Stevens County

Stevens County is located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, bordering both the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north and Pend Oreille County to the east. Stevens County seat is Colville, which also is the largest municipality and commercial hub of Stevens County. Established in 1863, Stevens County was named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory. Stevens County includes approximately 2,478 square miles of diverse terrain, including portions of the Colville National Forest, the Kettle River Range, and the Columbia River along its western boundary. According to recent census estimates, Stevens County has a population of approximately 46,000 residents. The scene is characterized by mountainous forests, river valleys, and agricultural lands. Major landmarks include the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and historic Fort Colville. Stevens County is home to several small communities including Chewelah, Kettle Falls, Springdale, and Marcus. Stevens County Courthouse is located at 215 South Oak Street in Colville, where the County Recorder, County Clerk, and other administrative offices maintain public records. Stevens County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax and assessment records. Stevens County has a rich history tied to mining, timber, and agriculture, with significant historical connections to the Hudson's Bay Company fur trading era and the development of the Colville Indian Reservation. Stevens County remains primarily rural with an economy centered on natural resources, agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Stevens County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Stevens County. The office oversees Stevens County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is key to making sure of public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies.

Police Departments

In addition to Stevens County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within Stevens County. These include the Colville Police Department, Chewelah Police Department, and Kettle Falls Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office handles the unincorporated areas. Coordination between these agencies occurs during major investigations and emergency situations to ensure full public safety coverage.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Stevens County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 215 South Oak Street in Colville, WA 99114, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Stevens County. Stevens County Sheriff operates Stevens County Jail, which houses inmates for both pre-trial detention and sentenced misdemeanants.

• Under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), arrest records and booking reports are generally public records that can be requested from the arresting agency.
• Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request, and agencies may charge fees for copying and research time.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically considered public records in Washington and may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office or jail.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Stevens County, WA are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Stevens County WA - Official Website.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Stevens County, WA are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Stevens County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

• Look up current inmates and booking information at Stevens County, WA Detainee Lookup.
• Sheriff's Office: Sheriff's Office - Stevens County WA.
• The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

Stevens County Superior Court, located at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $100,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. The Superior Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Stevens County District Court, also located at the courthouse in Colville, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, civil cases up to $100,000, protection orders, and small claims cases up to $10,000. Stevens County Court phone number is.

• Fees for copying court documents are established by RCW 36.18.016 and typically include $0.50 per page for copies and various filing fees depending on case type.
• Certified copies of court documents require an additional certification fee.
• Requests for older archived records or specific case files should be directed to Stevens County Clerk's Office.

Stevens County Auditor's Office, serving as the County Auditor, is located at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114, and can be contacted through the office’s website. This office maintains and records all land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, covenants, plat maps, surveys, and other documents affecting real property title in Stevens County. The Auditor's Office website at www.stevenscountywa.gov provides access to recorded documents through an online search portal.

• While searching is typically free, there may be fees to view or download complete recorded documents.
• Recording fees vary by document type.
• The office accepts requests by mail with prepayment or in person at the courthouse.

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Stevens County, Washington are maintained by the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Tumwater. While Stevens County Auditor's Office previously maintained some vital records, certified copies of birth and death certificates must now be requested through the state vital records office. Birth certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies.

• Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the Washington Department of Health VitalChek service at www.doh.wa.gov/birthdeathcertificates, which processes requests more quickly but includes additional service fees.
• Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license, which costs $64.00 and is valid for 60 days from issuance.
• Divorce records (Decrees of Dissolution) are maintained by Stevens County Superior Court and must be requested from the court clerk.

Business licensing and registration in Stevens County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Stevens County Auditor's Office maintains registrations for trade names and assumed business names (DBA - Doing Business As) filed at Stevens County level. These filings can be searched and requested at the Auditor's Office at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, or by calling.

• This free database allows searches by business name, UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number, or registered agent.
• The Colville Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Stevens County area, can be reached at www.colvillechamber.com and provides business resources and networking opportunities.

Explore public records for 18 cities and communities in Stevens County, Washington.

Stevens County's economy is historically rooted in natural resource extraction, particularly timber, mining, and agriculture, though diversification efforts have expanded the economic base in recent decades. Stevens County's location in the Colville National Forest region means forestry and wood products remain significant employers, though industry employment has declined from historical peaks.

• The median household income in Stevens County is approximately $52,000, which is below the Washington state average, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges of Stevens County.

Elections in Stevens County, Washington are administered by Stevens County Auditor's Office, which is the County Elections Department. The Elections Office is located at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The elections webpage is accessible through www.stevenscountywa.gov/elections. Voter registration in Washington State can be completed online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at www.vote.wa.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at Stevens County Auditor's Office.

• The voter registration deadline in Washington is 8 days before any election if registering online or by mail; in-person registration is available through Election Day.
• Washington State is a universal vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters automatically receive a ballot by mail for each election.
• Stevens County provides accessible voting options for voters with disabilities and language assistance as required by federal law.
• Voters can request a replacement ballot if theirs is lost or damaged by contacting the Elections Office.