Washington County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

What are Washington County Public Records?

Washington County administrators abide by Oklahoma’s Open Records Act. According to the OORA, Washington County public records include books, papers, pictures, computer tapes, microfilms, sound recording, film recording, disk, or other material that a public body creates, receives, or has direct connections. Washington County public records do not include:

Oklahoma Transportation Authority’s vehicle movement records, collected in connection with the Authority's electronic toll collection system;
Computer software;
Non-government personal effects;
Personal financial information, credit reports, or other financial data that a public body may collect or provide while evaluating credit scores or providing permits and licenses.
Personal information that guests at any facility the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department or the Board of Trustees of the Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park own or operate may provide.

Washington County Crime Statistics

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) administers the OSBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. This program compiles all counties and cities’ crime statistics based on monthly arrest and crime reports from sheriffs’ offices and police departments in Oklahoma. In 2018, Washington County had a total number of 1,436 crimes reported. This number includes 116 violent crimes and 1,320 property crimes. The violent crimes reported include two murders, 21 rapes, 12 robberies, and 81 aggravated assaults. The property crimes reported include 319 burglaries, 891 larceny-thefts, 99 motor vehicle thefts, and 11 arsons.

These figures represent a significant increase in crimes reported in the county over five years. Between 2014 and 2018, there was an increase in 7 out of the eight major crimes reported. Rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson rates increased by 40%, 20%, 11%, 13%, 16%, 141%, and 10%, respectively. Murder rates remained the same over the five years.

Are Washington County Criminal Records Public?

Washington County criminal records are official documents containing information concerning the illegal activity of persons in the county. Information in criminal records includes arrest information, dispositions, criminal charges, convictions, sentences or acquittals, and paroles.

According to the Oklahoma Open Records Act Title 51 § 24.A.5.2, Washington County criminal records are public records accessible to general members. The OSBI is the central state body that administers criminal history information for the state of Oklahoma. The OSBI carries out name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history searches for the public.

Interested persons can obtain criminal history information online through the Criminal History Request Portal (CHIRP). An online search requires the subject’s name(s) and date of birth. Requesters may submit in-person and mail-in requests for criminal history records after filling out the Criminal History Request Form. The researcher must submit the filled-out form, along with payment and a copy of the requester’s valid photo ID, to:

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal History Record Information Request
6600 North Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: (405) 848-6724
Fax: (405) 879-2503

Name-based requests cost $15, and fingerprint-based requests cost $19. Applicants may pay in cash (for in-person requests) or through money order, cashier’s check, or credit card. Mail requests should include a postage-paid envelope. Interested individuals can do a fingerprint scan at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at $25.

How to Obtain Washington County Police Reports and Arrest Records

Washington County arrest records are official documents that provide data on the number of arrests warrants executed following criminal activity in the county. Arrest records also contain information on warrants issued and arrested persons. These records are primarily generated by the county’s law enforcement agencies and provide information about the jurisdiction’s crime rate. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office develops and maintains the arrest records of Washington County, and interested persons may obtain them by visiting or contacting the Sheriff’s Office at:

Washington County Sheriff’s Office
611 West Adams Boulevard
Bartlesville, OK 74003
(918) 332-4000

An arrest record suggests that law enforcement once took an individual into custody connected with a criminal incident. However, it is not definite proof that the individual was involved in the crime or conviction. Hence, arrest records should not be taken as an alternative for criminal history information.

How to Find Washington County Sex Offender Information

The Oklahoma State Department of Corrections maintains the sex offender registry for the state. The registry is regularly updated to ensure that the general public has access to complete and accurate information. Oklahoma categorizes sex offenders’ information into three levels:

Level 1 offenders pose a low danger to the community;
Level 2 offenders pose a moderate danger to the community;
Level 3 offenders pose a danger to the community and are required to register for their lifetime.

Residents of Washington County can search the registry with sex offender names to locate them in their neighborhoods. Record seekers may find a list of sex offenders based on county, city, crime, appearance, etc. They may also register for the Community Notification System, which notifies users via email when a registered sex offender relocates to their neighborhood.

How do I Visit an Inmate in Washington County Jail?

The Washington County Jail allows inmate visitations on Saturday and Sunday, with a 15-minute limit per visit each day. Visitors must provide a valid ID to enter the facility and call (918) 337-2800 to schedule inmate visitations. The Washington County Jail is located at:

Washington County Correctional Facility
611 South West Adams Boulevard
Bartlesville, OK 74003

Each inmate may receive only one adult visitor and one child visitor. Visitors must wash their hands before entering the lobby. Visitors must arrive early but may only wait in the lobby five minutes before their scheduled visitation time. Visitors may not bring the following items into the facility:

Phones, tablets, cameras, or other electronic devices;
Food or drinks;
Alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, or other intoxicants;
Knives, guns, brass knuckles, or other weapons;
Money or medication for inmates;

Visitors must dress conservatively but comfortably when coming to the facility. The prison staff will deny entry to any visitor who wears the following items:

Skinny jeans or trousers;
See-through tops or skirts;
Sundresses or leggings;
Clothing with holes in them;
Peep-toe sandals or slippers;
Shirts with offensive, lewd, or gang-affiliated print on them.

Prison staff may suspend an inmate's visitation privileges for rule violations or other reasons without notification to the visiting party.

Friends and family may mail inmates by using the format below:

Inmate First & Last Name
c/o Washington County Correctional Facility
611 SW Adams Boulevard
Bartlesville, OK 74003

Washington County Court Records

Washington County’s courts are a part of Oklahoma’s trial court system. The system consists of District Courts, Municipal Courts, Workers' Compensation Court of Existing Claims, and a Court of Tax Review. The District Court is primarily responsible for most criminal and civil cases in the county, and interested persons may obtain Washington County court records from the Washington County District Court Clerk.

In-person or mail-in requests must go to the District Court Clerk at:

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

Individuals interested in municipal court records may contact the court that adjudicated the case of interest. Washington County’s judicial division consists of one District Court and four Municipal Courts. Below are the addresses and contact details of these courts:

Washington County District Court
Washington County District Court
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

Bartlesville Municipal Court
401 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 338-4225
Copan Municipal Court
112 North Caney Street
Copan, OK 74022
Phone: (918) 532-4114

Dewey Municipal Court
409 East Don Tyler Avenue
Dewey, OK 74029
Phone: (918) 534-2223

Ramona Municipal Court
400 2nd Street
P.O. Box 204
Ramona, OK 74061
Phone: (918) 536-2245

Are Washington County Court Records Public?

Washington County court records are public records. Interested persons may search out court records online, request them in person, or obtain them by mail. The Oklahoma State Courts Network maintains Washington County District Court cases and provides online access via the Washington County Case Search portal. Similarly, the Washington County District Court Clerk maintains Washington County district court records and provides physical copies to interested requesters.

How to Obtain Washington County Civil Court Case Records

The Washington County District Court stores Washington County civil court case records. Per state statutes, these records are publicly available. Interested persons may obtain digital copies by visiting the Washington County Case Search portal, which the Oklahoma State Courts Network maintains for public use. This portal allows users to search by case number or party details - including the parties’ names and birth dates. Users can also search cases by type or hearing date.

Although members of the public can access Washington County civil court case records online, the District Court does not certify online records’ validity. Individuals who wish to obtain certified copies of Washington County civil court case records must query the Washington County District Court Clerk’s office in person or by mail. Requesters must provide the case number to expedite the search or pay a search fee and give the parties’ names and the case hearing date.

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

How to Obtain Washington County Criminal Court Records

Per Oklahoma’s rules, the Washington County District Court stores Washington County criminal court records and makes them available to the public. Interested persons may find digital copies by visiting the Washington County Case Search portal, which the Oklahoma State Courts Network maintains for public use. This portal allows users to search by case number or party details - including the parties’ names and birth dates. Users can also search cases by type or hearing date.

Although Washington County criminal court records are available online, the District Court does not certify online records’ validity. Individuals who wish to obtain certified copies of Washington County criminal court records must query the Washington County District Court Clerk’s office in person or by mail. Requesters must provide the case number to expedite the search or pay a search fee and give the defendant’s name, date of birth, and the case hearing date.

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

What are Washington County Vital Records?

Washington County vital records are official documents that evidence the recording of vital life events within the county. Vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The Washington County District Court Clerk is the county’s official that manages divorce and marriage records. The Oklahoma Department of Health is the agency in charge of administering birth and death records in Oklahoma. The eligibility requirements for accessing these records may vary depending on the document and its custodian.

Where and How to Get Washington County Divorce Records

The Washington County District Court Clerk is the primary custodian of Washington County divorce records. Per Oklahoma statutes, Washington County divorce records are publicly available. Interested persons should make requests for divorce records at the office of the District Court Clerk. Interested persons may obtain Washington County divorce records by sending a written request with all the information needed for a divorce record search, such as:

Full names of the divorced parties;
The date of divorce
The place of divorce
The case number of the divorce
The requester’s name and contact information

Requesters must attach a copy of a valid ID to the written request and submit it in person or by mail.

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

The District Court Clerk will specify the cost of obtaining copies of Washington County divorce records.

Where and How to Get Public Washington County Marriage Records

The Washington County District Court Clerk keeps the Washington County marriage records. Per Oklahoma’s laws, Washington County Marriage records are in the public domain. Requesters can obtain uncertified copies of Washington County marriage records by querying the District Court Clerk’s office. Researchers may send in written requests with the following information:

The full names of the married couple;
The date of the marriage;
The place of the marriage;
Relationship between the requester and the subjects of the record;
The requester’s name and contact information.

Requesters must submit the written request, a copy of a valid photo ID, and payment in person or by mail to:

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

Where and How to Get Confidential Washington County Marriage Records

The Washington County District Court Clerk is responsible for the county’s marriage register and provides copies of Washington County marriage records upon request. While uncertified Washington County Marriage records are in the public domain, certified copies are only available to the following eligible persons:

The married couple;
The couple’s immediate family members;
The couple’s legal representatives;
Anyone with a court order to obtain a certified copy of a Washington County marriage record.

Requesters can obtain certified copies of Washington County marriage records by querying the District Court Clerk’s office. Requesters may send in written requests with the following information:

The full names of the married couple;
The date of the marriage;
The place of the marriage;
Relationship between the requester and the subjects of the record;
The requester’s name and contact information.

Requesters must submit the written request, a copy of a valid photo ID, and payment in person or by mail to:

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Courthouse
420 South Johnstone Avenue
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone: (918) 337-2870
Fax: (918) 337-2897

Where and How to Get Washington County Birth Records

The Oklahoma State Department of Health maintains birth records of the state from 1907 - 1917 and 1940 till date. Per state laws, copies of Washington County birth certificates are only available to the following persons:

The record holder (above 18 years old);
The record holder’s parents (whose names must appear on the certificate);
The record holder’s immediate family members;
The record holder’s legal representatives;
Anyone with a court order allowing them to get a copy of a Washington County birth certificate.

Requesters may apply for birth records in person or by mail. Individuals interested in obtaining birth records should fill out the Application for Search and Certified Copy of Birth Certificate and include the following information:

The record holder’s full name;
The record holder’s parents’ names, including the mother’s maiden name (if available);
The requester’s name and contact details;
The requester’s relationship with the record holder.

Copies of Washington County birth certificates cost $15, and requesters may ask for additional copies at the same price. The requester must send the filled-out form, a copy of a valid ID and the appropriate fees in person or via mail to:

Vital Records Unit
Oklahoma State Department of Health
P.O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3551
Phone: (405) 271-4040

Where and How to Get Washington County Death Records

The Oklahoma State Department of Health manages the state’s death register and issues Washington County death records from 1907 - 1917 and 1940. Per state rules, Washington County death certificates are confidential and available only to the following persons:

The deceased’s spouse;
The deceased’s immediate family members;
The deceased’s legal representatives;
The deceased’s former business partners, who may have a legal right to business assets;
Anyone who the deceased named as a beneficiary to their estate;
Anyone with a court order to obtain a Washington County death certificate.

Eligible persons can request Washington County death certificates in person or via mail. To place a request, applicants must download and complete an Application for Search and Certified Copy of Death Certificate with the following information:

The deceased’s full name;
The deceased’s date of birth and place of death;
The requester’s name and contact details;
The requester’s relationship with the deceased.

The completed form, along with a valid ID and appropriate fees, should go in person or by mail to:

Vital Records Unit
Oklahoma State Department of Health
P.O. Box 53551
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3551
Phone: (405) 271-4040

Each certified death record obtained costs $15, and requestors may pay in cheque or through money order.

In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.