Redmond, WA asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Washington

Q: Can a police report be cancelled/removed? What are the report implications if no crime was committed?

During a heated verbal argument between a married couple, the wife called the police and filed a report. She reported that it was a 'verbal argument' and she is not injured nor did it get physical. The husband had already left by then. She indicated that she was okay that he had left (to cool down).

So, there was no physical component to the argument at all, and there was no verbal threatening of any sort.

My questions:

- Does such an interaction amount to any crime? (I think the prosecutor has to decide?)

- Is there a way for the wife/anybody to "cancel/take back" the police report?

- If no crime and it's just a police record of the incident, is there any implications on the husband in terms of police records? For example, when he applies at a job with the police department or any other job? (background check, etc)

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In this situation, it doesn’t seem like a crime was committed since there was no physical violence or verbal threats involved. The police likely filed a report to document the argument, but whether any charges are brought depends on the prosecutor’s review of the details. If there is no evidence of a crime, it’s unlikely to go further.

A police report generally can’t be "cancelled" once it’s made. The wife could contact the police department to clarify the situation or provide additional information, but the report will likely remain on file as part of public record.

As for background checks, if no charges or arrests were made, it’s unlikely to have a significant impact. However, certain sensitive jobs, like in law enforcement, may involve more thorough checks, where even documented incidents like this could be seen. In most cases, though, it wouldn’t affect general employment prospects.

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