Reviewed and updated October 9, 2026 by the SearchSystems.net editorial team. The arrest and crime counts are the ones each agency reported to the FBI, as the FBI held them on October 8, 2026. Every office link was opened and checked against the office's own site between September 23, 2026 and September 26, 2026.
Washington, North Carolina, in Beaufort County, has about 9,700 residents (2024 Census Bureau estimate). A police report belongs to the agency whose officer wrote it, so which office holds a report from Washington depends on where the incident happened. This guide names each agency, where its records page is and what the North Carolina Public Records Act requires of it.
This guide covers which agency, the city's records page, the sheriff's reports, what the law requires and common questions.
Related guides: Washington public records, Beaufort County police reports, Washington arrest records, Washington warrants, Washington inmate search, Washington criminal records, North Carolina arrest records and North Carolina inmate search.
Which Agency Holds a Report from Washington
The report of an incident is released by the agency that took it; the court and the jail hold their own records of the same event, but not the report.
Inside Washington that is the agency that reports to the FBI for the city (filed by the FBI as Washington Police Department); outside it, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
The FBI's list also carries the State Park Rangers at Goose Creek (state agency), Beaufort County Community College (campus police) and Beaufort County Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement (other agency), each with a records office of its own.
Reports from the Washington Police
For Washington, SearchSystems opened and checked the Washington police department's page at washingtonnc.gov/departments/public_safety/police/contacts.php (page title: City of Washington, NC), phone (252) 946-1444, which answered when SearchSystems opened it on September 26, 2026.
The agency that reports for Washington had 36 violent and 284 property crimes reported for 2025 and reported 615 arrests for 2025.
Reports from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is the county agency; it reported 1,153 arrests for 2025.
Its reports come from its records unit, reached through the office at (252) 946-7113. The office's page SearchSystems verified is its jail page, at beaufortcountysheriff.org/detention-center-services (page title: Use Detention Services | Beaufort County Sheriff's Office), phone (252) 946-7113, 210 N Market St Washington NC 27889, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM., which answered when SearchSystems opened it on September 23, 2026.
What the North Carolina Public Records Act Requires
Under the North Carolina Public Records Act the agency must answer a request as promptly as possible; the statute sets no number of days, and it may charge the actual cost of copying. The request goes to the agency that holds the report, in writing, and does not have to say why the report is wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a police report in Washington?
From the agency that took it. The Washington police department's page is at washingtonnc.gov, phone (252) 946-1444; the sheriff's reports come from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
How long does an agency in Washington have to answer?
Under the North Carolina Public Records Act, as promptly as possible; the statute sets no number of days. It may charge the actual cost of copying.
How do I get a report from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office?
From its records unit, reached through the office at (252) 946-7113. Under the North Carolina Public Records Act the answer is due as promptly as possible; the statute sets no number of days.
Is this the official Washington website?
No. SearchSystems.net is an independent public records guide, online since 1997. It links to the official city, county, court and state offices described above and does not hold records, charge for them or take requests.