Section 446-20-200. Disclosure to assist victim.

A criminal justice agency may, but need not, disclose investigative information to "persons who have suffered physical loss, property damage, or injury compensable through civil action" as contemplated by RCW 10.97.070. Disclosure may be made to the apparent victim; an attorney, parent or guardian acting for the victim or an executor or administrator of an estate of a decedent victim; an authorized agent of the victim; another law enforcement or criminal justice agency making inquiry on behalf of the victim; and/or, upon an appropriate showing, an indemnitor, assignee, insurer, or subrogee of the victim. Written capacity to act on behalf of the victim may be required by the agency. Investigative information which "... may be of assistance to the victim in obtaining civil redress" may include but is not limited to:

(1) The name, address, and other location information about a suspect, witness, and in the event of a juvenile, the suspect's parent or guardian;

(2) Copies of the incident report; and in person review of documents, photographs, statements, and other materials collected in the course of an investigation;

(3) The location of, and identity of receivers and custodians of stolen property and of property recovered as lost and found property;

(4) The progress of proceedings arising from the incident and the disposition of any prosecution or other action.

An agency making a disclosure is not expected to evaluate the merits of a victim's claim for civil relief. Disclosure merely indicates the information has been received and the agency reasonably believes the information may be useful to the recipient in seeking civil redress. Disclosure does not constitute an opinion or comment upon the existence or merits of a claim and it does not vouch for the accuracy or completeness of the information.

Disclosures made to victims under the authority of RCW 10.97.070 must be considered in conjunction with chapter 42.56 RCW, chapter 46.52 RCW (Confidentiality of accident reports and statements), civil and criminal court rules governing discovery and other state and federal laws.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 10.97 and 43.43 RCW. WSR 10-01-109, § 446-20-200, filed 12/17/09, effective 1/17/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 10.97.080 and 10.97.090. WSR 80-08-057 (Order 80-2), § 446-20-200, filed 7/1/80.]

Chapters 10.97 and 43.43 RCW. WSR 10-01-109, § 446-20-200, filed 12/17/09, effective 1/17/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 10.97.080 and 10.97.090. WSR 80-08-057 (Order 80-2), § 446-20-200, filed 7/1/80.