Washington County Police Records

Washington County police records come from the county sheriff's office and the Hagerstown Police Department. Sheriff Douglas Mullendore leads the county agency, which handles incident reports, arrest records, and crash files from areas outside Hagerstown. You can request police records from Washington County by visiting the sheriff's office, mailing a written request, or emailing their records clerk. The Maryland Public Information Act gives you the right to ask for these records, and Washington County follows the standard 30-day response timeline. Accident reports are $5 each, and there is a 7-day waiting period after an incident before a report can be released.

Where to Find Washington County Police Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is located at 500 Western Maryland Parkway in Hagerstown, MD 21740. The main phone number is (240) 313-2100 and the fax is (240) 313-2105. You can email Sheriff Douglas W. Mullendore at dmullendore@washco-md.net. The sheriff's office handles police records for all of Washington County outside the city of Hagerstown.

Washington County has a unique rule about when you can request a police report. You must wait at least 7 days after the incident before a report can be released. This waiting period gives officers time to complete their write-up and allows for any initial follow-up. Once the 7 days pass, you can file a request through the normal MPIA process. Accident reports from the sheriff's office cost $5 each.

The sheriff's office stores incident reports, crash reports, arrest records, investigative files, and warrant information. If you need a criminal history check, they can point you to the right state resources. All police records from Washington County go through the sheriff's records clerk, who processes requests during business hours.

Hagerstown Police Department Records

The Hagerstown Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits. Their office is at 50 North Burhans Boulevard in Hagerstown, MD 21740. The records line is (301) 393-4951. For accident reports, you can email tgossard@hagerstownpd.org. This is a separate agency from the county sheriff, so if your incident happened inside Hagerstown, this is where your police records sit.

The Hagerstown Police FAQ page answers common questions about getting police records from the city department. It covers how to file a request, what types of records are available, and what fees apply. This is a good place to start if you are not sure about the process for Hagerstown-specific records.

Washington County residents sometimes get confused about which agency to contact. A simple way to tell is by where the incident took place. Inside Hagerstown city limits, go to the city police. Outside Hagerstown but still in Washington County, go to the sheriff. If a state trooper responded, the report is with the Maryland State Police instead.

How to Request Police Records

The Maryland Public Information Act at §4-101 covers all record requests from Washington County agencies. Any person can ask for records. You do not need to explain why. The agency must respond within 10 working days and deliver records within 30 days under the MPIA.

Send your written request to the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 500 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown, MD 21740. You can also email the records clerk or visit the office in person. Include dates, names, case numbers, and locations in your request. The more specific you are, the faster the staff can find your files. Remember the 7-day wait rule for reports in Washington County. If you request a report too soon after the incident, the office may tell you to come back later.

The first two hours of search time are free under §4-206. Standard copy fees are $0.25 per page. Accident reports have a flat fee of $5. Other report fees may vary, so ask the records clerk for a cost estimate before they start processing. Washington County will notify you of fees before any work begins on your request.

Washington County Court Records

Court records from Washington County are available through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. This free tool covers the Circuit Court and District Court in the county. Search by name, case number, or date to find criminal, civil, and traffic cases. The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk can help with copies of court filings and case documents that go beyond what the online search shows.

Police records and court records are handled by different offices. The sheriff or Hagerstown PD keeps the police files. The court clerk keeps the case documents. For a complete view of what happened, you may need to contact both offices in Washington County.

Police Accountability in Washington County

Anton's Law, which took effect in October 2021 under Public Safety Article §3-101, changed how Washington County handles police disciplinary records. Internal affairs files are no longer classified as sealed personnel records. The county may now release misconduct investigation records and disciplinary decisions. A Police Accountability Board reviews complaints against officers in Washington County.

The Washington County Narcotics Task Force is another law enforcement body that operates in the area. Records from their investigations may be handled separately from the sheriff's office. If your request involves a drug case in Washington County, the task force may hold the files you need.

Expungement of Police Records

Maryland allows expungement of certain police records under Criminal Procedure Article §10-101 through §10-112. If your Washington County case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you finished a diversion program, you may qualify. Expunged records are removed from public searches. Shielding under §10-306 seals certain older misdemeanor convictions from public view but keeps them on file for law enforcement. Each option has its own eligibility rules and waiting periods.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Washington and each has its own police records system.