Arvada Police Records
Arvada police records are maintained by the Arvada Police Department Records Unit. The city is in Jefferson County, Colorado. It has a population of about 119,000 people. The department provides access to police reports and related documents. All requests follow Colorado state law.
Arvada Police Department Records Unit
The Arvada Police Department keeps all police records. They handle requests for reports and documents. The Records Unit is the place to start. They manage incident reports and accident files. They also handle photos and evidence records.
The City Clerk manages other city records. These are not police records. The Clerk handles public records requests. This includes city council documents. It also includes permits and code enforcement files. Know which office you need before you call.
The Arvada Police Department serves the entire city. The city spans parts of Jefferson and Adams counties. Most of Arvada is in Jefferson County. The Records Unit knows the jurisdiction rules. They will direct you if you need another agency.
| Department | Arvada Police Department Records Unit |
|---|---|
| General Records | arvadaco.gov/247/Records-and-Requests |
| Police Records | arvadaco.gov/208/Records-Evidence-Units |
| City Website | arvadaco.gov |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The department is located in the heart of Arvada. The city is northwest of Denver. It is one of the oldest cities in the metro area. The police department has a long history. They serve a diverse community with many needs.
How to Get Arvada Police Reports
Requesting Arvada police records starts with knowing what you need. The department offers several ways to request. You can submit requests online. You can also visit in person. Some records may be available by mail.
The Records Unit handles criminal justice records. This includes police reports and photos. It also includes address searches. Clearance letters are available too. Each type has its own process. Ask the Records Unit for guidance.
Arvada has made many records available online. The city uses MuniDocs for public documents. This system has over 30,000 files. You can search and view these from home. The records include agendas and minutes. They also include budgets and ordinances. This does not include police case files. Those have different rules.
For police reports, use the Records and Evidence Units page. This is on the city website. The page explains what is available. It also explains how to request. Follow the steps they provide. This ensures your request is processed fast.
Arvada Police Records Types
The Arvada Police Department maintains several record types. Each serves a different purpose. Not all are public. Some have restrictions. Know what you can access before you request.
Police reports are the most common request. These document incidents and calls. They include officer observations. They also include witness statements. Reports may be redacted. This protects sensitive information.
Police photos are also available. These show crime scenes and evidence. They also show accident damage. Photo requests go through the Records Unit. There may be fees for copies.
Other records the unit provides include:
- Address search reports
- Clearance letters
- Code violation records
- Evidence unit records
- Traffic accident reports
Code violations have their own category. These include parking issues and fences. They also cover weeds and snow removal. The Records Unit handles these too. Or the City Clerk may have them. Check which office keeps the specific record you need.
Arvada City Clerk Public Records
The City Clerk is the official records custodian. This is for city records, not police files. The Clerk handles CORA requests. CORA is the Colorado Open Records Act. This is different from criminal justice records.
The Clerk manages many document types. Agendas and meeting minutes are included. So are budgets and ordinances. Resolutions are also available. The city has put many online. You can access these 24 hours a day.
For records not online, submit a request. The Clerk's office will help. They follow state timelines. They respond within three days. Extensions are possible. You will get an explanation if that happens.
Contact the City Clerk through the main city website. Go to the Records and Requests page. This page has the forms you need. It also has contact information. Use this resource for general city records in Arvada.
Arvada Police Records Fees and Costs
Fees for Arvada police records follow state standards. Colorado law sets the rules. The first hour of research is free. After that, hourly fees apply. These cover staff time to find records.
Copy fees are extra. These vary by record type. Paper copies cost per page. Digital files may have different rates. Photos cost more than text pages. Ask for a fee estimate before you commit.
Large requests may need a deposit. If the search takes many hours, you pay part upfront. This is standard practice. It ensures the city can complete the work. You will know about this before processing starts.
Note: Fee schedules can change. Contact the Records Unit for current rates.
Colorado Law and Arvada Police Records
Arvada follows Colorado law for records release. The state has two main laws. CORA covers general public records. CCJRA covers criminal justice records. Police departments work under CCJRA.
The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act balances interests. It allows access to many records. But it also protects some information. Active investigations stay private. Juvenile records have protection. Victim information may be redacted.
When you request records, you make a legal statement. You affirm the records are not for money gain. This is state law. You cannot use records to solicit business. You also cannot sell booking photos. Violations carry penalties.
Response times are set by law. Three days is standard. Ten days is the maximum. The city must explain delays. They will tell you if your request needs more time. This is your right as a requester.
Learn more at sos.state.co.us. This state website explains the laws. It helps you understand the process. It is a good place to start.
Other Agencies Serving Arvada
Arvada works with other law enforcement agencies. You may need records from them. Each has its own system. Know which agency responded to your incident. This saves time and effort.
The Jefferson County Sheriff serves nearby areas. They handle county calls. Some parts of Arvada may be in their jurisdiction. Call them at (303) 271-5852. Their office is in Golden. Visit jeffco.us/sheriff for more.
Colorado State Patrol manages highways. This includes I-70 and other routes. Accidents on state roads go to them. Their records office is in Lakewood. Call (303) 239-4180. Visit csp.colorado.gov.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation keeps state records. They have criminal history data. This is fingerprint-based. For statewide checks, contact them. Visit cbi.colorado.gov. They offer name-based checks too.
Adams County Sheriff may serve some areas. Parts of Arvada extend into Adams County. Check your incident location. Call (303) 655-3215 if needed. Their website has records information.
Tips for Faster Arvada Records Requests
Get your records faster with good preparation. Know what you need before you ask. Include all details in your request. Dates and locations help. Case numbers are even better. The staff can find records quickly with good info.
Check the online archives first. The MuniDocs system may have what you need. This is instant access. No waiting for staff to respond. Browse the categories. You might find your answer there.
Contact the right office. Police records go to the Records Unit. City records go to the City Clerk. Sending to the wrong place causes delays. Check the website to verify where to send your request.
Be patient with complex requests. Large files take time to review. Video footage needs redaction. Multiple officers may need to review. The law allows reasonable time. Follow up if you have not heard back. But give them time to do the job right.
Jefferson County Police Records
Arvada is primarily in Jefferson County. The county sheriff serves the broader area. They handle unincorporated parts. They also work with city police. For county-level records, contact Jefferson County. They may have related documents.