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Police - General FAQs

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1. Can I fly with a gun?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and / or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

If you have any questions regarding TSA firearm rules and regulations, contact their Customer Service Center.

2. Can I get a background check on someone?

The Kennewick Police Department does not perform background checks on individuals. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) does have a program which provides criminal history conviction records on individuals for the state of Washington known as the WATCH Program.

3. Can I Open Carry in Washington State?

Open Carry is legal but you must have a valid permit/license to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle in Washington. This includes cars, buses and trains. You can keep the firearm holstered with empty chamber on your hip in your vehicle (can’t be concealed) but the loaded mag must be removed.

Places as listed in the “Where can I / can’t I Open Carry?” FAQ apply to those who open carry. All School Property and Facilities used for school functions are off limits to those without a valid permit / license.

The minimum age for Open Carry is 21. Read RCW 9.41.060 for exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms. For more information on carrying in a vehicle, see RV / Car Carry Without a Permit (PDF).

4. Do I have a duty to inform an officer upfront that I am carrying when contacted in Washington State?

The answer is “NO” however; if you are asked by the officer, you need to inform them you have a gun. For more details, see RCW 9.41.050.

Use your best judgement. If you live in a state that doesn’t require you inform the officer but in which the officer is likely to find out you have a permit when they access your driving record and/or registration then you may find it easiest to be the one who discloses the firearm up front instead of waiting for the officer to find out from a computer. Law enforcement officers hate surprises and the idea that you may have a gun and didn’t tell them about it is a not so fun surprise. For more details see RCW 9.41.050.

5. Do you have a duty to inform?

In some states, if you’re asked for your concealed carry permit by law enforcement, you have to show proof. In most cases, this is just your valid concealed carry permit from your state. Did you know, though, that some states require you to inform a police officer before he asks? Are you traveling through one of those states? If you are, you need to notify law enforcement prior to them asking.

6. How can I talk to an officer?

If you need to report anything or speak to an officer, call the non-emergency dispatch phone number: 509-628-0333 for officer assistance. This is the non-emergency number for the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and Benton County and is answered 24/7. Be prepared to give your location and briefly explain your situation.

The non-emergency number for Pasco and Franklin County is 509-545-3510, also a 24/7 number.

If you need to reach the Kennewick Police Department business line, you can call 509-585-4208 Mon thru Friday 0830-0430. The business line is not for reporting incidents or speaking directly to an officer.

To leave a message for a specific officer, call the station at 509-585-4208 and a clerk will transfer you to the officer’s station phone.

If you want to file a complaint against an officer, call 509-585-4208. A clerk will transfer you to the on-duty supervisor.

Please contact the Washington State Patrol for anything occurring on the highways at 1-800-283-7803.

7. How do I drop the charges on a Protection Order?

You will need to petition the Court and go before the Judge to ask for the charges to be dropped. The Kennewick Police Department is not able to change any conditions of an Order. For more information on Protection Orders or to contact the Benton County Court, visit the local courts site.

8. How do I file an animal related complaint?

For animal related complaints, please contact Benton County Animal Control at 509-460-4923. Benton County Animal Control is located at 1116 N Grant Place, Kennewick, WA 99336. For more information, you may also visit their website.

9. How do I file a complaint against an officer?

To file a complaint against an officer, call the Kennewick Police Department business office at 509-585-4208, during business hours. A clerk will transfer you to the On-Duty Supervisor to start the process.

10. How do I file an on-line crime report?

The Kennewick Police Department does not have the capabilities to file an online crime report at this time. If you would like to speak with an officer about a crime or incident, call the non-emergency dispatch phone number: 509-628-0333 for officer assistance. This is the non-emergency number for the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and Benton County and is answered 24 / 7. Be prepared to give your location and briefly explain your situation.

11. How do I find out if someone is in the Benton County jail?

To find out if an individual has been booked into the Benton County Jail, check their Daily Jail Register.

12. How do I find out if someone is in the Franklin County jail?

To find out if an individual has been booked into the Franklin County Jail, check their Daily In Custody Report (PDF).

13. How do I get a Concealed Pistol License (CPL)?

The Kennewick Police Department accepts applications for concealed pistol licenses Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. You must be at least 21 years of age to apply for a CPL.

You may only apply to the city police department if you live within the city limits. Please apply at the county sheriff’s office if you live in the county. Renewal licenses and replacement licenses are handled in the same manner. If you live out-of-state, you may apply at any Washington state police department or sheriff’s office. We have sixty days to issue a license to a person who does not reside in the state of Washington and thirty days for Washington residents.

Review more details on the Concealed Pistol Licensing page.

14. How do I get a Firearm Dealer License?

The Kennewick Police Department accepts applications for firearm dealer licenses Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 pm. The business must be in the incorporated areas of Kennewick. The applicant must provide a copy of their business license and Federal Firearm License. 

15. How do I get a restraining order?

Restraining Orders are issued through the District Court or Superior Court depending on the type of order you need. For more Protection Order information and forms visit the Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court site.

16. How do I get my fingerprints taken?

The Kennewick Police Department offers fingerprinting services by appointment only at 211 W 6th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. The fee is $21 for 2 print cards. Please call 509-585-4208 to schedule.

17. How do I get my stuff from the house if there is a Protection Order in place?

You will need to contact the Benton County Courts directly and go before a Judge to get information on how to get items from the home.

The Kennewick Police Department does not do Civil Stand-byes unless the Judge specifically states it in the Order that KPD will assist in retrieving your basic needs i.e.: clothing, personal hygiene items, medications or tools for work. This would not cover furniture, household items, food, etc.

Visit the local courts site for more information about Protection Orders.

18. How do I report a junk or abandoned vehicle?

To report a junk or abandoned vehicle on City property/roadway, you can use the Online Reporting Form (below), or call the Kennewick Police Department business line at 509- 585-4208, or go to the station at 211 W. 6th Avenue to fill out an abandoned vehicle form. The form is given to the Traffic Sergeant, who will assign someone to inspect and potentially tag the vehicle. The registered owner then must remove the vehicle within a short period of time, or it will be towed at their expense. If the vehicle is on private property, call 509-628-0333 and ask for an officer to inspect it. The officer must determine if it’s stolen or considered a hulk (hazard) abandoned vehicle.

Online Reporting Form

19. How do I report a traffic complaint?

If you need to report anything or speak to an officer, call the non-emergency dispatch phone number: 509-628-0333 for officer assistance. This is the non-emergency number for the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and Benton County and is answered 24/7. Be prepared to give your location and briefly explain your situation.

Please contact the Washington State Patrol for anything occurring on the highways at 1-800-283-7803.

20. How do I travel in other states with a gun?

Before you drive across that state line, do you know if that state honors your state’s concealed carry permit? Some states require you to lock up your firearms when not in use. If you are driving across state lines, it’s a good idea to bring a locking case. Not only can a vehicle gun safe help secure your concealed carry firearms when you’re not using them – it’s peace of mind when dealing with law enforcement in gun restrictive states.

Good Rule: If you run into a state that doesn’t share reciprocity with yours, store your unloaded firearm in a separate locked container apart from the ammunition in the trunk of your vehicle. That way, you can claim the Firearm Owners Protection Act. You can check at if a state honor your concealed carry license at
USA Carry.

21. How do I use a handicapped parking spot?

Please remember that per RCW 46.19.030(4), parking placards must be displayed when the motor vehicle is parked by suspending it from the rearview mirror. In the absence of a rearview mirror, the parking placard must be displayed on the dashboard. The parking placard must be displayed in a manner that allows for the entire placard to be viewed through the vehicle windshield.

22. What is the fee for parking in a handicap spot?

There is no fee, this would be a parking infraction, with a monetary penalty of $450.00 dollars, for any person to park a vehicle in a parking place reserved for persons with physical disabilities without a placard or special license plate.

23. Where can I / can’t I Open Carry?

The Washington State Firearm Law has designated certain areas where it is a violation of law to possess a firearm, regardless of whether you are lawfully carrying concealed. The prohibited areas are: restricted access areas of a jail; the area used in connection with court proceedings; restricted access areas of a mental health facility; that portion of an establishment classified by the liquor control board as off-limits to persons under 21 years of age; restricted access areas of a commercial service airport; and public or private elementary and secondary school premises. For more information read RCW 9.41.300 and RCW 9.41.280.

24. Where can I take my unused or outdated medication?

The Kennewick Police Department has a Medical Return drug collection unit in our front lobby. It is always locked so you must go to the front desk and ask for assistance. It is available during normal business hours of Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This is for individual citizen use, not unused / outdated medication from businesses or clinics. 

25. Where do I go to pay my handicap ticket?

Please pay your ticket at:
Benton County District Court
7122 W Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-735-8476

26. Where do I go to pay my parking ticket?

The correct address to pay for a ticket from the Kennewick Police Department is:
Benton County District Court
7122 W Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-735-8476

27. Why are people are parking in front of my house?

The streets belong to the city as a whole, not its individual homeowners. A vehicle can be legally parked in front of your house without the owner living there.

28. Why can’t I leave my boat / camper / trailer parked in front of my house?

These vehicles also fall under the 72-hour rule. For more information, please see

Kennewick Municipal Code 18.12.260.

29. Why can’t I leave my old car in front of my house?

The street belongs to the city, and citizens have approved measures that limit how long you can park on a city street which is 72 hours. For more information, please see Municipal Codes KMC 11.36.050 and RCW 46.55.100.

30. Why was my car was towed and what do I do now?

Your vehicle can be towed for many reasons. Please see KMC 11.90.635 and RCW 46.55.120 for more detailed information. Only the investigating officer can be asked about the status of a vehicle. If you do not have the investigating officer’s name and/or phone number, call 509-585-4208. To review common reasons for vehicle towing, visit the Towed Vehicle page.

31. Who do I contact for miscellaneous loud noises other than construction (i.e. loud cars, loud neighbors, etc.)

For vehicles or motorcycles, contact the non-emergency number 509-628-0333.

For Concerts in the Park, contact Parks and Recreation at 509-585-4362.