Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is a public record?
- Is there any information I can get without a public records request?
- What types of records can I get through a public records request?
- What is an exemption?
- Who can submit a public records request?
- Do I have to give a reason for my request?
- How much does it cost?
- What if I no longer need the requested documents?
- What if I disagree with the processing of my request?
- What if I don't think I've been given a reasonable estimate of time for response to my records request?
- Who do I contact if I have questions?
What is a public record?
A "public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by the Department regardless of physical form or characteristics (RCW 42.56.010 , WAC 137-08-020 ).
Is there any information I can get without a public records request?
The Inmate Search service provides selected information about incarcerated individuals currently incarcerated in a Department facility such as a) incarcerated individual name, b) incarcerated individual DOC number, and c) facility where the incarcerated individual is currently incarcerated.
Additional information about incarcerated individuals currently under the jurisdiction of the Department (in a facility, or under supervision in the community) can be provided without a public records request. Go to the Search Resources page for a list of what can be provided. You may contact DOC Headquarters for this information
What types of records can I get through a public records request?
Click one of the topic links below for a list of some of the most commonly requested documents and how to obtain them. If you are interested in a record that is not listed you may contact us prior to submitting your request to verify that the Department has the records you want.
Administrative Records
Directory of Staff & Offices
Department organization chart and contacts.
How to Obtain
Forms
Record various types of information. Some forms are for public use and others are for internal use only.
How to Obtain
Go to the Publications webpage for public use forms, and submit a Public Records Request for internal use forms.
Policies
Published rules and guidelines for compliance with the overall goals of the Department.
How to Obtain
Go to the DOC Policies webpage.
Publications
Brochures, posters, informational guides, catalogs, guidebooks, handbooks, manuals, annual and biennial reports, special reports, newsletters, periodicals, pamphlets, and other printed material intended for general dissemination to the public or the Legislature.
How to Obtain
Go to the Publications webpage for currently available publications.
Incarcerated Individual Records
Some information about incarcerated individuals can be provided without a public records request.
Central File
Legal, movement, classification, progress, intake and release information maintained on incarcerated individuals under the jurisdiction and committed to the custody of a department facility.
How to Obtain
Field File
Supervision information for incarcerated individuals under department supervision.
How to Obtain
Health Record
Incarcerated individual healthcare information, including physical, dental and mental health care records.
How to Obtain
These records are CONFIDENTIAL unless the incarcerated individual approves release. See the Public Records Request submission page for more information.
Chemical Dependency File
Chemical dependency diagnosis, treatment and discharge information.
How to Obtain
These records are CONFIDENTIAL unless the incarcerated individual approves release. See the Public Records Request submission page for more information.
OMNI File
Project plans and documents relating to developing and testing the Offender Management Network Information project.
How to Obtain
End of Sentence Review File
Information relating to release of kidnap/sex offenders.
How to Obtain
Much of the information in these records is CONFIDENTIAL. contact us with questions.
Personnel Records
Employee Handbook
General employment information.
How to Obtain
Personnel FIles
Employment-related information for department employees.
How to Obtain
Payroll Files
Salary and benefits related information for department employees.
How to Obtain
What is an exemption?
Exemptions are intended to restrict disclosure of records, generally to prevent invasion of privacy (RCW 42.56.230 ) and the use of public records for personal, commercial (RCW 42.56.070(9) ), or political gain. The Public Records Act provides for the following exemptions:
- Correctional Industries class I work program participants/applicants (RCW 2.56.470 )
- Criminal records (RCW 10.97 )
- Employment and licensing information (RCW 42.56.250 )
- Family and children's ombuds (RCW 43.06A.050 )
- Health care information (RCW 42.56.360 )
- Information about inactive programs (RCW 42.56.480 )
- Investigative, law enforcement and crime victim information (RCW 40.24 , RCW 42.56.240 )
- Library records (RCW 42.56.310 )
- Organized crime investigative information (RCW 43.43.856 )
- Personal information (RCW 42.56.230 )
- Records that are relevant to a controversy to which an agency is a party but which records would not be available to another party under the rules of pretrial discovery for causes pending in the superior courts (RCW 42.56.290 )
- Security information (RCW 42.56.420 )
WAC 137-08-150 Exemptions to public records disclosure lists further Department exemptions, and additional applicable RCWs to exemptions provided for in the Public Records Act. Some of these include:
- Data contained in intelligence, investigative, and other related files compiled to discipline members of any profession. (RCW 42.56.240 , RCW 10.97.080 , WAC 446-20 )
- Certain juvenile justice or juvenile care records (RCW 13.50 )
- Records which are relevant to a controversy to which the Department is a party but which records would not be available to another party under the rules of pretrial discovery for causes pending in the superior courts, including records involving attorney-client communications between the Department and the Office of the Attorney General privileged under RCW 5.60.060
For a full list of exemptions that have been cited in the denial of public records requests at the Department of Corrections (DOC), please see the DOC Exemption Log (RCW 42.56.070(2) ).
Who can submit a public records request?
Any person may make a Public Records Request for agency records. RCW 42.56.080 provides that agencies may not distinguish between requesters and must make records available to "any person."
The Public Records Act recognizes that other statutes may limit which persons may receive records. For example, an agency may need to determine whether a requester is authorized to receive requested health care records (RCW 70.02.030 ). Also, a court order, such as an injuction barring an incarcerated individual or sexually violent predator from receiving a record (RCW 42.56.565 , RCW 71.09.120(3) ). Therefore, depending on the records requested and the laws that govern those records, sometimes an agency may consider the identity of a requestor or need more information from a requestor.
Do I have to give a reason for my request?
A person making a public records request is not required to give a reason unless the request is for lists of individuals. Dawson v. Daly (1993); Yacobellis v. City of Bellingham (1992).
How much does it cost?
Per the Public Records Act, agencies may charge to recover the actual cost of making and providing copies of records when fulfilling requests. Please see the Charges for Copying section to determine the cost.
What if I no longer need the requested documents?
If you have made a public records request and no longer need the documents please contact us so that taxpayer money and staff time are not spent on requests that will not be claimed.
What if I disagree with the processing of my request?
If you disagree with the Department's decision to deny your public record request, in whole or in part, you may petition for review.
What if I don't think I've been given a "reasonable estimate of time" for response to my records request?
If you believe the Department has not made a reasonable estimate of time required to respond to a public record request, you may petition for judicial review.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the public records process, please contact us.