Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in D:\websites\cityofferndale.org\wp-content\themes\townpress\functions.php on line 212

Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in D:\websites\cityofferndale.org\wp-content\themes\townpress\functions.php on line 261

Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in D:\websites\cityofferndale.org\wp-content\themes\townpress\functions.php on line 263
We are open for services Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

We ask that you continue to contact us by phone and email as much as possible.  There is a rack of commonly requested forms in the front foyer, as well as a drop box for court payments.  The foyer is open throughout the week during regular business hours.

Fingerprinting is available by appointment on Monday (Noon-4PM), Tues-Thurs (9AM-4PM) and Friday (9AM-Noon).

If you need an officer for any reason, dial 911, or you can use the direct line to Dispatch in our front foyer.  Bear in mind this is a public phone and, although we try to sanitize it regularly, you may be safer using your own phone.

Office staff is still on duty all week, and can take your phone calls during regular business hours at 360-384-3390 x 0.   We will assist you whenever possible.  Some of the services we offer to the public are:

 Request for Disclosure of Public Records

To make a request for Police reports and records, complete our Request for Public Disclosure form and submit it to the Police Department by email at contact@ferndalepd.org, by fax to 360-384-3345, or mail it to 2220 Main Street,  Ferndale, WA 98248.  Be sure to specify how you want to receive the record (email, mail, etc.)

Response to Requests – Per RCW 42.56.520, we must respond within five business days of receiving a request, by

  • Providing the record
  • Providing a reasonable estimate as to when it will be available
  • Contacting the requestor for clarification
  • Denying the request, citing the reason(s) for denial

Any records or portion of records that are exempt from disclosure will be withheld or redacted (blacked out.)  We will specify and briefly explain the exemption that applies to any redactions or denials.  Some common exemptions are RCW 42.56. RCW 10.97, RCW 13.50, and RCW 46.52.

Fees for Public Records  

Print Copies – Black & White (8.5 x 11) $0.15 per page
Color Copies (8.5 x 11) $1.00 per page
Audio Tape Copies $18.00/each
Audio CDs – $5.00 / $3.00 if CD supplied by requestor
Certified Copies $1.00 per Page
Records scanned into electronic format $0.10 per page
Attachments uploaded to an email $0.05 for every four electronic files or attachments
Transmitting records electronically (FTP) $0.10 per gigabyte
Alternative Flat Fee (if the City reasonably estimates and documents that the costs are clearly equal to or more than two dollars.) $2.00

Customized service charge if outside professional assistance (such as IT) is required – actual costs of provider.  You will be given an estimate to approve before these charges are authorized.

Payments are by cash, check or money order only, made out to City of Ferndale.  No credit or debit cards!

To make a request for disclosure of non-police City records, contact the City Clerk Susan Duncan at City Hall, 2095 Main Street, Ferndale, or email susanduncan@cityofferndale.org .

Records Index – There is no single index of any City records.  The City of Ferndale has determined that maintaining a central index of City records is unduly burdensome and would be nearly impossible to maintain.  (Ferndale Municipal Code 2.21.040 and 2.21.050.)

Drug Take-Back Program – this program is only available beginning June 1st, Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Keeping unused, unwanted or expired medications in your home poses a risk to you, your family and your community.  Drugs thrown into the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold, and drugs flushed down the drains end up in our waters.  The City of Ferndale and Custom Rx Shoppe partner to help you dispose of your old medications safely.

At the Police Department we will accept legal narcotics and other prescribed controlled substances during regular business hours.  Bring them in in their original containers.  You may black out any personal data on the label, but do not cover the name of the medication.  We will lock them into a secured bin until the DEA’s drug pickup day.

Custom Rx Shoppe (5917 Portal Way, Ferndale) will take most other prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, ointments, inhalers and unopened EpiPens.

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day collected 829,543 pounds (419.7 tons) of unused, expired, and unwanted medications across the country.  DEA, along with its law enforcement partners, has now collected 14,524,391 pounds of medications since the inception of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative in 2010. On Oct. 24, 2020, the public turned in a record 985,392 pounds – almost 493 tons – of medication to DEA and 4,153 of its community partners at 4,587 collection sites nationwide, including 33 Bureau of Indian Affairs sites.

Ferndale collected 176 pounds during the April 2021 Drug Take-back event.

Follow this link to learn how to legally and safely dispose of “sharps.”  (Needles, syringes.)

Clearance Letters & Criminal History

Often when people are travelling or working overseas, the foreign county will ask them to present a Letter of Good Reputation (or something similar) showing that they have not had any troubles with the police in their home town.  We offer Clearance Letters for Ferndale residents for a $25.00 fee but do stress that only our City of Ferndale files are checked.  If you require a full  criminal history check,  contact the Washington State Patrol.

Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Program

Thanks to the Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Program, we are able to provide short term financial assistance to Ferndale residents and travelers who have experienced an emergency and are in need of help. Types of assistance include food, gas, propane, prescription/medical assistance for seniors, and in extreme emergencies, shelter for families. Please call 360-384-3390 extension 0 for further information.