Before making a public records request, please review Chapter 43.06C RCW and in particular, the following key provisions:

• RCW 43.06C.040: “(k) At the conclusion of an investigation of a complaint, the ombuds must render a public decision on the merits of each complaint, except that the documents supporting the decision are subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 43.06C.060.”

• RCW 43.06C.060: "(1) Correspondence and communication with the office is confidential and must be protected as privileged correspondence in the same manner as legal correspondence or communication."

• RCW 43.06C.060: “(3) The ombuds shall treat all matters under investigation, including the identities of recipients of ombuds services, complainants, and individuals from whom information is acquired, as confidential… All records exchanged and communications between the office of the corrections ombuds and the department to include the investigative record are confidential and are exempt from public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW.”

Requests for records should be sent to Joanna.carns@gov.wa.gov. Thank you.