Public Records Request

Public Disclosure Information

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. All phone, radio, and Computer Aided Dispatch entries are recorded. The disclosure of MACC 911 records may have certain identifiable details redacted to protect a person's right to privacy. Any redactions made shall be explained in writing.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires that MACC 911 keeps recordings of 911 telephone conversations for 90 (ninety) days.

Legal Basis

RCW 42.56 Public Records Act
RCW 42.17.250 Public Records
WAC 246.100.016 Medical Confidentiality
RCW 70.24.022(3) Sexually Transmitted Disease Confidentiality

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.

Public Request for Records Requests to inspect or copy public records must be in writing and identify the records being sought with reasonable specificity. Requests that are too generalized may be returned to the requesting individual for further clarification.

Public records are available for inspection and access subject to the following conditions:

  • Dated request includes name, address, and contact information of requestor.

  • Description of public records adequate to locate the records.

  • Inspection and copying occurs on MACC 911 premises.

  • Public records may not be removed, disassembled, or altered.

  • We will not disclose lists of individuals for commercial purposes.

  • The requestor will indicate which documents he or she wishes to have copied.

  • For large request, copies may be provided in installments.

Public records request must include:

  • Name, address, and contact information of requester.

  • Description of public records adequate to locate the records.

  • Date of request.

MACC 911 provides space to inspect records. Records are available for inspection by appointment during normal business hours (Mon. to Fri. 8:00am to 4:00pm)

Response to Records Requests Within five business days of receipt of the request, we will:

  • Send a letter advising of receipt of the request.
  • Provide a reasonable estimate of when records will be available.
  • Contact the requester to request clarification, if necessary.
  • Deny the request citing reason for denial.
Closeup of Dispatcher taking call and entering information into the computer 5

Some records are exempt from public inspection and copying, including:

  • 1

    RCW 42.56.240 (2)

    Information revealing the identity of persons who are witnesses to or victims of crime or who file complaints with investigative, law enforcement, or penology agencies, other than the commission, or disclosure would endanger any person's life, physical safety, or property. If at the time a complaint is filed the complainant, victim, or witness indicates a desire for disclosure or nondisclosure, such desire shall govern.

  • 2

    RCW 42.56.240 (1)

    Specific intelligence information and specific investigative records compiled by investigative, law enforcement, and penology agencies, and state agencies vested with the responsibility to discipline members of any profession, the nondisclosure of which is essential to effective law enforcement or for the protection of any person's right to privacy.

  • 3

    RCW 42.56.250 (5)

    Information revealing the identity of child victims of sexual assault who are under age eighteen. Identifying information means the child victim's name, address, location, photograph, and in cases in which the child victim is a relative or stepchild of the alleged perpetrator, identification of the relationship between the child and the alleged perpetrator.

  • 4

    RCW 70.24.105

    HIV/AIDS medical status.

  • 5

    WAS 246-100-016

    Patient medical information.

  • 6

    RCW 42.17.310

    Disclosure of sensitive information contained in MACC 911 employee personnel files.

  • 7

    Lists Disclosure

    MACC 911 will not disclose lists of individuals for commercial purposes.

If only a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, the exempt portions of the record will be redacted before providing the document.

Costs for Public Records MACC 911 follows the United Fee Schedule:

  • Black & White Copies: $0.15 per page
  • Mailing: Actual costs of postage and shipping package
  • Other Media: Actual costs of reproduction 

Do not enclose payment with your request. Payment will be required at time of delivery. Make checks payable to Multi Agency Communications Center.

For large requests, MACC 911 may:

  • Require a deposit of up to ten percent of estimated costs of all the records selected by the requester
  • Require full payment before providing the records
  • Provide copies in installments
  • Require advance payment before providing further installments

MACC 911 will not charge for retrieval or inspection of public records.

Special Considerations

If a requestor has not reviewed or claimed the requested records within 30 days of notice that records are available or fails to make payment, the Public Records Request may be closed.

If requested records contain information that may affect rights of others, before providing the records, MACC 911 may give notice and allow time for action by the other parties.

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.

Still have questions about this process and would rather confer with an expert?

Records Officer

The Public Records Officer oversees compliance with the Public Records Act and administers the program consistent with MACC 911 Public Records Policy and Procedures. The Director will designate a Public Records Officer to oversee compliance of the Public Records program.

Role of the Public Records Officer:

  • Provide the "fullest assistance" to requestors

  • Coordinate response to requests with departments and offices

  • Provide timely and efficient action on requests

  • Protect public records from damage or disorganization

  • Track all requests for public records

  • Respond to all requests within five business days

  • Coordinate review of records

  • Close complete, withdrawn, or abandoned requests

If requested records contain information that may affect rights of others, before providing the records, the Public Records Officer will give notice and allow time for action by the other parties.

Requesting Review of Denials

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.