FAQs • Everett, WA • CivicEngage

How does the City handle large requests?: Large requests may be handled in installments. A 10 percent deposit of estimated costs may be required prior to release of any records.

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Public Records Requests

1. How do I request records?: City of Everett records can be requested by using the Everett Public Records Center.
Public Records Request

2. What happens to my request?: General city records requests are received by the City Clerk's Office. From there, your request is sent to the appropriate department (s) for a search for records. After a search is conducted, you will be contacted by the Clerk's Office. Police Records are released directly from the Police Records Unit.

3. What information should I include in my request?: It's helpful to include as much information as you can, such as document titles, specific dates, times, addresses, and case numbers allows city staff to more effectively locate documents pertaining to your request.

4. What if my request is for a variety of records?: If your request contains a variety of records from multiple departments, please select select which departments you believe will have records, or "Other" and "Unknown/I don't know". The Public Records Officer will help to determine which departments need to receive the request. Please note, if your request involves the Police Department as well as additional departments, your request for police records will be treated as a separate request.

5. Will my request for records be kept confidential?: Your request becomes a public record and can be requested and/ or viewed by others.

6. What is third party notification?: If records contain information that may affect others and may be exempt from disclosure, the City may send a notice to those parties informing them of the request prior to providing the records to the requestor.

7. When is a request considered abandoned?: If a requestor fails to fulfill their obligations to inspect, respond to clarification from by City staff, or make any payment within 30 calendar days, the City may close the request and consider it abandoned.

8. What are exemptions to the Public Records Act?: Listings of the most common exemptions are found at RCW 42.56.210-510. In addition, other Washington laws may prohibit or exempt the disclosure of other classes of information.

9. How does the City handle large requests?: Large requests may be handled in installments. A 10 percent deposit of estimated costs may be required prior to release of any records.