Aurora Police Records Access

Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado. The city spans across three counties. This makes police records access unique. The Aurora Police Department serves over 400,000 residents. They keep records of all police activity in the city limits.

Aurora Police Department Contact Information

The Aurora Police Department serves residents across Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties. This multi-county setup affects where records are kept. The APD main office handles most requests. Some matters may involve county sheriff offices too.

Because Aurora spans three counties, jurisdiction can be complex. The city police handle calls within Aurora city limits. County sheriffs handle unincorporated areas. Know which agency responded to your incident before requesting records.

The Aurora Police Department follows the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. This law governs what records they can release. Some records may be withheld to protect public interest. Others may have redactions for privacy.

Understanding Aurora's Multi-County Jurisdiction

Aurora is unique in Colorado. It sits in three counties at once. This affects police records access. You need to know which county your incident occurred in. This determines where to file your request.

The northern parts of Aurora are in Adams County. Central areas are in Arapahoe County. Southern portions extend into Douglas County. Each county has its own sheriff's office. But the Aurora Police Department serves the entire city.

If Aurora police responded to your incident, request records from APD. They maintain files for all city police work. If county sheriff deputies responded, contact the appropriate county. Adams County Sheriff is at adamssheriffco.gov. Arapahoe County Sheriff is at arapahoecounty.us/sheriff. Douglas County Sheriff is at dcsheriff.net.

Some incidents may involve multiple agencies. A crash on a city street might involve Aurora police. The same crash on a state highway could involve State Patrol. Always note which agency responded when you request records.

Note: Contact the agency that actually responded to your incident, not just the nearest office.

Types of Aurora Police Records Available

The Aurora Police Department maintains various record types. Each serves a different purpose. Request the type that matches your needs.

Incident reports document crimes and calls for service. These include theft reports, accident reports, and disturbance calls. The report shows what officers found and did. Most requests are for this type of record.

Arrest records show booking information. They include charges and fingerprints. These records help with court cases. They also provide proof of arrest for legal matters.

Body-worn camera footage captures officer interactions. Video requests take longer to process. Staff must review for privacy concerns. Audio from 911 calls may also be available.

Traffic accident reports are needed for insurance claims. Aurora police file these for crashes they investigate. Reports show the facts and any citations issued. They help determine fault in civil matters.

How to Request Aurora Police Records

The Aurora Police Department accepts records requests through several channels. Contact them directly for the most current procedures. Rules and systems can change over time.

Start by visiting the APD website at auroragov.org/police. Look for a records or public information section. Many departments now offer online portals. These let you submit requests anytime.

When submitting a request, include key details. Give the date and location of the incident. Include names of people involved. Provide the case number if you have it. The more information you give, the faster they can find your records.

Fees vary by record type and length. Simple reports may have a flat fee. Complex requests might charge hourly research rates. Colorado law allows agencies to charge for staff time. The first hour is often free. Additional time may incur charges.

Response times depend on complexity. Simple requests may take a few days. Complex cases can take weeks. The department will give you an estimate. They may contact you if they need more information.

Note: Aurora PD follows state laws on records retention and release. Not all records are available immediately.

Colorado State Resources for Aurora Records

Aurora residents can access state-level police records too. The Colorado State Patrol and CBI offer services that complement local police records. These state agencies cover highways and criminal history.

The Colorado State Patrol handles crashes on state highways. If your accident was on I-70, I-225, or other state roads, contact CSP. Their records unit is at 700 Kipling St in Lakewood. Call (303) 239-4180 for information. Visit csp.colorado.gov for online requests.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history records. These cover all of Colorado. Use their Internet Criminal History Check for instant results. Go to cbi.colorado.gov. The cost is $5 for an online search. These records are fingerprint-based and very reliable.

The Colorado Secretary of State website explains open records laws. This helps you understand your rights. The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition also offers guidance on records access.

County Sheriff Records for Aurora Areas

Since Aurora spans three counties, you may need county sheriff records. Each sheriff's office has its own records unit. They handle incidents in unincorporated areas. They also assist city police when needed.

Adams County Sheriff serves northern Aurora. Their office is at 4430 S Adams County Parkway in Brighton. Call (303) 655-3215 for records. Visit adamssheriffco.gov for online information.

Arapahoe County Sheriff serves central Aurora. Their address is 13101 East Broncos Parkway in Centennial. The phone is (720) 874-4176. Their website is arapahoecounty.us/sheriff.

Douglas County Sheriff serves southern Aurora. They are at 4000 Justice Way in Castle Rock. Call (303) 660-7500. Visit dcsheriff.net for records information.

All three counties follow the same state laws. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act applies to all. Response times and fees may vary by county. Contact each office directly for their specific procedures.

Tips for Aurora Police Records Requests

Getting records from Aurora requires some planning. The multi-county setup adds complexity. These tips will help you navigate the system.

First, confirm which agency responded to your incident. Was it Aurora police or a county sheriff? Was it on a city street or state highway? Knowing this saves time and directs your request to the right place.

Second, gather all relevant information before requesting. Note the date, time, and exact location. Get names of people involved. Find the case number if you have it. Details make searches faster.

Third, check online options first. Many agencies now have portals. These are faster than mail or in-person visits. They also let you track your request status.

Fourth, understand the fees. Ask about costs upfront. Simple requests are often affordable. Large or complex requests can get expensive. Colorado law allows agencies to recover costs.

Fifth, be patient but follow up. Response times vary. If you don't hear back, call to check status. Keep your request number handy. This helps staff find your file quickly.

Colorado Laws Governing Aurora Police Records

Aurora Police Department follows Colorado's criminal justice records laws. These are different from general open records laws. They balance public access with safety needs.

The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act is C.R.S. 24-72-301 through 309. It gives police discretion in releasing records. Departments can withhold if release would harm public interest. This is broader than CORA's general access rules.

C.R.S. 24-72-305.5 prohibits using records for profit. You cannot use police records to solicit business. This includes using arrest photos on commercial websites. You must sign an affirmation when requesting certain records.

The Children's Code protects juvenile records. C.R.S. 19-1-301 through 304 governs these. Juvenile records have extra restrictions. They may need court orders for release.

Agencies must respond within three working days. They can extend to ten days with written reason. Complex requests or legal reviews take longer. Aurora PD will inform you of any delays.

Note: Aurora follows the same state laws as all Colorado police departments. This ensures consistent handling of records requests.

County Records for Aurora Areas

Aurora spans three Colorado counties. Depending on where your incident occurred, you may need records from the county sheriff. Each county has its own records system and procedures.

Adams County Records Arapahoe County Records Douglas County Records