Colorado Springs Police Records Access

Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado. The city sits at the base of Pikes Peak and serves nearly half a million residents. The Colorado Springs Police Department maintains records of all police activity in the city. These records are available to the public under state law. The Records Unit handles all requests for documents and media.

Colorado Springs Police Records Contact Information

The Colorado Springs Police Department Records Unit is the main point of contact for all police records requests. They follow the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act when releasing documents. The unit is open to the public during business hours. You can visit in person or use their online portal.

The Records Manager serves as the official Custodian of Records for CSPD. Only this office can authorize the release of records to the public. Individual officers cannot give out reports or documents. All requests must go through proper channels to ensure legal compliance.

The department uses an online portal for records requests. You can access it at aca.accela.com/cosprings. This system lets you submit requests and track their status. It is available 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Colorado Springs Police Records Fees

The Colorado Springs Police Department charges fees for records requests. These fees cover the cost of staff time and materials. The base fee is $10 for most requests. This amount can increase based on the size of your request and the time needed to process it.

Electronic records are normally released in PDF format. This keeps costs down and makes files easy to share. If you need physical copies, additional fees may apply. The records staff will notify you of any extra charges before processing your request.

Victims of certain crimes may get free copies of their reports. This applies to specific crimes under state law. Not all crime victims qualify. Ask the Records Unit about this option when you submit your request. You may need to provide proof that you are the victim.

Payment methods include credit card, check, and money order. The online portal accepts major credit cards. In-person requests can be paid with cash or card. Mail-in requests should include payment by check or money order made out to CSPD.

Note: The base fee of $10 may increase for large or complex requests requiring extensive research.

Types of Colorado Springs Police Records Available

The Colorado Springs Police Department offers various types of records. Each serves a different purpose. Knowing which type you need will help you get the right documents quickly.

Incident reports document crimes and calls for service. These include theft, assault, vandalism, and other matters. The report shows what happened, who was involved, and what actions officers took. These are the most common records requested.

Accident reports cover vehicle crashes. You need these for insurance claims. They show the facts of the crash, witness statements, and officer findings. Colorado Springs police file reports for crashes they investigate in the city.

Body-worn camera footage is available through special request. You must use a specific form for video requests. The form has instructions for submission. Video requests take longer due to review requirements. Staff must check for privacy and safety concerns before release.

Internal affairs records are available for investigations started after April 12, 2019. This is when state law changed to allow public access. Contact Internal Affairs at CSPD.InternalAffairs@coloradosprings.gov for these records. Or call (719) 444-7417 for more information.

How to Request Colorado Springs Police Records

You have several ways to request records from CSPD. The online portal is the fastest method. You can also visit in person or mail your request. Choose the option that works best for your needs.

The Citizen Access Portal is at aca.accela.com/cosprings. Create an account to submit requests. The system guides you through the process. You can upload documents and pay fees online. Track your request status through the portal.

For in-person requests, visit the Records Unit at 705 S Nevada Ave. Bring valid photo identification. Know the case number or details about the incident. Staff can help you find what you need. You can pay and receive copies the same day for simple requests.

Mail-in requests should include your contact information and details about the records you want. Include payment by check or money order. Send to the Records Unit address. Allow extra time for mail delivery and processing.

Media requests should go to pio@coloradosprings.gov. The Public Information Office handles news media. They work with reporters on deadline. Contact them early for time-sensitive requests.

Colorado Laws Governing CSPD Records

Colorado Springs Police Department follows the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. This law governs how police records are released. It gives departments discretion to deny access in some cases. The goal is to balance public access with privacy and safety needs.

The CCJRA is found in C.R.S. 24-72-301 through 309. It applies to all criminal justice agencies in Colorado. This includes police departments, sheriff's offices, and district attorneys. Each agency has a records custodian who makes release decisions.

CSPD also follows the Colorado Open Records Act for administrative records. CORA applies to general government documents. The Secretary of State website explains CORA in detail. Police operational records fall under CCJRA instead.

The department must respond to requests within three working days. They can extend this to ten days with written explanation. Complex requests or those involving legal review may need more time. The records unit will keep you informed of any delays.

C.R.S. 24-72-305.5 prohibits using records for business solicitation. You must sign a statement affirming this when you request certain records. This protects people from commercial exploitation of their arrest records.

Note: Internal affairs files are only open for investigations started after April 12, 2019, per state law.

Colorado State Resources for Records

Colorado Springs residents may need records from state agencies too. The Colorado State Patrol and CBI maintain records that overlap with local police work. These state resources can help you get complete information.

The Colorado State Patrol handles crashes on state highways. If your accident was on I-25, Highway 24, or other state roads, CSP may have the report. Visit csp.colorado.gov to request these records. Their Central Records Unit is at 700 Kipling St in Lakewood.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history records. These are fingerprint-based records from across the state. Use the Internet Criminal History Check at cbi.colorado.gov for name-based searches. This costs $5 for instant online results.

El Paso County Sheriff's Office also serves the Colorado Springs area. For incidents in unincorporated areas, contact them at epcsheriffsoffice.com. Their records unit handles cases outside city limits.

Tips for Colorado Springs Records Requests

Get your records faster with these tips. Planning ahead saves time and frustration. Know what you need before you start your request.

Have the case number if possible. This speeds up the search process. Include the date, time, and location of the incident. Give names of people involved. The more details you provide, the easier it is to find your records.

Use the online portal for fastest service. It is available all day and night. You can submit requests without visiting the office. The portal also lets you track progress and communicate with staff.

For body-worn camera video, submit early. These requests take longer to process. Staff must review footage for privacy and safety. Plan for extra time if you need video evidence.

Check if you qualify for free victim copies. Colorado law allows this for certain crimes. Ask when you submit your request. Bring documentation if you visit in person.

Call (719) 444-7463 if you have questions. The Records Unit can explain the process. They will tell you what to expect and how long it may take.

El Paso County Police Records

Colorado Springs is in El Paso County. The county sheriff serves areas outside city limits. They also handle cases in unincorporated parts of the county. For records from these areas, contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

View El Paso County Records