King County Sheriff’s Office: Inmate Search, Records, Precincts & Services
The King County Sheriff’s Office is easy to misunderstand because it does not operate like a single-city police department, and it does not directly run King County’s Seattle and Kent jails. KCSO provides law-enforcement services in unincorporated King County, serves a network of contract cities and regional agencies, handles Sheriff records, civil process, licensing and other countywide functions.
If you are trying to report a crime, locate someone in jail, request a police report, check a court case, apply for a concealed pistol license, serve court papers or find the correct precinct, the fastest route depends on the task. This page separates those systems so you reach the right office first.
Which King County Service Should You Use?
Police response, inmate custody, Sheriff reports, court files and civil process are handled by different systems. Start with the task rather than assuming every county service is controlled by the Sheriff’s front desk.
If you need… |
Start here |
Best information to have |
Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
Emergency police, fire or medical help |
911 |
Exact location and immediate threat |
Using email or online reporting for an emergency. |
Non-emergency deputy response |
206-296-3311 |
Location, incident details and jurisdiction |
Calling the general-information desk for dispatch. |
General Sheriff question |
206-296-4155 |
Specific unit or service |
Using the general email for urgent crime reporting. |
Current inmate custody |
King County Subject Lookup |
Legal name or booking information |
Calling KCSO because the jails are run by DAJD. |
Police report |
KCSO Public Disclosure Unit |
Case number, date, location and names |
Requesting a court file from the Sheriff. |
Court case |
District Court or Superior Court Clerk |
Case number or legal name |
Treating a jail booking as the final case result. |
Concealed Pistol License |
KCSO Firearms Licensing |
WA identification, application and appointment |
Using a private website claiming it can issue a Washington CPL. |
King County Sheriff’s Office Phone Number and Address
The current Sheriff is Patricia “Patti” Cole-Tindall. King County’s current leadership page states that she was reappointed in November 2025 after originally being appointed and confirmed as King County’s 35th Sheriff in 2022.
- Choose 911 for an emergency.
- Use 206-296-3311 for non-emergency officer response.
- Use 206-296-4155 for general Sheriff questions.
- Do not use the general email for crime reporting or urgent situations.
King County Sheriff Does Not Police Every City the Same Way
KCSO directly serves unincorporated King County and also provides police services under contract for a group of cities and regional agencies. Other cities—including Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Kent and Federal Way—have their own municipal police departments.
Current King County materials identify KCSO contract or partnership policing for communities and agencies including:
- Beaux Arts Village
- Burien
- Carnation
- Covington
- Kenmore
- Maple Valley
- Newcastle
- North Bend
- Sammamish
- SeaTac
- Shoreline
- Skykomish
- Woodinville
- Muckleshoot Tribal Police
- Metro Transit
- Sound Transit
- King County International Airport
- Identify whether the incident occurred in unincorporated King County or a KCSO contract city.
- Locate the precinct that covers the area.
- Use the precinct business line for local administrative questions.
- Use 206-296-3311 rather than a precinct desk when you need a non-emergency deputy response.
King County Sheriff Precincts
Precinct |
Address |
Business phone |
General coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
North Precinct 2 |
801 228th Ave SE, Suite 202, Sammamish, WA 98075 |
206-263-9133 |
Unincorporated areas north of I-90 plus northern/eastern contract-city policing. |
Southeast Precinct 3 |
22300 SE 231st Street, Maple Valley, WA 98038 |
206-477-6446 |
Southeast unincorporated King County and associated contract partners. |
Southwest Precinct 4 |
14905 6th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166 |
206-477-2200 |
Areas including Skyway, North Highline/White Center, Boulevard Park, Vashon and southwest contract policing. |
When You Can File a King County Sheriff Report Online
KCSO’s online reporting system is not a substitute for dispatch. The Sheriff’s current rules say all of the listed conditions must fit before you use the online reporting route.
The report generally must involve:
- No emergency or crime in progress.
- An incident in unincorporated King County or a KCSO contract city.
- No incident on Sound Transit, a Metro bus or a Park & Ride.
- No incident on a state freeway.
- No lost or stolen firearm report.
- You being the victim.
- No known suspect.
- No evidence left behind.
- A valid email address.
If any of those conditions do not fit, the Sheriff’s page directs you to the non-emergency line at 206-296-3311.
- Read every eligibility condition before beginning.
- Confirm that KCSO is the correct law-enforcement agency.
- Select the incident category.
- Enter the location and event details accurately.
- Submit the report and retain the confirmation.
- Print or save the approved report when the system makes it available.
Language assistance
KCSO states that language assistance is available at no cost. If you cannot complete the online form in English, call 206-296-3311 and ask for an interpreter.
King County Inmate Search Uses the DAJD Subject Lookup Tool
If your real question is “Is this person in jail?”, do not start with the Sheriff’s records office. King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention operates the official Subject Lookup Tool.
The lookup can show whether an adult is currently in custody, where the person is housed and the person’s booking or B/A (Book of Arrest) number.
- Begin with the last name.
- Add the first name or date of birth if needed.
- Confirm whether “currently in custody” is selected when that is your question.
- Open the correct person.
- Write down the facility and B/A number.
- Use DAJD jail pages for visits, mail and money.
If the online search does not answer your question, King County lists 206-296-1234 for adult jail information.
If you believe a youth under 18 is in detention, King County lists 206-263-9595, 24 hours a day.
King County Jail in Seattle vs. Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent
Facility |
Address |
Use the Subject Lookup for |
|---|---|---|
King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) |
500 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 |
Confirming the person is housed in Seattle before visiting or mailing legal/publication material. |
Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) |
620 W. James St, Kent, WA 98032 |
Confirming the person is housed in Kent before visiting or mailing legal/publication material. |
King County Jail Visitation and Phone Rules
King County provides limited in-person visitation at both the Seattle and Kent adult jails. Visitation schedules depend on the facility and housing location.
Current DAJD guidance requires valid government-issued picture identification and appropriate attire.
Seattle jail in-person visits
King County currently states that people housed at KCCF receive a one-hour visit period each week. Visiting times depend on housing location and visitors are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Up to four visitors may visit at the same time, and at least one visitor must be an adult. Visitors under 18 must remain under direct adult supervision.
- Confirm the inmate’s facility through Subject Lookup.
- Select the Seattle or Kent visiting information.
- Check the housing-specific schedule.
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification.
- Arrive according to the facility’s current check-in guidance.
- Call 206-296-1234 if the current schedule is unclear.
Phone calls
Incoming calls to adults in King County jail are not permitted. King County uses Securus Technologies for inmate phone service.
The county currently says adults in custody may make two free telephone calls per week. Additional calls are currently listed at 5 cents per minute, with payment available through Securus or the resident’s Access Corrections account.
Ordinary calls are monitored and recorded. Attorney or defense-team calls can avoid recording only when the professional number has been properly registered on DAJD’s Do Not Record list.
Video visits
King County uses Securus Video Connect for remote video visits. Current county guidance says jail residents receive up to six free video visits per week, with additional services available through the provider.
King County Jail Mail Requires the Correct Facility and B/A Number
King County says the fastest way to send a message to an adult in jail is through Securus eMessaging. Messages are screened before being released to the person’s tablet.
For legal mail and approved publications, use the facility-specific address.
Facility |
Address format |
|---|---|
Seattle – KCCF |
Full booked name B/A number 500 Fifth Ave. Seattle, WA 98104 |
Kent – MRJC |
Full booked name B/A number 620 W. James St. Kent, WA 98032 |
Publication restrictions
King County’s current mail guidance restricts hardcover books and certain prohibited-content publications. It also states that items sent from online marketplaces such as Amazon or Facebook Marketplace are prohibited under the current publication rules.
- Use Subject Lookup to confirm the facility and B/A number.
- Choose eMessaging, postal correspondence, legal mail or publications.
- Use the address for the correct jail.
- Review publication and content restrictions.
- Recheck the housing location before sending time-sensitive legal mail.
How to Send Money to Someone in King County Jail
King County uses Access Corrections for most inmate-account deposits.
Deposit method |
Current county guidance |
What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
Online / app |
Access Corrections |
Resident name and correct identifying information. |
Jail kiosk |
Kiosks are in reception areas at both Seattle and Kent jails. |
Confirm the resident and facility first. |
Retail cash |
Participating retailers through Cash Pay Today. |
Complete provider registration before visiting the store. |
Telephone |
Access Corrections: 866-345-1884 |
Credit card and resident identity. |
Money order / cashier’s check |
Mail route allowed; cash and personal checks are not. |
Full name and B/A number. |
King County says mailed money orders or cashier’s checks of $50 or more may take up to 10 business days to post.
Access Securepak is used for approved care packages. Current county guidance states that recipients can spend up to $40 per week through that service.
- Use Subject Lookup to confirm the correct resident and B/A number.
- Select online, kiosk, retail, phone or mail deposit.
- Review the provider fee before completing payment.
- Save the transaction confirmation.
- Do not mail cash or personal checks.
District Court and Superior Court Use Different Record Systems
King County Sheriff records are not court records. If you are trying to find a criminal case, hearing, warrant status shown in a court file or case disposition, identify which court has the case first.
Court |
Use it for |
Public contact |
|---|---|---|
King County District Court |
District Court criminal, infraction and civil case information, hearing dates, judgment information and warrant status. |
206-205-9200 |
King County Superior Court Clerk |
Superior Court criminal, civil, family and other Superior Court records. |
206-296-9300 |
District Court case search
The current District Court portal can be searched by case number, person’s name or date of birth, company name or filing date. The public index can show hearing information, judgment information, sentence conditions, warrant status and document-index information.
- Register for the free portal account when required.
- Search by case number when possible.
- Otherwise search the legal name and verify the date of birth carefully.
- Review hearings, judgment information and warrant status.
- Use the court’s records-request route when you need documents unavailable through ordinary public access.
Superior Court records
The Superior Court Clerk maintains the official Superior Court case files. Current Clerk contact hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at 206-296-9300.
Request King County Sheriff Police Records From the Public Disclosure Unit
The Sheriff’s Office Public Disclosure Unit handles KCSO public-record requests under Washington’s Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
Washington law requires the agency to respond within five business days by providing records, acknowledging the request with an estimate, seeking clarification or denying all or part of the request with an explanation.
Make the request easier to process
- Provide the Sheriff’s case number when known.
- Give the incident date and approximate time.
- Give the exact location.
- Name the people involved when appropriate.
- Describe the exact report, audio, video or document requested.
- Avoid a vague request for “everything” when one incident is the real target.
- Choose the Public Disclosure request route.
- Enter a focused description of the records.
- Add the case number, location and date when available.
- Provide working contact information.
- Keep your submission confirmation.
- Watch for clarification or cost messages from the county.
King County Traffic Collision Reports Often Route Through Washington State Patrol
If a police officer or deputy investigated a collision and completed a report, King County says you do not need to file another collision report yourself.
When no officer investigated the collision and injuries occurred or total damage exceeds the applicable threshold, the county directs users to Washington State Patrol’s collision-report process.
For a copy of a stand-alone Traffic Collision Report, King County also directs people to Washington State Patrol.
- Determine whether a law-enforcement officer investigated the crash.
- Follow the Washington State Patrol link for a collision report copy.
- Use the driver’s name and crash date in the WSP search.
- Contact WSP collision records if the search fails.
KCSO No Longer Issues Clearance Letters
King County Sheriff’s Office states that it stopped processing Clearance Letter requests in 2018. If you need a Washington criminal-history record, the Sheriff’s Office directs you to Washington State Patrol.
If you need records of a specific arrest, incident or contact involving KCSO, submit a Sheriff Public Disclosure Request instead.
- Confirm whether you need a statewide criminal-history check or a specific Sheriff report.
- Use Washington State Patrol for the criminal-history record.
- Use KCSO Public Disclosure for specific Sheriff contacts or reports.
- Do not request a “clearance letter” from KCSO because the office no longer provides that service.
King County Concealed Pistol License Fees Change October 1, 2026
King County Sheriff’s Office processes Washington Concealed Pistol License applications for eligible King County residents and qualifying non-residents. If you live inside a Washington city, you may also be able to apply through that city’s police department.
Service |
Current fee |
October 1, 2026 change |
|---|---|---|
Original CPL |
$48 through September 30, 2026 |
$51 beginning October 1, 2026 |
Renewal |
$32 |
No new amount shown on current fee page |
Late renewal |
$42 |
No new amount shown on current fee page |
Replacement |
$10 |
No new amount shown on current fee page |
Noncitizen Firearm License |
$83 through September 30, 2026 |
$86 beginning October 1, 2026 |
The Sheriff currently lists a 2.35% card-processing charge with a minimum fee of $2 when credit or debit cards are accepted.
Original CPL basics
- Applicant must generally be at least 21.
- A current driver’s license or state-issued ID is required.
- The residential address must be current with the Department of Licensing.
- Original applications require an appointment.
- Permanent residents must bring the original valid Permanent Resident Card.
- Choose original, renewal/replacement or Noncitizen Firearm License.
- Read the residency and identification requirements.
- Download the correct application when required.
- Choose an eligible KCSO location.
- Make the appointment when required.
- Check the fee again if your appointment occurs on or after October 1, 2026.
Downtown Seattle CPL location
King County currently lists the courthouse CPL location at 516 Third Ave, Room W-150, Seattle, WA 98104. Published service hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Original CPL applications are appointment-only there, while renewal, late-renewal and replacement services are listed as walk-in.
KCSO Is Not Currently Offering General Public Fingerprinting
This is a useful detail because older directories may still tell people to visit the Sheriff for routine fingerprint cards. King County’s current page says KCSO is unable to provide general fingerprinting services at this time.
KCSO still fingerprints applicants when required as part of its own CPL and firearms-license application process.
The county currently lists alternative fingerprinting providers and Washington State Patrol as options for other fingerprint needs.
- Confirm whether your fingerprints are for a KCSO CPL/firearms application or another purpose.
- If they are for a KCSO application, follow the application process.
- If they are general fingerprints, choose one of the listed alternative providers.
- Confirm the receiving agency accepts third-party fingerprints before paying.
King County Sheriff Civil Process: What the Unit Actually Serves
The Sheriff’s Civil Process Unit serves legal documents, enforces qualifying court orders, handles property attachments/executions and conducts court-ordered evictions.
KCSO cautions that the Civil Unit must prioritize matters that require commissioned law-enforcement assistance. Ordinary court documents that do not require that level of assistance may not be accepted except in circumstances described on the Civil Unit’s current page.
Service |
Current base fee |
Possible additional cost |
|---|---|---|
Serve one defendant |
$43 |
Mileage or other statutory charges may apply. |
Serve two or more defendants at same address |
$58 |
Mileage or other statutory charges may apply. |
Return |
$35 |
Depends on the service requested. |
Notary fee |
$10 |
Only when applicable. |
King County’s current 2026 mileage schedule varies by destination. For example, the published Writ of Restitution schedule includes different total fees for Bellevue, Burien, Kent, Maple Valley, North Bend, Seattle Housing Authority locations and other jurisdictions.
- Identify the exact document or writ.
- Confirm KCSO will accept that category for service.
- Review the current fee and mileage schedule.
- Prepare complete respondent/service-address information.
- Do not ask Civil Unit staff for legal advice about how to complete or file your court paperwork.
Which Agency Serves a Protection Order Depends on Where the Respondent Lives
Washington law generally routes protection-order service to the law-enforcement agency where the respondent lives.
KCSO handles qualifying service in unincorporated King County and its contract cities, including communities such as Burien, Covington, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Newcastle, North Bend, Sammamish, SeaTac, Shoreline, Skykomish and Woodinville.
KCSO says it needs the complete order, the petition when applicable, and the Law Enforcement Information Form to attempt service.
- Confirm the respondent’s current address.
- Confirm KCSO is the responsible law-enforcement agency for that location.
- Prepare the complete order and petition when required.
- Complete the Law Enforcement Information Form thoroughly.
- Follow the filing and service instructions for your specific order type.
King County Has an Independent Law-Enforcement Oversight Office
Complaints or commendations involving the King County Sheriff’s Office can be submitted through KCSO or through the independent King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).
OLEO accepts complaints online, by email, by phone or through other published channels. The office’s role is separate from ordinary 911, non-emergency dispatch and public-record requests.
- Choose complaint or commendation.
- Describe the incident clearly and chronologically.
- Include dates, locations and personnel information when known.
- Keep copies of supporting records.
- Use the emergency/non-emergency police route instead if the real need is immediate law-enforcement response.
King County Details That Prevent the Most Common Mistakes
- Do not call the Sheriff to schedule a jail visit. Adult jails are run by DAJD.
- Do not assume Seattle Police and KCSO are the same agency. Seattle has its own police department.
- Do not assume every city in King County contracts with KCSO. Check the incident jurisdiction first.
- Save the B/A number from Subject Lookup. It is useful for mail, money and jail contact.
- Use 206-296-3311 for non-emergency deputy response. The 206-296-4155 number is the general-information line.
- Do not request a court case from KCSO Records. District Court and Superior Court maintain their own case records.
- Do not use a KCSO case number in the WSP collision-report search. Use driver identity and collision date as instructed by the county.
- KCSO no longer provides ordinary clearance letters. Use Washington State Patrol for a state criminal-history record.
- Routine fingerprint cards are currently not available through KCSO. The Sheriff fingerprints for its own firearms-license applications but directs general fingerprint customers elsewhere.
- Check CPL fees around October 1, 2026. Original CPL and Noncitizen Firearm License fees increase on that date.
King County Sheriff and Jail Maps
Seattle, WA 98104
General information: 206-296-4155
Non-emergency response: 206-296-3311
Seattle, WA 98104
Adult jail information: 206-296-1234
King County Sheriff’s Office FAQs
What is the King County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number?
Call 206-296-3311 when you need non-emergency police response or need to report a non-emergency incident. The Sheriff’s general-information line is 206-296-4155. Call 911 for emergencies.
Where is the King County Sheriff’s Office located?
The Sheriff’s public contact address is King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room W-116, Seattle, WA 98104. Individual precincts and contract-city police locations are elsewhere around the county.
Does the King County Sheriff operate the county jail?
No. King County’s adult jails are operated by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Use the DAJD Subject Lookup Tool for inmate custody and DAJD pages for visits, mail, calls and commissary.
How do I find someone in King County Jail?
Use King County’s official Subject Lookup Tool. Search by name and other available identifiers, confirm current custody and facility, and save the person’s B/A number. You can also call 206-296-1234 for adult jail information.
How do I request a King County Sheriff police report?
Submit a request to the KCSO Public Disclosure Unit. Include the case number when known, along with the incident date, time, location and specific record requested. Sheriff police records and court records use different systems.
Can I file a King County Sheriff report online?
Yes, but only for qualifying non-emergency incidents that meet KCSO’s online-reporting rules, including jurisdiction, victim, suspect and evidence requirements. If the incident does not qualify, call 206-296-3311.
How much is a King County Concealed Pistol License?
The original CPL fee is $48 through September 30, 2026 and rises to $51 on October 1, 2026. Renewal is currently $32, late renewal $42 and replacement $10. Verify the live fee page before your appointment.
Does the King County Sheriff provide fingerprinting?
KCSO currently says it is unable to provide general public fingerprinting. Fingerprints required for KCSO CPL and firearms-license applications are handled during those application processes. The Sheriff page lists outside alternatives for other fingerprint needs.
How do I check a King County criminal court case?
Use the King County District Court Case Access system for District Court matters or the Superior Court Clerk/KC Script route for Superior Court cases. Search by case number whenever possible to reduce wrong-person matches.
Where do I complain about King County Sheriff’s Office conduct?
You may file a complaint through the Sheriff’s Office or the independent King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. OLEO currently lists 206-263-8870 and oleo@kingcounty.gov for complaint assistance.
Primary King County Resources
Official KCSO services, contacts, precincts and public-safety information.
Open King County Sheriff’s OfficeEmergency, non-emergency and general-information routing.
Open Sheriff contact pageCurrent adult jail custody, facility and B/A number.
Open inmate lookupAdult jail visits, mail, phone calls, video visits and deposits.
Open Adult & Juvenile DetentionSheriff police reports and public-record requests.
Open Sheriff records pageDistrict Court cases, court dates, warrant status and case access.
Open King County District CourtOfficial King County Superior Court records and Clerk services.
Open Superior Court ClerkKCSO CPL eligibility, locations, appointments and current fees.
Open CPL informationLegal document service, evictions, court orders and current fees.
Open Civil Process UnitEditorial review: this guide was reviewed against current King County Sheriff, DAJD, District Court, Superior Court Clerk and related King County resources on September 27, 2026.
Freshness: precinct hours, jail housing, visitation schedules, service providers, public-record charges, civil fees, CPL fees, court procedures and telephone numbers can change. Verify time-sensitive details through the responsible official office immediately before acting.
Legal and privacy notice: arrest and jail information may contain allegations rather than convictions. Juvenile, sealed, confidential, medical and otherwise protected records may not be publicly available. This guide is informational and is not legal advice or a consumer report.
Emergency: call 911 for an immediate threat, crime in progress, fire or medical emergency.
Find Jail Info, Inmate Search Steps, Visitation Rules, Bond Help, Warrants and Official Sheriff Links
Use this free tool before calling a sheriff office, searching a jail roster, checking arrest records, visiting an inmate, asking about bond, requesting a report, or looking for official county sheriff resources. It does not collect names, case numbers, booking numbers, or personal information.
What sheriff office task do you need help with?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest next step, what to prepare, and which official resource to check first.
Start with the official sheriff or jail roster, confirm custody by phone only when needed, then check court records for hearings or case details.
Do not pay anyone who calls demanding gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or urgent warrant payment. Verify through official sheriff channels.
Inmate Search Step Helper
Use this before searching a jail roster or inmate lookup portal. It helps you choose the best search method and avoid wrong-person matches.
Bond, Release and Custody Status Helper
Use this to organize what to check before asking about bond, release timing, facility location or court status.
Visitation, Phone and Mail Checklist
Use this before planning a jail visit, video visit, inmate phone setup, commissary deposit, or mail delivery.
Warrant Information Safety Helper
Use this if you are trying to understand warrant information safely. This tool does not confirm warrants and does not provide legal advice.
Sheriff Report and Arrest Record Request Helper
Use this before requesting accident reports, incident reports, arrest records, jail records, public records or background-related information.
Sheriff Call / Warrant Payment Scam Checker
Use this if someone called, texted, emailed or messaged you claiming to be from a sheriff office, court, jail, deputy or warrant unit.
Official Sheriff Office Resource Finder
Enter county and state to create safe searches for official sheriff websites, jail rosters, inmate lookup, warrants, visitation, records requests, court records and this site’s guide.
Sheriff Office vs Court vs Jail
- Sheriff/Jail: custody, booking, jail roster, visitation, inmate mail, some warrants.
- Court/Clerk: case status, hearings, court records, fines, court dates.
- Attorney: legal advice, warrant risk, criminal charges, bond strategy.
Best sitewide placement
Add this tool after the first inmate-search or contact section, or before FAQs. It turns a normal guide into a practical action page.
Important safety note
This tool is educational only. It is not a sheriff office, jail, court, legal service, emergency service, or official records portal. For emergencies, call 911.