Concealed Pistol Licenses
Who can apply for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) through South Sound 911?
Do I need an appointment to apply for my CPL?
Appointments are required only for new (original) CPL applications, as fingerprinting is part of the process. Renewal and replacement applications do not require an appointment. To learn more, visit: https://southsound911.org/concealed-pistol-licenses/
I recently moved; do I need to update my address on my CPL?
Updating your address is not a required; however, if you choose to update your Concealed Pistol License, you can do it online via our website at southsound911.org/concealed-pistol-licenses/, select the Apply Online button and choose replacement option.
Fingerprinting
Does South Sound 911 offer fingerprinting services?
Yes. South Sound 911 offers fingerprinting services using inkless (digitally scanned) technology. Fingerprints are printed directly onto an FBI FD-258 fingerprint card. Learn more or get started: https://southsound911.org/fingerprints/
Can I get a copy of my fingerprints from a previous visit?
No. Fingerprints are not kept on file. If you need copies for future use, we recommend purchasing additional cards during your visit.
What if my fingerprints are rejected?
While digital fingerprinting typically produces high-quality images, prints may occasionally be rejected or deemed “unclassifiable” by the requesting agency.
If your fingerprints taken at South Sound 911 are rejected, you may return during business hours to have them retaken at no charge. Please bring documentation showing the rejection. Refunds are not issued for rejected fingerprints.
Certain factors, such as very dry or smooth skin or worn fingertip ridges, can affect print quality. To improve results, regularly moisturize your hands leading up to your appointment. However, do not apply lotion on the day of your fingerprinting, as residue can interfere with the process.
Can I bring my own fingerprint card?
No. South Sound 911 prints fingerprints directly onto FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards and cannot print onto cards provided by other agencies.
Will you send my fingerprints to the agency requesting them?
In most cases, no. Your fingerprint cards will be provided to you, and you are responsible for submitting them to the requesting agency.
South Sound 911 only submits fingerprints electronically for:
- Original Concealed Pistol License (CPL) applications
- Local criminal history inspections for South Sound 911 or Pierce County employment
- Certain licenses referred by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office (such as taxi, entertainer, or peddler licenses)
Records Requests
How do I obtain a copy of a record?
South Sound 911 provides access to records through an online Records Request Portal. This allows you to request police/incident reports, CAD logs, and 911 audio recordings in a more efficient and transparent way. Visit: https://southsound911.org/public-records-requests/
The records I’m seeking are not listed. Where can I find additional records?
Court records can be found by visiting https://dw.courts.wa.gov/
Criminal history and background check information can be found by visiting https://wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
South Sound 911 processes public records requests on behalf of law enforcement agencies for Incident (police) Reports, CAD Logs, and/or 911 and dispatch audio.
Investigative information, such as officer notes and photographs, are held and released by the individual agency. Please contact the relevant agency for access to such information.
South Sound 911 only provides public record services to the cities listed:
Bonney Lake Police Department, Buckley Police Department, DuPont Police Department, Eatonville Police Department, Edgewood Police Department, Fife Police Department, Fircrest Police Department, Gig Harbor Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Milton Police Department, Orting Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff Office, Puyallup Police Department, Roy Police Department, Ruston Police Department, Steilacoom Public Safety, Sumner Police Department, Tacoma Police Department and University Place Police Department.
How long will it take for me to receive my records or 911 audio request?
South Sound 911 processes public records requests on behalf of the law enforcement agencies it serves; however, the applicable law enforcement agency often must approve requests before South Sound 911 provides copies.
It is common for requests to experience delays during this process, and requestors will be notified by email when the requested materials are available for download via the Records Center.
Where do I get officers’ notes, photographs, or anything else not shown on the form?
South Sound 911 processes public records requests on behalf of law enforcement agencies for Incident (police) Reports, CAD Logs, and/or 911 and dispatch audio.
Investigative information, such as officer notes and photographs are held and released by the individual agency. Please contact the relevant agency for access to such information.
South Sound 911 only provides public record services to the cities listed:
Bonney Lake Police Department, Buckley Police Department, DuPont Police Department, Eatonville Police Department, Edgewood Police Department, Fife Police Department, Fircrest Police Department, Gig Harbor Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Milton Police Department, Orting Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff Office, Puyallup Police Department, Roy Police Department, Ruston Police Department, Steilacoom Public Safety, Sumner Police Department, Tacoma Police Department and University Place Police Department.
Can I submit a request without a case/incident number?
Yes. Please use the incident details section to describe specifically what you are looking for and include as much information as you have, such as date/time of the incident, address/location of the incident, and the names of anyone involved.
How do I decipher the codes on the CAD Log I received?
The Public Records Act does not require South Sound 911 to provide research services, to analyze data, answer written questions, or to create records in response to a request. South Sound 911 does not have a document containing a breakdown of all codes that may be used, but you may find the Call for Service Code and Disposition Code lists helpful.
What do the different statuses mean on my request?
Received – Your request has been received and is in the processing queue.
Awaiting Agency Response – Items responsive to your request require police agency review prior to release. South Sound 911 is waiting for the agency review to be completed.
Processing – Your request is in the queue and will be completed.
Completed – Your request has been completed and released.
What is a local records check?
A local records check includes a review of South Sound 911’s police reports where the subject is listed, which may or may not have resulted in criminal prosecution. A local records check does not provide court-filing or disposition information.
How far back does South Sound 911 maintain law enforcement records?
Typically, 90 days for audio.
South Sound 911 has police reports dating back to the1960s. Detailed information is required for searches prior to 1974. Reports prior to 2000 may need to be ordered from archives and may take additional time to process.
I’m a law enforcement or criminal justice agency, so why can’t I have my report right away?
South Sound 911 prioritizes requests from criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. However, our law enforcement agencies require a review of some reports before releasing them. That process does take a little time.
Is there a cost for a local records check for criminal justice/law enforcement employment?
Yes. $5 for each background check and $5 per requested police report.
I am looking for court dispositions and/or court orders. Where do I find them?
Contact the issuing court directly. South Sound 911 does not provide court disposition information.
Where do I get fire-related records and reports?
For fire-related records and reports, please contact the individual fire department directly. To find the appropriate agency, visit: https://southsound911.org/police-fire-agencies/
Calling 911
What should I know before calling 911?
The most important information you can provide is your location/address. Most 911 calls are made from cell phones, and while we can often see an approximate location, it is not always exact. This is why call takers will ask specific questions to help confirm where you are. Being aware of your location and able to describe it clearly helps us direct the right resources to you as quickly as possible.
Should I call or text 911?
If you can safely speak, always call 911.
If you are unable to speak, are in a situation where speaking could put you at risk, or do not want someone to know you are calling, you can use text-to-911.
Text-to-911 is available nationwide, but calling is still the preferred method when possible.
Why does the 911 call taker ask so many questions?
Call takers are trained to quickly gather critical information to send the right help. Answering questions does not delay response. In fact, it helps ensure the correct type and level of help is sent to you as quickly as possible.
When should I call 911 versus the non-emergency line?
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or in-progress crimes. Use the non-emergency line for situations that do not require an immediate response, such as reporting a past incident, noise complaints, lost or stolen property or other non-urgent concerns.
What happens if I call 911 by mistake?
Do not hang up. Stay on the line and let the call taker know it was accidental.
If you hang up, we will call back to confirm there is no emergency. If we are unable to reach you, responders may be sent to your location to check your safety.
Staying on the line helps prevent unnecessary use of emergency resources and keeps 911 available for those who need it most.
Online Reporting
What may be reported online?
- Theft
The wrongful taking of personal property, EXCLUDING firearms, vehicles, or vehicle license plates.
- Vehicle Prowl
Property has been unlawfully taken from inside a vehicle, or an attempt to take property from inside a vehicle has been made.
- Fraud / Identity Theft
The intentional use of deceit, a trick or some dishonest means to take another’s money, property or a legal right.Accepted only by the following Agencies:
Bonney Lake | Edgewood | Fife | Lakewood | Milton | Pierce County Sheriff | Steilacoom | Sumner | University Place
- Vandalism or Destruction of Property
Physical damage caused to another person’s property; writing, painting, drawing, or marking of any property with paint, ink, markers, or other substance
- Lost Property
Missing or misplaced property; property with no readily identifiable owner
How do I report a fireworks complaint?
Fireworks complaints can be reported using the online tool at FireworksReport.com during certain times of the year, including the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Specific dates are announced closer to each holiday.
At other times, complaints can be reported by calling the non-emergency line at 253-287-4455 or toll-free at 800-562-9800, available 24/7.
Only call 911 for emergencies, such as active fires or serious injuries.
How do I check the status of an online report?
If your report was successfully submitted through the online reporting system, a confirmation screen should have appeared and provided the tracking number which begins with “CSS.” This is NOT the official incident report number; however, you can use this number to check the status of your online report by clicking on the blue “Status Check” button: https://www2.southsound911.org/onlinereporting/
Online reports are reviewed and approved by the relevant law enforcement agency before incident numbers are assigned. This process may take one or more days, depending on the agency and the caseload, and you will be notified by email when your report is approved. Please be sure to check your spam/junk folders.