Fort Collins Police Records Access

Fort Collins is a city in northern Colorado. It is home to Colorado State University. The city has over 170,000 residents. Fort Collins Police Services keeps records of all police activity. They follow state law when releasing documents to the public.

Fort Collins Police Services Contact Information

Fort Collins Police Services is the main law enforcement agency for the city. They handle all police records requests. The department has a dedicated records section. They process requests under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.

The records unit is staffed during business hours. Call (970) 416-2278 for direct assistance. Staff can explain the request process. They can also tell you about fees and timeframes.

Fort Collins Police Services may need approval from city or district attorneys. This depends on the type of record. Some cases need legal review before release. This can add time to the process.

Note: Complex requests may need approval from the District Attorney or City Attorney's Office.

How to Request Fort Collins Police Records

Fort Collins Police Services accepts records requests in several ways. You can visit in person, call, or submit by mail. Check their website for online options as well.

Start by gathering information about the incident. You will need the date and location. Names of involved parties help. A case number speeds up the search. The more details you provide, the better.

Submit your request to the records unit. Include your contact information. Explain what records you need. Be specific about the documents you want. Vague requests take longer to process.

The department processes requests as soon as possible. They aim to respond within seven working days. This may extend for complex cases. Large requests or active investigations take more time. Staff will notify you of any delays.

Fees depend on the work required. Colorado law allows agencies to charge for research time. The first hour is often free. Additional time may have hourly rates. Copy fees may apply for physical documents.

Payment methods vary. In-person requests may accept cash or card. Mail requests typically need checks or money orders. Contact the records unit to confirm payment options.

Types of Fort Collins Police Records Available

Fort Collins Police Services maintains various record types. Each serves a different purpose. Request the type that fits your needs.

Incident reports document crimes and calls for service. These include theft, damage, and disturbance reports. They show what officers found and did. Most requests are for this type of record.

Accident reports cover vehicle crashes. Police file these for crashes they investigate. You need these for insurance claims. They show facts and any citations issued.

Arrest records show booking information. They include charges and processing details. These help with court cases. They also provide proof of arrest.

Body-worn camera video may be available. Video requests take longer to process. Staff must review for privacy concerns. Audio from calls may also be requested.

Colorado Laws Governing Fort Collins Police Records

Fort Collins Police Services follows Colorado's criminal justice records laws. These laws differ from general public records rules. They balance transparency with public safety needs.

The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act is C.R.S. 24-72-301 through 309. It governs police records across the state. Agencies can withhold records if release would harm public interest. This gives departments discretion in what they release.

The Colorado Open Records Act applies to some administrative records. CORA is C.R.S. 24-72-201 through 206. It covers general government documents. Police operational records usually fall under CCJRA instead.

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

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

Agencies must respond within three working days. Extensions to ten days are allowed with written reason. Fort Collins Police Services follows these timelines. They will inform you if your request needs more time.

Colorado State Resources for Fort Collins Records

Fort Collins residents can access state-level police records too. The Colorado State Patrol and CBI offer complementary services. These agencies cover highways and criminal history.

The Colorado State Patrol handles crashes on state highways. If your accident was on I-25, Highway 14, or other state roads, contact CSP. Their Central Records Unit is at 700 Kipling St in Lakewood. Call (303) 239-4180. 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 name-based searches. Go to cbi.colorado.gov. Online searches cost $5 and give instant results.

The Colorado Secretary of State website explains open records laws. This helps you understand your rights. The site has guides for requesting public records.

Note: CBI records are fingerprint-based. Name-based checks through ICHC are not suitable for all purposes.

Larimer County Sheriff Records

Fort Collins is in Larimer County. The county sheriff serves areas outside city limits. They also work with city police when needed. For incidents in unincorporated areas, contact the sheriff.

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office is at 2501 Midpoint Drive in Fort Collins. Call (970) 498-5100. Visit larimer.gov/sheriff for records information.

The sheriff handles calls in rural parts of the county. They also operate the county jail. For jail records, contact the sheriff's office directly. City police focus on Fort Collins proper.

Both agencies follow the same state laws. CCJRA governs their records release. Response times and fees may vary. Contact each office for their specific procedures.

Tips for Fort Collins Police Records Requests

Getting records from Fort Collins Police Services is straightforward. These tips will help you get what you need faster.

First, know which agency handled your incident. Fort Collins Police Services covers the city. The Larimer County Sheriff covers rural areas. State Patrol covers highways. Contact the right agency to save time.

Second, gather all relevant details. Note the exact date and location. Get names of people involved. Find the case number if you have it. Complete information speeds up searches.

Third, be specific in your request. State exactly what records you want. General requests take longer. Specific requests get processed faster.

Fourth, understand the fees. Ask about costs when you submit. Simple reports are usually affordable. Large requests may cost more. Colorado law allows agencies to recover their costs.

Fifth, allow adequate time. Standard response is seven working days. Complex cases take longer. Be patient but follow up if needed. Keep your request information for reference.

Sixth, use the direct records line. Call (970) 416-2278 for the records unit. This is faster than the main police number. Records staff can answer specific questions.

Colorado State University Police Records

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University. The campus has its own police department. CSU Police serve the university community. They maintain separate records from city police.

If your incident occurred on campus, contact CSU Police. They handle calls within university boundaries. Their records follow the same state laws. Procedures may differ from city police.

For incidents near campus but on city property, contact Fort Collins Police Services. The two agencies work together. But they keep separate records systems. Know where your incident occurred.

Contact CSU Police directly for campus records. Visit their website or call their department. They can explain their request process. They will tell you about fees and timelines.

Larimer County Police Records

Fort Collins is in Larimer County. The county sheriff serves areas outside city limits. For incidents in unincorporated parts of the county, contact the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.

View Larimer County Records