Boulder Police Records Search
Boulder sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The city is home to the University of Colorado. The Boulder Police Department serves over 104,000 residents. The department handles patrol, investigations, and records. If you need a police report from Boulder, you contact the department's records unit. They process requests under Colorado law. The city follows both CORA and CCJRA rules for public access.
Boulder Quick Facts
Where to Request Boulder Police Records
The Boulder Police Department is located in downtown Boulder. The main station sits near the municipal campus. This is where officers file reports. This is where records staff work. You can visit in person or contact them by phone.
| Department | Boulder Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 1805 33rd Street Boulder, CO 80301 |
| Non-Emergency | (303) 441-3333 |
| Website | bouldercolorado.gov/police |
The records unit handles all public requests. They work Monday through Friday. Hours vary, so call before you visit. The staff can tell you what you need to bring. They can explain the fee structure. They can estimate how long your request will take.
Boulder also has a county sheriff's office. The Boulder County Sheriff handles areas outside city limits. They operate from a separate location. Make sure you know which agency responded to your incident. This ensures you ask the right office for records. Note: Emergency calls should always go to 911, not the records line.
Types of Police Records in Boulder
The Boulder Police Department creates many record types. Each serves a different purpose. Most are available to the public. Some have access limits. Colorado law defines what can be released.
Common records include:
- Incident reports for crimes and events
- Accident reports for vehicle crashes
- Arrest records and booking information
- 911 call logs and dispatch records
- Supplemental reports with updates
Accident reports are often needed fast. Insurance companies require them. Drivers need them for claims. Boulder Police respond to crashes on city streets. They file reports at the scene. You can request these reports within days.
Incident reports cover many situations. They document thefts, assaults, and disturbances. They record welfare checks and suspicious activity. Each report has a case number. This number helps you find the record later. Keep it safe if you need copies. Note: Some reports may be restricted if the case is under active investigation.
How to Request Boulder Police Records
The Boulder Police Department takes requests in several ways. You can visit in person. You can send a letter. You may use online forms. Pick the method that fits your needs.
For in-person visits, bring photo ID. Know the date and location of the incident. Give the names of those involved. Staff will search for your report. You pay fees before receiving copies. The process is usually quick for recent reports.
Mail requests need clear details. Write your full name and address. State the incident date and location. Include any case number you have. Send your letter to the records unit. Include a check for the fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online options may be available. Check the Boulder Police website. Look for a records portal. Many departments now offer digital access. This can be faster than mail. You may pay by credit card. Visit bouldercolorado.gov/police to learn more.
Colorado Records Laws for Boulder
Police records in Boulder follow state law. Two main laws apply. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) covers general access. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) covers police files. These laws work together.
CORA gives the public broad rights. It says records are open unless exempt. Anyone can inspect public documents. The law applies to Boulder city government. It includes the police department. You can read more at sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/cora.
CCJRA adds rules for police records. It lets agencies withhold some information. Ongoing cases may be sealed. Juvenile records get protection. Internal affairs files have special rules. Records custodians must balance public interest against privacy.
Agencies must respond within three days. They can extend to ten days with cause. They must explain any denial. The first two hours of staff time are free. Additional search time may cost money. Boulder Police follow these rules for all requests. Note: CCJRA allows agencies to deny access if release would be contrary to the public interest.
Police Records Fees in Boulder
Boulder Police charge fees for copies. These fees follow city policy. They cover staff time and materials. Costs are similar to other Colorado cities.
Typical fees include:
- Standard report copy: $5 to $15
- Extra pages: $0.25 each
- Certified copies: Additional fee
- Audio or video: Higher costs
- Research beyond two hours: Hourly rate
Simple requests cost less. A one-page incident report may be $5. Long accident reports cost more. Complex cases need more staff time. You pay for the extra work. Call ahead for a fee estimate.
Some services are free. Looking at records costs nothing. The first two hours of search are free. You only pay for copies. Ask about waivers if you have low income. The city may reduce fees in some cases. Note: Fees may be paid by cash, check, or money order; verify accepted methods before visiting.
University of Colorado and Boulder Police
Boulder is home to the University of Colorado. The campus has its own police force. CU Police serve the university area. They work with Boulder Police on some cases. Each agency keeps its own records.
If your incident happened on campus, contact CU Police. They are at 1050 Regent Drive. Their non-emergency number is (303) 492-6666. They have their own records process. Visit colorado.edu/police for details.
Incidents near campus may involve both agencies. Check which department responded. This tells you where to request records. The two departments coordinate when needed. But they maintain separate files. Note: CU Police records follow the same state laws as Boulder Police records.
Accident Reports in Boulder
Vehicle accidents occur on Boulder streets. The police department responds to these calls. Officers write accident reports. These reports are vital for insurance. They show what happened and who was involved.
To get a report, know the basics. The date matters. The location matters. Your name as a party helps. A case number speeds things up. Without these details, the search takes longer.
State highways in Boulder may involve State Patrol. US 36 and other routes fall under their care. If a trooper responded, contact the Colorado State Patrol. Their records unit is in Lakewood. Visit csp.colorado.gov for help.
Insurance agents often need these reports fast. They help determine fault. They document damage. They list injuries. Getting your copy quickly helps your claim. Note: Accident reports typically take several days to become available after the incident.
State Resources for Boulder Records
Boulder residents can use state agencies too. These add to local police records. Colorado offers several helpful resources.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation runs background checks. Their Internet Criminal History Check is online. It gives instant results for name searches. Visit cbirecordscheck.com. Each search costs $5.
The Colorado State Patrol handles highway incidents. They patrol major roads near Boulder. Their records cover highway accidents. Visit csp.colorado.gov to learn more.
These agencies complement local police. They may have records Boulder does not. Using both levels gives a full picture. Note: CBI records are based on fingerprints submitted by Colorado law enforcement agencies.
Boulder County Police Records
Boulder is the county seat of Boulder County. The city sits within the county's borders. The Boulder County Sheriff serves areas outside the city. For incidents in unincorporated areas, contact the Sheriff's Office. Learn more on the Boulder County page.