Port Angeles Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Port Angeles, Washington government websites.

  About Port Angeles City Government
Annual Budget $34.6 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Port Angeles, Washington, is the Port Angeles City Council, which consists of seven members. Council members are elected at-large by the citizens of Port Angeles and serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Kate Dexter and Council Members Michael Merideth, Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin, and others, with elections held every odd-numbered year.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Port Angeles is $34.6 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, parks, and infrastructure maintenance, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The Port Angeles City Council holds regular meetings every first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Port Angeles City Hall, located at 321 East 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for community members to engage with their elected officials and participate in local governance.

  About Port Angeles, Washington

Nestled at the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles, Washington offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and a vibrant community. This city, with an estimated population of approximately 19,038, serves as the county seat of Clallam County. Founded in 1851, Port Angeles has a rich history tied to its strategic location along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, making it a significant port of entry and a gateway to Olympic National Park. The city is characterized by its diverse neighborhoods, including the historic downtown area, where charming shops and eateries line the waterfront, and the residential districts that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. The economy of Port Angeles is supported by a mix of industries, including timber, tourism, healthcare, and government services, with key employers such as the Clallam County government and local healthcare facilities. What truly sets Port Angeles apart is its stunning outdoor recreational opportunities, offering residents and visitors alike easy access to hiking trails, waterfront activities, and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island.

Law enforcement in Port Angeles is primarily served by the Port Angeles Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing local laws. Additionally, the Clallam County Sheriff's Office provides broader law enforcement services throughout the county. For those seeking criminal records, including arrest records, mugshots, and booking information, the process begins with the local police records unit or the Clallam County Sheriff's Office. Individuals can request these records by submitting a public records request, either in person or via mail. For a more comprehensive background check, the Washington State Patrol operates a Criminal History Division that maintains a statewide repository of criminal history information. Interested individuals can access this data online through the Washington State Patrol's website, which offers a portal for public records searches, including criminal history summaries. Depending on the nature of the request, fees may apply, and response times can vary, so it is advisable to allow sufficient time for processing.

In terms of judiciary matters, Port Angeles falls under the jurisdiction of the Clallam County Superior Court, which handles a range of cases, including civil, criminal, and family law matters. To obtain court records, individuals can use the Clallam County Superior Court's online portal, which allows for digital access to many case files and documents. Alternatively, for those preferring in-person visits, the court clerk's office is available to assist with record requests. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Clallam County Clerk's office, or through the Washington State Department of Health’s Vital Records division. Property records are managed by the Clallam County Assessor and Recorder’s offices, both of which provide online access to property data and transaction records. Furthermore, under the Washington Public Records Act, residents can submit general public records requests to various city or county departments, typically receiving responses within 5 to 10 business days. This robust framework ensures that the residents of Port Angeles have access to essential public information while maintaining transparency and accountability in local governance.

  Port Angeles, Washington Public Records & Government Resources

About Port Angeles

The governing body of Port Angeles, Washington, is the Port Angeles City Council, which consists of seven members. Council members are elected at-large by the citizens of Port Angeles and serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Kate Dexter and Council Members Michael Merideth, Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin, and others, with elections held every odd-numbered year. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Port Angeles is $34.6 million.
This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, parks, and infrastructure maintenance, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life for its residents. The Port Angeles City Council holds regular meetings every first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Port Angeles City Hall, located at 321 East 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for community members to engage with their elected officials and participate in local governance.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Clallam County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Clallam County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. The Port Angeles Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Port Angeles, while the Sequim Police Department and Forks Police Department serve their respective cities. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Clallam County Correctional Facility, located in Port Angeles, is the primary detention center for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the county's official website, where residents can search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allocated for visits.

Court Records

Clallam County is served by the Clallam County Superior Court and District Court, both located in Port Angeles. The Superior Court handles felony cases, civil cases, and family law matters, while the District Court deals with misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and small claims. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the court clerk's office, with some records available online for public convenience.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Clallam County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Washington State Patrol maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Washington Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Clallam residents seeking detailed criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Clallam County are maintained by the Clallam County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Washington Public Records Act. A Clallam County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The process ensures transparency and public access to arrest information while protecting sensitive data.

Public Records Access

Public records in Clallam County are accessible under Washington's Public Records Act. The Clallam County Clerk's Office, located in Port Angeles, provides access to court records, marriage licenses, and other legal documents. The County Auditor's Office handles property records and vital statistics. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through online portals, with typical turnaround times varying based on the complexity of the request.

Economy & Demographics

Clallam County's economy is characterized by its diverse industries, including forestry, fishing, and tourism. The presence of the Olympic National Park attracts visitors year-round, bolstering the local hospitality and service sectors. Additionally, healthcare and education are significant employers, with institutions like the Olympic Medical Center and Peninsula College playing vital roles in the community. The county's economy benefits from its natural resources and scenic beauty, setting it apart from neighboring regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Port Angeles, Washington, you will be transported to the Clallam 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 Clallam 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 Clallam 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 Port Angeles School District is located in Clallam County, Washington. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the district's overall performance score for the 2018-2019 school year was a 3.7 out of 10. The district's graduation rate was 79.2%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020.
According to the Clallam County Sheriff's Office, the crime rate in Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington is relatively low. In 2019, there were a total of 1,845 reported crimes, which equates to a crime rate of 2,845 per 100,000 people. Of those reported crimes, there were 8 homicides, 28 rapes, and 545 burglaries.
The Port Angeles Public Library in Clallam 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 Port Angeles Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Port Angeles Public Library reference desk at (360) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington Library is located at 2210 South Peabody Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Fingerprinting services for Port Angeles, Washington residents are provided at the Port Angeles Police Department, which serves Clallam 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 Port Angeles 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 Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington, you must contact the Clallam County Auditor's Office. The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees.
A background check in Port Angeles, Clallam 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 Clallam County, Washington

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Forks Sequim