The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires that SNOCOM keep recordings of 911 communications for 90 (ninety) days.

The disclosure of SNOCOM records will be governed by appropriate state and local regulations. Public records subject to disclosure may have identifiable details deleted to the extent necessary to prevent an unreasonable invasion of privacy. Any deletions made shall be explained in writing.

LEGAL BASIS:

• RCW 42.56.040 Public Records
• WAC 246.100.016 Medical Confidentiality
• RCW 70.24.022(3) Sexually Transmitted Disease Confidentiality

Requests for Inspection and/or Copying of Public Records
Requests must be in writing and define the records being sought with reasonable specificity. Any requests that are too generalized will be returned to the requesting individual for further clarification.

Records Exempt From Public Inspection and Copying
Witnesses to or victims of crime or who file complaints with investigative, law enforcement agencies if disclosure would endanger any person's life, physical safety, or property (RCW 42.56.240).

1. Invasion of privacy if disclosure of information about the person would be highly offensive and is not of legitimate concern to the public (RCW 42.56.050.
NOTE: Public records may be used if the party/ies affected have timely notice and the record does not unreasonably invade personal privacy (RCW 42.56.070(6)(b)).
2. HIV/AIDS medical status (RCW 70.24.105).
3. Patient medical information (WAC 246-100-016).
4. Sexual assault victims under 18 years of age (RCW 42.56.240).
5. Disclosure of sensitive information contained in SNOCOM employee personnel files (RCW 42.56.240).

Public Requests for CD Duplication and/or Inspection of Master Recordings:
Public requests from private attorneys, agencies or businesses doing business for profit, Public Defenders Office or private citizens must be made in writing on business letterhead stationary when applicable. A signed court order for the request is desirable but optional.

Snocom Public Records Policies:

Policy 4.51 Public Entity Records

Policy 4.52 Public Entity Records Custodian

Charges for Copying/Scanning
There is a $20.00 processing fee for copies of audio recordings that are burned to a CD. For document requests that exceed 20 pages, there is a $0.15/page cost associated with any paper or scanned copies made at and provided by SNOCOM and a $0.10 per page for scanned copies exceeding 30 pages. (RCW 42.56.120) Any applicable payment is due prior to final release of documents in any format.

Mail a printed copy of the request form with a check made out to SNOCOM for the correct amount for your request in US dollars to:

SNOCOM
ATTN: Public Records Request
PO BOX 180
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-0180

You may also contact our Records Coordinator, Heidi Powell at 425-774-2527 or records@snocom.org should you have any questions.