Media Request Protocols

All questions and requests for information related to the work of our office (case details, court records, media interviews, etc.) should be made through this email: KCPAOnews@kingcounty.gov

Questions related to an individual’s first appearance in court and possible charging information, should be submitted by 1:00 p.m. that day using this format to ensure you receive the information before our office closes:

• Subject line: Media outlet - Individual’s full name
• First and last name; middle initial is helpful
• Providing the date of birth (DOB) is helpful

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Our media team is not in the office so requests will be answered the following day the office reopens.

Access to case info, public records and details about our laws

Responses

Our media team functions like some of your news assignment desks, fielding inquiries from around the city, county, country, and world. Some days we get 5 requests and other times it might be over 50 in an hour, depending on the news of the day and significance of the topic and situation. We prioritize requests in the order in which we receive them and respect the research and work done by individual reporters. In situations where more than three reporters are asking for the same information, to maximize resources and distribute information in a timely manner, we often send a group email bcc’ing all recipients.

Coordination

We often collaborate on media relations with law enforcement, prosecutors, court staff, other government agencies, community partners, victim advocates, victims and their families, and countless others. It is important that we connect with them to get you accurate information that enables you to keep the public informed. There are policies and laws we are required to abide by, and we must always respect the privacy and needs of victims, their families in our effort to serve justice and ensure public safety.

Voicemails, individual work emails and texts

You are always welcome to call, but email is the most effective means for requesting information, especially court records as we have to invest time transcribing and/or forwarding any emails to our team email. Nearly all media requests received from you in any of these formats by individuals at our office (Leesa Manion (she/her), prosecutors, etc.) are forwarded to our team. Again, to help you with any request and ensure you receive a timely response, please email your questions directly to KCPAOnews@kingcounty.gov.

First appearance in court

For timely information after an individual’s arrest, please email all first appearance requests to MIP no later than 1:00, p.m. on week days.

• While we try to answer all requests the same day, criminal activity and court calendar/schedule length are out of our control.
• Due to our limited staff and resources, we are unable to attend, in person, every first appearance in court or at the jail. We usually have one non-media relations PAO employee who attends and provides updates - when possible. These employees are working non-stop during the court session and don’t always have a laptop or cell phone, to communicate with us. As a result, we receive updates when they have a time to access their email - which is often when they are back at their desk, wrapping up case work and trying to leave for the day.
• Occasionally the court calendar goes past 4:30 pm. If this is the case, we cannot guarantee your request will be filled that day due to resources and staffing limitations. We will always try to email you by 4:30pm with an update on the status of your request. If no information is available, your request will be completed as soon as possible when our office opens at 8:30 a.m. the next day (or for Saturdays/holidays, the following Monday or office day).

Attending court sessions

You are always encouraged to go to court sessions, calendars or hearings so you can obtain information about probable cause, bail amounts, next appearances, etc. in person. Those are decided by a judge.

Closed requests

We consider a request closed when we respond to your question or request and you don’t respond back to us within 48 hours.

High profile requests

We occasionally send out broad emails with updates about cases that have received a great deal of media attention. We usually include reporters who have asked for updates but can add you to our distribution list if you make a request.