Washington County police records cover all reports, logs, and case files kept by law enforcement agencies that serve the county. These records include incident reports, crash reports, arrest records, and daily call logs from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and every municipal police department in the county.
Anyone can request these records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, also called Act 3 of 2008. This page explains how to get police records in Washington County, PA in 2026, who to contact, what forms to use, and what fees apply.
How Police Records Work in Washington County, PA
Washington County sits in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. The county has one Sheriff’s Office, multiple municipal police departments, and coverage from the Pennsylvania State Police. Each agency keeps its own police records. The agency that responded to the call is the one that holds the report. You must contact the right agency to get the records you need.
County-Wide Sheriff’s Office Records
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office serves all areas of the county that do not have a local police department. Deputies respond to calls in townships and small boroughs. They handle civil papers, serve warrants, and run the county jail. The Sheriff’s Office keeps records for all calls handled by deputies. These records include incident reports, arrest reports, and accident reports on county roads.
Municipal Police Department Records
Larger cities and boroughs in Washington County run their own police departments. Washington City, Canonsburg, Cecil Township, and Bentleyville each have a police force. These departments handle calls inside their town limits. They keep their own records. To get a report from a town, contact that town’s police department directly. The Sheriff’s Office cannot release records from a municipal department.
Pennsylvania State Police Records
The Pennsylvania State Police covers areas with no local police. State Police Troop B is based in Washington. Troopers handle calls on interstate highways, state roads, and in townships that do not have a contract for local police. State Police reports are kept at the troop station. You can request them through the station or through the PA Open Records Office in Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) gives the public the right to see government records. Police records are government records. The law says agencies must release records unless a specific exemption applies. The RTKL applies to all police agencies in Washington County, PA, including the Sheriff’s Office, municipal departments, and State Police.
Records Open to the Public
Most police records in Washington County are public. The list below shows common record types you can get.
- Incident reports for crimes that are no longer under active investigation
- Accident reports on public roads after 60 days
- Arrest records for adults charged with crimes
- Daily call logs and dispatch records
- Booking photos for adults charged with crimes
- Police blotter entries for the past 30 days
- Records of citations issued for traffic violations
Records Kept Confidential
Some records stay confidential under state and federal law. The list below shows the main exemptions.
- Records from active criminal investigations
- Information that would identify a confidential informant
- Information about juvenile suspects and victims
- Information about sexual assault victims
- Information about domestic violence victims in some cases
- Body camera footage from private homes
- Personnel records about officers
- Grand jury materials and sealed court orders
RTK Form Fields in 2026
You can use the statewide RTK form to request police records in 2026. The form is available at the PA Office of Open Records website. The form asks for specific fields. Fill each one out. Leave no field blank.
- Agency name and mailing address
- Your name, address, phone number, and email
- A clear description of the records you want
- The date range for the records
- Whether you want to inspect the records, get paper copies, or get digital copies
- Your signature and the date
How to Request Police Records
The process for getting police records in Washington County, PA has three main steps. Each step takes a small amount of time. Most requests get a response in 5 to 30 business days.
Step One: Identify the Right Agency
Find out which police agency handled the call. Check the location of the incident. If the incident happened inside a city or borough with a local police department, contact that department. If the incident happened on a state highway or in a township with no local police, contact Pennsylvania State Police Troop B. If the incident happened in a township with a contract for sheriff patrol, contact the Sheriff’s Office.
Step Two: Fill Out the Standard RTK Form
Download the PA Right-to-Know Request form from the Office of Open Records website. Fill in the agency name, your contact details, and a clear description of the records. Include the case number, date of incident, names of people involved, and address where the incident happened. The more detail you give, the faster the agency can find the records.
Step Three: Submit Your Request
Submit the form to the agency’s Open Records Officer. You can email it, fax it, or mail it. The agency must confirm receipt within 5 business days. The agency then has 30 business days to respond. If the agency denies the request, you can appeal to the Office of Open Records in Harrisburg.
Response Time and Fees
Agencies charge fees for copies. The standard fee for a paper copy is 25 cents per page. Duplication of audio, video, or large electronic files may cost more. The agency must tell you the total cost before filling the request. Pre-payment may be required. Redaction of exempt information does not add a fee. Some agencies waive fees for small requests under $5.
Types of Reports You Can Get
Washington County police records include many different report types. Each type serves a different purpose. The list below shows the main report types and where to find them.
Incident and Case Reports
Incident reports document crimes, disturbances, and other calls. Each report has a case number, date, time, and location. Reports include the officer’s narrative, witness statements, and evidence notes. You can get closed incident reports from the agency that handled the call. Active investigations stay confidential until the case closes.
Accident and Crash Reports
Crash reports in Washington County go to PENNDOT through the Pennsylvania Crash Reporting System. You can order a crash report online through the PennDOT crash report portal. Crash reports cost $22 each. Reports are confidential for 60 days after the crash. After 60 days, anyone can order a copy. You need the crash date, county, and report number or driver name.
Arrest and Criminal Records
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody. They include the charges, booking photos, and bond information. The Washington County Correctional Facility keeps jail records. The PA State Police run the central criminal history system. Statewide criminal history checks cost $22 per request. You can request a check on yourself or on another adult with proper consent.
Police Blotter and Daily Logs
Many Washington County police departments post daily call logs online. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington City Police Department post arrest logs. The Canonsburg Police Department posts incident summaries. These logs list calls, arrests, and charges for recent dates. Logs get updated each business day.
Online Police Records Search Tools
Several state and county websites let you search for police records online. These tools work from your computer or phone. You do not need to visit an office.
PA Unified Judicial System Web Portal
The PA Unified Judicial System web portal shows court records. You can search for criminal cases, civil cases, and docket information in Washington County. The portal uses the web address ujsportal.pacourts.us. You can search by name, case number, or court. Court records go back to the 1980s in most counties. The portal is free to use.
PA State Police Megan’s Law Registry
The PA State Police runs the Megan’s Law Registry. This database lists sex offenders living in Pennsylvania. You can search by name, address, or zip code. The registry shows the offender’s photo, address, and offense level. Washington County residents can search the registry to find registered offenders in their neighborhood.
Police Departments in Washington County
Washington County has more than 20 police agencies. The list below covers the largest municipal departments. Each department has its own records office and hours of operation.
Washington City Police Department
The Washington City Police Department serves the city of Washington. The department has about 30 sworn officers. It handles calls inside city limits. The records office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can request reports in person, by phone, or by mail. The department charges standard RTKL fees for copies.
Canonsburg Police Department
The Canonsburg Police Department serves the borough of Canonsburg. The department has about 15 sworn officers. It covers calls in the borough. The records office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Reports can be picked up in person. You can also mail a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Cecil Township Police Department
The Cecil Township Police Department serves Cecil Township. The department has about 20 sworn officers. It covers calls in Cecil Township. The records office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The department uses an online reporting system for some non-emergency calls. You can request copies of these reports through the township website.
Bentleyville Police Department
The Bentleyville Police Department serves the borough of Bentleyville. The department has a small force of full-time and part-time officers. It covers calls in the borough. The records office is open limited hours. Call the department before visiting. Mail requests work best for Bentleyville police records.
Other Municipal Departments
Smaller boroughs in Washington County run their own police departments. Charleroi, Monongahela, McDonald, and Donora each have a police force. These departments have limited records office hours. Some do not have a full-time records clerk. Contact the chief of police for records requests. State Police covers townships with no local police.
Contact Information for Records Requests
Use the table below to find the right agency for your records request. Each row shows the agency, address, phone number, and records hours.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Records Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County Sheriff’s Office | 100 W. Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301 | (724) 228-6855 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Washington City Police Department | 55 E. Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301 | (724) 223-1384 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Canonsburg Police Department | 68 E. Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317 | (724) 745-7440 | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Cecil Township Police Department | 3599 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA 15321 | (412) 221-3100 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Bentleyville Police Department | 530 Lincoln Avenue, Bentleyville, PA 15314 | (724) 239-2323 | Limited hours, call first |
| PA State Police Troop B – Washington | 83 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 | (724) 223-5200 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| PA Office of Open Records | 333 Market Street, 15th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 | (717) 346-9903 | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about police records in Washington County, PA. The answers reflect the current rules in 2026. If your question covers a unique situation, contact the agency directly for help.
Can I get police records for free in Washington County?
No. Pennsylvania law lets agencies charge for copies. The standard fee is 25 cents per page for paper copies. Electronic copies on a CD or flash drive may cost more. Some agencies waive fees for requests under $5. Inspecting records in person is free, but you cannot take the records home. You must pay for copies if you want your own set.
How long does a police agency have to respond to my request?
Agencies have 5 business days to confirm receipt of your Right-to-Know request. They have 30 business days after that to send you the records or a denial letter. Complex requests may take longer. The agency must tell you the new deadline in writing. You can appeal a denial to the Office of Open Records if the agency misses the deadline without good cause.
Can I get a police record if the case is still open?
No. Records from active criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under the RTKL. You must wait until the case closes. The case closes when arrests are made and charges are filed, when the district attorney declines to prosecute, or when the investigation ends without charges. The agency will release the report after the case closes, with redactions for protected information.
How do I look up a person’s arrest record in Washington County?
Use the PA Unified Judicial System web portal to search court records. The portal shows criminal cases filed in Washington County. You can also visit the Washington County Courthouse in person and use the public terminals in the Clerk of Courts office. For statewide criminal history checks, request a check from the PA State Police through their online portal. The fee is $22 per check.
Can I get an accident report online in Washington County?
Yes. Crash reports on Pennsylvania roads go to PENNDOT. You can order a report online through the PennDOT crash report portal at dmv.pa.gov. The fee is $22 per report. You need the crash date, county name, and either the report number or driver name. Reports stay confidential for 60 days. After 60 days, anyone can order a copy.
What if the police agency denies my records request?
You can appeal the denial to the PA Office of Open Records. File the appeal within 15 business days of the denial. The Office of Open Records will assign an appeals officer. The officer reviews the request and the agency’s reason for denial. The officer issues a ruling within 30 days. You can appeal the ruling to the Court of Common Pleas if you disagree.
Can I get police records for a family member?
Yes, for most records. The RTKL lets you request records on behalf of a family member. You do not need their written consent for basic records like arrest logs or incident reports. You do need consent for sealed records, juvenile records, and certain medical information. Add a short note in your request that explains your relationship to the person named in the records.