In the past, the Seattle Police Department’s Public Request Unit provided 3rd party notification to involved citizens when releasing collision report information to requestors. Redacted versions of general offense and collision reports are released to requestors in compliance with Washington State public disclosure law. The practice of 3rd party notification for citizens involved in collisions was done out of courtesy rather than mandate.
The Public Request Unit’s responsibilities have since increased. Consequently, the courtesy of informing citizens that their collision information has been requested by 3rd parties has ceased, effective January 13th. Driver’s license numbers, birthdays, insurance policy numbers and all juvenile information is still redacted.
Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact the Public Request Unit at 206 684-5454.