How to Find Crime Information for Your Neighborhood

Just a quick post with what I hope is some helpful information for Clark County, Washington.

Search Registered Sex Offenders

This is the Clark County Sheriff's Department site. You may search for registered offenders on your street, in your city, or in your zip code. For example, a search of "Harney" street currently returns one result.

Search Criminal Activity by Neighborhood

This function is available at Clark County maps online. It doesn't always work for me. If the link above isn't working, go to http://gis.clark.wa.gov/applications/gishome/property/. Then on the left hand side, select "GIS MapsOnline." Once you are at Maps Online, select "layers," then "jump to" - "crime statistics."

Now you'll be able to look up the location of reported crimes such as vehicle prowls and burglaries. It is very helpful when it works!

Request Public Records Copies of Police Reports
(Not available online)

You can request law enforcement reports (both Vancouver and Clark County) relating to a specific address in person at the Clark County Sheriff's Department, 707 West 13th Street, Vancouver (otherwise known as the basement of the jail). There may be a charge for copies, and some information is protected by state law, but most law enforcement reports are public record.

You also can request 911 records on a specific address in person at Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, 710 West 13th Street, Vancouver (otherwise known as across the street from the jail). There is a request form available for download online, but you have to deliver it physically, not by email. Expect to pay for copies. Again, some private information is protected, as is information relating to ongoing investigations, but you can learn a lot from public records.