FAQs • Bothell WA • CivicEngage

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Police Department

You must reside in the city of Bothell and provide photo identification with your current address.

Come into the Police department to fill out the required paperwork. You will be fingerprinted (if required) and a background check will be completed.

Department fingerprint hours are to 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday by appointment only. Please call 425-487-5120 for an appointment.

The price is $49.25 for the original and $32 for renewals and $42 for late renewals. You will need exact cash or a check ONLY.

2. How do I find out about Lost and Found?: The Property and Evidence Section frequently receives items found by citizens. Most common items include bicycles, key rings, backpacks, wallets, and purses. An appointment is required to claim property. Contact the Property and Evidence Supervisor.

3. How do I claim found property?: If you desire to claim personal property or monies you have found, you are required to do the following as provided for in RCW 63.21.010:

Within 7 days of the finding:
- Acquire a signed statement setting forth an appraisal of the current market value of the property, prepared by a qualified person engaged in buying or selling like items or by a district court judge, unless the found property is cash
- Bring the found property and a copy of the signed appraisal to the Bothell Police Department
- Serve written notice to the Bothell Police Department of your intent to claim the property in the event the real owner does not claim the property.

You may obtain possession of the found property when all the following criteria are met:
- The property is not illegal for you to possess
- 60 days have elapsed since you reported the finding to the Bothell Police Department (the property must be claimed between 60 and 90 days of the finding)
- You provide proof that all items listed above have been satisfied
- If the property is valued at more than $25, cash payment is made to the City of Bothell in the amount of $5 or 10% of the appraised value of the property, whichever is greater. This payment shall be deposited into the City of Bothell's General Fund.

For additional information, or questions related to found property, call the Property/Evidence officer of the Bothell Police Department at 425-487-5130.

4. How do I file a compliment or a complaint?: To compliment or file a complaint with the Police Department, please fill out a Police Services Feedback Form and a Bothell Police Department staff member will follow up with you.

Police Services Feedback Form

5. How do I contact an officer?: Always call 911 for emergencies.

Officers may not be available as they work varied schedules but residents can call dispatch at 425-486-1254 to request an officer call them. This phone line routes directly into the 911 call center.

6. How do I obtain a clearance letter?: You may obtain a clearance letter at the Records Section of the Police Department if you are a current or former City of Bothell resident with proof of residency. The fee is $10 and includes notarization. We will ask for picture ID, and conduct a records check for criminal history within the City of Bothell only. If you need a statewide records check, please contact the Washington State Patrol.

7. How do I find help for a domestic violence situation?: If you're in immediate danger, call 911 NOW! Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling abusive behavior - emotional, sexual, or physical. It is a pattern that can be prevented and it can be stopped. It is something that can happen to anyone.

Call police for help:
- Officers can protect you from immediate danger and help you and your children.
- Officers can arrest the abuser without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe that an assault has taken place or is taking place or that the abuser has violated a protection order.
- Officers will advise you of Domestic Violence Services, including shelter programs.
- Officers will write out a police report, which is a detailed account of what happened to you. A police report can be used to help prove the abuse occurred which may be helpful in a variety of court hearings including a Protection Order hearing.

If you would like to learn more about Domestic Violence and some of the resources available to assist victims of abuse, visit the resources located on the City Prosecutor's Office page.

8. How do I find out about identity theft resources?: First, report the criminal activity to the Police Department at 911. For information, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website.

9. How do I find out about registered sex offenders in the City of Bothell?: For sex offender information, please visit the Investigations Division page.

10. How do I get a copy of an accident report?: Copies of accident reports are available to involved parties. Requests can be made in person, by phone (425-487-5120) or online. It is extremely helpful for you to reference your case number.
Request for Public Records Form (PDF)

11. How do I get a copy of my criminal conviction history?: You can obtain a complete copy of your conviction history by contacting the Washington State Patrol at 360-705-5100.

The Bothell Police Department can provide you with a copy of incidents that you were involved in. Depending upon the circumstances, you may be entitled to the entire report, or simply a portion thereof.

12. How do I get a pet license?: For information about pet licensing, please visit the Animal Services page.

13. I need to get police-related information; who do I contact?: Contact the non-emergency line at 425-486-1254 or fill out a Police Services Feedback Form and a Bothell Police Department staff member will follow up with you.

Police Services Feedback Form

14. How do I get the Washington State accident report form to fill out?: You are required to complete a Washington State Accident report if there was no police report taken and the damage from the accident exceeds $700.

Washington State Accident Report forms are available from any Police Department. You can pick one up during business hours at the Bothell Police Department. You can also find the form online on the Washington State Patrol website.

The Bothell Police Department provides fingerprinting services on-site (18410 101st Avenue NE) for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) ONLY.

Fingerprinting hours are Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ONLY.

Please call: 425-487-5120 to schedule your appointment.

Applicants must reside within Bothell city limits.

16. How do I report a crime or get police services?: If you have an emergency dial 911. For non-emergency police services, call 425-486-1254 at anytime. You may also submit a tip utilizing our online tip form.

17. How do I stop cars from speeding through my neighborhood?: The Bothell Police Department has Neighborhood Traffic Officers who can provide targeted traffic services. These services can include traffic enforcement activity, or even placement of a speed watch trailer. Fill out a Police Services Feedback Form to request traffic enforcement activity.

Police Services Feedback Form

18. How do I file a public records request?: Here's where you can find more information about filing a public records request.