continue to attract new investments and support the growth of the local economy.

Elections & Voter Records

Lakewood voters receive election services through the Pierce County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, located at 2501 South 35th Street, Suite C, Tacoma, WA 98409 (phone: 253-798-8683, website: piercecountywa.gov/elections). Washington's all-mail voting system automatically sends ballots to every registered voter approximately 18 days before each election. Residents can register online at vote.wa.gov up to eight days before an election, or register in person at the Elections office through Election Day.
Registration requires a Washington state driver's license or ID card number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. New residents without Washington identification can register using the last four digits of their SSN. Municipal elections for City Council positions occur in odd-numbered years, with members serving four-year staggered terms. Voters can locate their ballot drop box at voter.piercecountywa.gov, with multiple 24-hour drop boxes throughout the city including at City Hall and the Lakewood Police Station. Washington does not use polling place voting, all voting occurs by mail or drop box. Election records available under state law include voter registration lists (excluding dates of birth and driver's license numbers), candidate filing information accessible through the Pierce County Elections website, campaign finance disclosure reports searchable at the Washington Public Disclosure Commission website pdc.wa.gov, and precinct-level results published after certification. Pierce County elected offices potentially appearing on the ballot include County Assessor-Treasurer, County Auditor, and County Council positions depending on district and term schedules. Voters needing replacement ballots can contact the Elections office or print one from the Pierce County website if already registered.
City Info
StateWashington
CountyPierce
Population63,034

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Lakewood, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Pierce 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 Lakewood, contact the Pierce County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Lakewood, Washington are maintained by the Pierce County Assessor's Office and the Pierce County Auditor. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Pierce County, including parcels in Lakewood. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Pierce County Auditor maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Pierce County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Lakewood, 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 Pierce County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Pierce 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.