What Are Sparks Public Records?
Sparks public records refer to all papers, books, photographs, maps, tapes, and other materials created, received, or maintained by any government agency in the city. According to the Nevada Public Records Law, public records do not refer to confidential documents and materials that are under statutory restrictions or exempted by court orders, case law, and other laws. This includes:
- Private information
- Employee records
- Information on investigations by Attorney General or Fraud Control Unit
- Records relating to child welfare services
- Trade secrets
- Personal identifying numbers like social security number and taxpayer identification number
- Certain electronically-collected records
Sparks Crime Statistics
According to the 2019 annual reports by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Sparks Police Department had 2,880 total indexed crimes, out of which 23.6% (680) were cleared. Out of the 450 violent crimes, there were 297 aggravated assaults, 76 robberies, 76 rapes, and one murder. Meanwhile, the 2,430 property crimes consisted of 513 burglaries, 1,537 cases of larceny thefts, and four arsons.
Are Sparks Criminal Records Public?
According to state laws, not all Sparks criminal records are publicly available. For instance, the Nevada Criminal History Repository only issues statewide criminal records or proof that records exist to the record subject, while the Sparks Police Department and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office processes both personal and public criminal history requests within their jurisdiction. For Sparks criminal records, interested persons should download and fill the request form and upload it online. For records from the Sheriff's Office, send a completed criminal history request form, $10 per request, and photocopy of valid identification via mail to:
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Records Section
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
However, for records from the Nevada Criminal History Repository, send completed request form, complete fingerprint cards, and $27 in certified checks or money order to:
Department of Public Safety
Records, Communications and Compliance Division
333 West Nye Lane,
Suite 100
Carson City, NV 89706
The Sheriff's Office processes requests within 10 days or longer for extensive criminal record checks, but the Nevada Criminal History Repository takes about 45 days.
Note: The Federal Bureau of Investigation also conducts Identity History Summary Checks.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Records Division of the Sparks Police Department maintains all records on police activities and criminal incidents with its jurisdiction. For Sparks arrest records with disposition, interested persons should download and fill the request form and upload it online. For incident reports and other police reports, police record request services are available in person, but individuals should first call (775) 353-2279 (ext 4) to confirm record availability and requirements before making walk-in requests at:
City of Sparks Police Department
1701 East Prater Way,
Sparks, NV 89434
Generally, individuals who wish to obtain records must provide personal details and record descriptions like report number, incident type, the involved person's name, incident date/times, and incident location. Requesters will also have to provide valid means of identification and fees in money order, cashier’s check, and cash (in person only). Persons may request some records via mail by filling and mailing requests forms with the above requirements to 1701 East Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Sparks
The Nevada Sex Offender Registry provides information on registered sex offenders in Sparks and other parts of the state. Individuals can find a listing of search offenders in the city by using the geographical search tool on the website and providing information like a street address, city, state, mile radius, or zip code. Users may also conduct vehicle or name search, register for community notifications, or access the sex offense statistics on the website. Results will provide both map results and a listing of possible matches, with each offender's profile containing available details such as:
- Picture
- Full name and aliases
- Tier level
- Gender, race, ethnicity, and date of birth
- Addresses
- Physical description
- Scars, tattoos, or body markings
- Offenses and conviction description
- Court and jail name
- Vehicle information
How to Find Sparks Inmate Records
Interested persons can find Sparks inmate records by using the inmate search tool on the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office website and providing the first three letters on the inmate’s last name. Results will show a listing of in-custody inmates with publicly available information like names, DOB/age, inmate number, and other booking descriptions. For records that are not available online or records of past inmates, individuals may fill and submit the public information request forms online or contact:
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
911 Parr Boulevard,
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: (775) 328-3001
Email: RecordsContact@washoecounty.us
Note: Victims may get the offender’s housing information by signing up for VINE services.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Sparks City Jail?
Inmates in the Washoe County Detention Facility may receive remote or onsite video visits. Interested persons will have to register for visits as well as schedule appointments through the approved third-party visitation system. However, an inmate's visitation privileges may depend on their housing status. For instance, only general population inmates may receive web-based video visits. These inmates may have up to two twenty-minutes remote visits daily and one non-contact personal visit on the following days:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Visitors should note that all video schedules and privileges are at the discretion of the WCSO and all social visits are subject to recording and monitoring. Adult visitors should take along government-issued identification for onsite visits and accompany persons under the age of 18. All visitors must comply with visitation rules on dress code, searches, conduct, and procedure, or the WCSO will cancel visits.
Court Records
Sparks City court records are any court-generated materials, paper, recordings, or electronically stored documents that contain information on city court administrative actions, orders, and proceedings. These files include dockets, transcripts, audio/video recordings, e-fillings, judgment rolls, and so on. As part of the Nevada Judicial Branch, courts in the City of Sparks provide access to view, inspect, or obtain copies of different types of court records that provide information on civil, criminal, or probate matters filed within.
Locations of Courts in Sparks
Sparks Township Justice Court
1675 East Prater Way,
Suite 107,
Sparks, NV 89434
Phone: (775) 353-7603 (Civil)
Fax: (775) 352-3004 (Criminal)
Phone: (775) 353-7600 (Criminal)
Sparks Municipal Court
1450 C Street, Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: (775) 353-2286
Fax: (775) 353-2400
Are Sparks Court Records Public?
Sparks court records are not entirely public as some documents or information are under court seal or statutory exemptions. Court files that do not contain confidential or exempted information (either by nature or through redaction) are available for public viewing, inspection, or duplication. However, in compliance with the Nevada Public Records Law, courts may restrict access to the following:
- Information on ongoing investigations, pending litigation, and closed cases
- Sealed domestic records or case files
- Records subject to attorney-client privilege
- Private information and personal identifying numbers like social security number and taxpayer identification number
- Information on investigations by Attorney General or Fraud Control Unit
Can You Look Up a Sparks Court Case Online?
Yes, it is possible to search for Sparks court case information online using search tools on court websites or third-party sites. For instance, individuals may use the Washoe detailed case search tool to look up cases according to case numbers, case type, case description, or filing date. Persons may also use the person, company, or agency cross-reference search tools on the Washoe Courts website. Furthermore, Appellate or Supreme Court case information may also be found by using the case search or participant search tools. Interested persons may also find information on Administrative Docket Orders, Unpublished Orders, and Advance Opinions on the Nevada Judiciary website, as well as other electronic resources. However, not all filed cases may be available for viewing online.
How to Obtain Sparks Civil Court Case Records
Obtaining copies of Sparks civil court case records may involve directing queries to the court where cases were filed. Requests may be in person, via mail, or through other channels provided and accepted by the court. For civil cases filed in the Sparks Township Justice Court, interested persons may call (775) 353-7603 to confirm record availability before visiting or sending letters to:
1675 East Prater Way,
Suite 107,
Sparks, NV 89434
For Sparks Municipal Court civil cases, contact:
1450 C Street,
Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: (775) 353-2286
Fax: (775) 353-2400
How to Obtain Sparks Criminal Court Records
Individuals may obtain copies of Sparks criminal case records by directing queries to the court where cases were filed. Requests may be in person, via mail, or through other channels provided and accepted by the court. For criminal cases filed in the Sparks Township Justice Court, interested persons may call (775) 353-7600 to confirm record availability before visiting or sending letters to:
1675 East Prater Way,
Suite 107,
Sparks, NV 89434
For Sparks Municipal Court cases, contact:
1450 C Street,
Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: (775) 353-2286
Fax: (775) 353-2400
What Are Sparks Vital Records?
Sparks City vital records refer to official documents that contain information concerning life events that happened to persons in the city. Examples of these events include deaths, births, marriages, adoptions, and divorces. Interested persons should note that while marriage and divorce records are mostly public, birth and death records are confidential.
Where and How to Obtain Sparks Divorce Records
For decrees of divorces granted by the Washoe County District Court, individuals should submit written requests letters containing party name, case number, divorce year/date, contact details, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Second Judicial District Court
Attn: Mail Desk
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
Requesters should $6 per request in the form of cashier's checks or money orders made payable to the Second Judicial District Court. Also, the Nevada Office of Vital Records verifies divorces that happened in the state from 1968 till September 2005. Interested persons should submit completed request forms with the required information and $10 to:
P.O. Box 30083
Reno, NV 89520
Credit Card 1-(800) 858-5553
Phone: (775) 328-3110
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Sparks
In cases where Sparks marriage records are sealed or rendered confidential, only the spouses mentioned in the marriage license and other authorized parties may obtain copies of the document. Eligible persons may obtain copies of the confidential Sparks marriage certificates from the Washoe County Recorder's Office by making requests online or sending requests forms and required fees to:
Washoe County Recorder
Kalie M. Work
1001 East Ninth Street,
Building A,
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: (775) 328-3661
Email: Record@washoecounty.us
Where and How to Get Public Sparks Marriage Records
Most Sparks marriage certificates are public except otherwise defined by law or court rule. Interested persons may obtain copies of the document. Eligible persons may get copies of the confidential Sparks marriage certificates from the Washoe County Recorder's Office by making requests online or sending requests forms and required fees to:
Washoe County Recorder
Kalie M. Work
1001 East Ninth Street,
Building A,
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: (775) 328-3661
Email: Record@washoecounty.us
Also, the Nevada Office of Vital Records verifies divorces that happened in the state from 1968 till September 2005. Interested persons should submit completed request forms with the required information and $10 to:
P.O. Box 30083
Reno, NV 89520
Credit Card 1-(800) 858-5553
Phone: (775) 328-3110
Where and How to Find Sparks Birth Records
Sparks birth records are available at the Washoe County Health District. However, only eligible persons may obtain copies of these documents. Qualified parties should send filled request forms, valid identification (or copies), and $25 money order or checks to:
Washoe County Health District - Vital Statistics
1001 East Ninth Street,
Building B
Reno, NV 89512
Search/verification of Sparks birth certificates is also available for $10. Similarly, the Nevada Office of Vital Records issues birth records at the state level for the same price.
Where and How to Find Sparks Death Records
The Washoe County Health District maintains certificates of deaths in the county from the late 1800s to the present. Eligible persons may obtain copies of these documents by sending filled request forms, valid identification (or copies), and $25 money order or checks to:
Washoe County Health District - Vital Statistics
1001 East Ninth Street,
Building B
Reno, NV 89512
Search/verification of Sparks death records is also available for $10. Similarly, the Nevada Office of Vital Records issues death records at the state level for the same price.
