
Yes, 911 calls are public records. However, state law determines what the information Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) may share with the public. Consequently, if you want to see the name, number, address, or personal information of the person who made a 911 call, you may need a court order.
How long do States keep 911 call records?
Some states keep 911 call records indefinitely and some delete them after a set period. You may access federal records via a Freedom of Information request. What is a public record? “Public record” refers to documents or media recorded or filed by a public agency. To access public records, what you must do is:
How long does Snohomish County 911 keep recordings?
Welcome to the Snohomish County 911 Public Records department. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires that Snohomish County 911 keep recordings for a period of 90 days. The disclosure of records is governed by appropriate state and local regulations, specifically the Public Records Act.
Are 911 calls public record in California?
911 calls are public records. But state law determines the information Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) may share with the public. Consequently, if you want to see the name, number, address, or personal information of the person who made a 911 call, you may need a court order. Quick take: are 911 calls public records?
How do I get a copy of a 911 call?
PSAP centers receive and record 911 calls. You may contact PSAP online or by calling 800-647-7579. You will need a court order to access sealed public records. Some states keep 911 call records indefinitely and some delete them after a set period. You may access federal records via a Freedom of Information request. What is a public record?

Can you see 911 records?
In California 911 call records are not exempt from the new CPRA (2020). This means that 911 call records are available for public inspection and copying in California.
Are police reports public record Washington?
All records maintained by state and local agencies are available for public inspection unless law specifically exempts them. You are entitled to access to public records under reasonable conditions, and to copies of those records upon paying the costs of making the copy.
What is a public records Washington State?
What are Public Records? The Public Records Act ( Chapter 42.56 RCW) is a Washington State law that allows you to review government records. Public records include documents in all formats, whether electronic or paper, that relate to government operations or conduct.
What is the time limit for a response to a public records request in Washington?
within five business daysState and local government agencies are required by RCW 42.56. 520 to respond to a public records request within five business days of receiving the request by doing one of the following: Providing for inspection and/or copying of the records requested.
How do I get a police report wa?
Additional information, including edited copies of investigation files may be available through Freedom of Information. For assistance with your application, please contact Public Access on 61 8 6229 5900 or via email on [email protected].
How do I find someone's criminal record in Washington state?
You may make a request for conviction CHRI based on an individual's name and date of birth by completing a Request for Conviction Criminal History Form in person or you may make a request for conviction CHRI by submitting a full set of fingerprints in person.
What makes a record public?
A public record refers to information that has been recorded and/or filed by a public agency.
Does Washington State have a sunshine law?
Strong “sunshine laws” are crucial to assuring government accountability and transparency. In Washington State, those laws provide for open public records and open public meetings.
What is the best website for public records?
1. TruthFinder — Best Background Check Service Overall. TruthFinder provides what they define as “Sensitive Information”, including national criminal records searches, addresses, phone numbers, property documents, civil judgments, and photos, and some other court documents.
Can I sue someone for recording me without my permission in Washington state?
In addition to subjecting you to criminal prosecution, violating the wiretapping law can expose you to a civil lawsuit for damages by an injured party. See Wash. Rev. Code § 9.73.
Is Washington an open records state?
Washington law (Chapter 42.56 RCW) requires that identifiable public records be made available to members of the public for inspection and copying upon request. Only records that are exempt by law may be withheld from disclosure. The Act also requires that the public records requested are "identifiable".
Is it legal in the state of Washington to record a conversation?
The short answer is, generally no, you cannot secretly record a private conversation unless the other party consents to the recording. Washington has what is called a “two-party consent” law, which means that everyone must be aware and consent to the recording of a private conversation in order for it to be legal.
Are criminal records public in Washington state?
Yes, criminal records are public records in Washington. As per the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), criminal records are public records since they were created and maintained by law enforcement agencies in the state. The only exceptions are those that have been sealed, expunged or expressly restricted by the law.
Do the police have an archives?
The Metropolitan Police's Museum team look after objects, archives, books and photographs relating to the history of the Met since 1829, telling the lives of its officers and staff across London and beyond and the crimes it has sought to solve.
Are 911 calls public records?
Yes, but access to public records depends on state law. For example, under Alabama code section 11-98-12. You will need a court order to access 911 call records in the state. The statute reads in part, quote:
Alabama
Under section 11-98-12 (c), written and electronic records that detail circumstances or events related to a 911 call are subject to public inspection, but you must pay a fee to gain access.
Alaska
Some police districts may be more compliant than others. 911 call records should be disclosable under the public records act.
Arizona
911 call records are available to the public in Arizona, unless there is an intervention made by the government to suppress the tapes. 911 call records can be withheld for many reasons such as public safety or even the privacy of a child.
Arkansas
911 call recordings in Arkansas can be released with a Freedom of Information Act Request. However, in the interest of confidentiality information such as subscriber telephone number, address, and names of 911 callers are deemed to be private and not subject to the FOIA. Ark. Code Ann. § 12-10-317 (a) (2) (2018)
California
In California 911 call records are not exempt from the new CPRA (2020). This means that 911 call records are available for public inspection and copying in California. However, there is an argument that under 6254 (f) call records related to an investigation my be made unavailable:
Colorado
Yes, 911 calls in Colorado are available under the Colorado Open Records Act.
Are 911 Calls Public Record?
If you make a 911 call, it goes on file for public record. This statement means that the file is recorded by a public agency. If you want to access the 911 call recording, you can. However, there are a few places you need to go before you can listen.
Why Are 911 Calls Made Public?
I know it might be confusing that 911 calls are made public. These calls happen in private moments and contain personal material. Why are 911 calls put on public record? Is there a reason for this process?
How Long Are 911 Calls On File?
Although public, 911 calls are only on file for a time. A public location can’t keep 911 calls on file forever. Eventually, they will disappear from the system. How long are 911 calls on file? Where do they go after they leave the system?
When to call 9-1-1
If you see someone acting suspiciously, stealing, or breaking into a home or building.
When not to call 9-1-1
In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, minimize your calls to 9-1-1 unless it is a life threatening police, medical or fire emergency. The following guide should help you determine when it is appropriate to call 9-1-1 in a disaster.
Other emergency phone tips
If you pick up your telephone to make a call and do not hear a dial tone, do not hang up. Simply wait a few seconds, and you will get a dial tone and be able to make your call.
What to say when you call 9-1-1
Do not hang up until they tell you that you should; they may have to ask you more questions.
Teach your children the correct use of 9-1-1
Parents should use the information on this sheet to talk to children about how and when to use 9-1-1. Knowing the right thing to do can save lives.
Keep phone lines clear during emergencies
During emergencies, telephone services become overloaded. You can help keep service available for those who need it most by making only calls that are critical. Limit FAX machine and computer use as well; their use also ties up phone lines.
How long does MACC keep 911 calls?
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires that MACC 911 keeps recordings of 911 telephone conversations for 90 (ninety) days.
How long does it take for 911 to respond?
MACC 911 will respond to requests within five (5) business days of receiving the written request. In addition, reasonable time may be required for inspection and/or copying of public records.
What happens after a 911 request is filled?
After a request has been filled, if MACC 911 becomes aware of additional documents existing at the time of the request, these will be provided to the requestor on an expedited basis.
What is a petition to the Public Records Officer?
A requestor may send a written petition to the Public Records Officer in order to have any disclosure denial reviewed. See the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 42.56) for more information.
Is MACC 911 a judicial process?
The disclosure of MACC 911 records is governed by appropriate state and local regulations. Dispatch center communications are subject to judicial process and may be considered admissible evidence.
How long is 911 recorded?
911 recordings are generally retained for a period of ninety (90) days. Requested records are not produced immediately upon demand. RiverCom will respond to inquiries and requests during its regular business hours.
Is RiverCom public records?
Requests for Public Records received by RiverCom are public records and are subject to disclosure.
Does RiverCom warrant the accuracy of public records?
RiverCom does not warrant the completeness of records or accuracy of information produced through a request for public records. Requests for Public Records received by RiverCom are public records and are subject to disclosure.
Which state has the record law for 911 calls?from freedomforuminstitute.org
Oklahoma Open Records Act allows anyone to (for a fee) to get a recording or transcript of his or her own 911 call. No indication of unusual rules or restrictions. Oregon. Measure passed in 2001 makes audio recordings of emergency calls exempt from the state public-records law.
What bill would prevent 911 recordings?from freedomforuminstitute.org
Proposed bill A. 3489, not yet passed, would prevent broadcast of 911 recordings.
How Can I Find a Snohomish County Public Record?from snohomishcountywa.gov
Looking for a commonly requested record? Please visit our Public Records Home Page. Many public records are currently available on the County’s website.
When Can I Inspect Records?from snohomishcountywa.gov
The county provides public records for inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays.
What Happens if I Don’t Pick up the Requested Records?from snohomishcountywa.gov
If you fail to claim or review the records within the 30-day time period (or make other arrangements) the request will be closed.
What is the law that limits the disclosure of personal information in 911 calls?from freedomforuminstitute.org
911 calls fall under the California Public Records Act , which makes all records available to the public through request. CPRA limits disclosure of personal information by protecting the right to privacy over the public’s interest. Colorado. No indication of unusual rules or restrictions.
How to get a copy of my public records?from snohomishcountywa.gov
1. Use the Public Records Request Portal. 2. Use Form 1: Request for Inspection or Copy (PDF). You may email the form or print out, fill it in, and send it by USPS mail or fax (425-388-3985). 3. Email the Public Records Officer directly with your records request. 4.
Requesting Records
South Sound 911 uses a Records Request Portal to make requesting copies of police/incident reports, CAD logs, and 911 audio recordings, more efficient and transparent. It also allows the requestor to check the status of the request at any time. Please note:
Other Records
South Sound 911 does not hold law enforcement investigative files, photos or fire department records. Those records are held by the originating agency and requestors should contact the agency directly. For a list of partner agency websites, see our Police & Fire Agencies page.

Are 911 Calls Public Record?
- If you make a 911 call, it goes on file for public record. This statement means that the file is recorded by a public agency. If you want to access the 911 call recording, you can. However, there are a few places you need to go before you can listen. Here are the places you should go before you can hear a 911 call on public record: 1. Go to a gover...
Why Are 911 Calls Made Public?
- I know it might be confusing that 911 calls are made public. These calls happen in private moments and contain personal material. Why are 911 calls put on public record? Is there a reason for this process? The biggest reason why 911 calls are made public is to hold the responder accountable for their actions. They must provide as much help to the person on the phone as po…
How Long Are 911 Calls on file?
- Although public, 911 calls are only on file for a time. A public location can’t keep 911 calls on file forever. Eventually, they will disappear from the system. How long are 911 calls on file? Where do they go after they leave the system? Most 911 calls are on file for, at most, one year. Some are on file for ninety days. This time allows: 1. Public access: The 911 calls are on file to allow the publi…