Westminster Police Records

Westminster police records are maintained by the Westminster Police Department. The city sits in both Adams and Jefferson counties. It has a population of about 114,000 residents. The department handles all police records requests. They follow the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.

Westminster Police Department Records

The Westminster Police Department provides law enforcement for the city. They respond to calls and investigate crimes. They also maintain all police records. The Records Section handles public requests. They process reports and related documents.

The city government is at cityofwestminster.us. The police department page has records information. Visit their website for details. You can find contact forms there. You can also find office hours. The site explains the request process.

Westminster is a home rule municipality. This means it has its own charter. The city operates with local control. The police department follows city policies. They also follow state laws. This affects how records are released.

The department serves a diverse community. Westminster has residential areas and businesses. It also has open space and trails. The police handle all types of calls. Their records reflect this variety. You can request specific incident types.

How to Request Westminster Police Reports

Getting Westminster police records starts with the department. They have staff to help you. The process follows state guidelines. You can request online or in person. Some records may be available by mail.

Visit the city website first. Go to the police department page. Look for records information. The site will have instructions. It will also have any forms you need. Follow the steps provided. This ensures a smooth process.

When you request, be specific. Include the date of the incident. Include the location too. A case number helps if you have one. The more details you give, the faster they can find your record. Vague requests take longer to process.

Not all records are public. Some files are confidential. Active investigations stay closed. Juvenile records have protection. The department will tell you if they cannot release something. They will explain the reason. This is required by law.

Westminster Police Records Available

The Westminster Police Department keeps various record types. Each has different access rules. Some are open to the public. Others have restrictions. Know what you can get before you ask.

Incident reports are common requests. These document calls for service. They show what officers found. They also show actions taken. Reports may be redacted. This removes sensitive details.

Accident reports are also available. These document traffic crashes. They include driver information. They show vehicle damage. Insurance companies need these. Drivers involved need them too.

Other records you can request include:

• Supplemental reports
• Dispatch recordings
• Booking photos
• Clearance letters
• Statistical data

Each record type has a process. Some take longer than others. Audio and video need review. This takes time. The department will give you an estimate. They will keep you informed.

Westminster Police Records Fees

Fees for Westminster police records follow state law. Colorado sets the standards. The first hour of research is free. This is for staff time finding records. After that, hourly rates apply.

Copy costs are separate. Paper copies have per-page fees. Electronic files may cost less. Some records are free if you just view them. Taking copies incurs charges. Ask about fees when you request.

Large requests may need a deposit. If research takes many hours, you pay part first. This is normal for big cases. The department will tell you the estimate. You can decide whether to proceed. This protects both you and the city.

Note: Contact the Records Section for current fee schedules.

Colorado Law for Westminster Records

Westminster follows Colorado law. The state has specific rules. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act applies. This is CCJRA. It governs police records. It is different from CORA.

CORA is the Open Records Act. It covers general public records. City council minutes use CORA. Police reports use CCJRA. The two laws have different rules. Know which applies to your request.

Under CCJRA, some records are public. Others are not. The records custodian decides. They can withhold if release hurts the public interest. They must explain denials. You can appeal if denied.

You must affirm your purpose. You cannot use records for money gain. This is state law. The form will have this statement. Read it carefully. Violations have penalties.

The department has three days to respond. They can extend to ten days. They must explain why. You will get an answer either way. This is your right under Colorado law.

Other Agencies for Westminster Area

Westminster works with other agencies. You may need their records. Each has its own process. Know which agency responded to your call. This helps you get the right records.

The Adams County Sheriff serves north Westminster. They handle county areas nearby. Call (303) 655-3215. They are in Brighton. Visit adamssheriffco.gov.

The Jefferson County Sheriff serves south Westminster. They cover their county areas. Call (303) 271-5852. They are in Golden. Visit jeffco.us/sheriff.

Colorado State Patrol handles highways. This includes US 36 and other routes. Accidents on state roads go to them. Call (303) 239-4180. Visit csp.colorado.gov.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has state records. They provide criminal history checks. These use fingerprints. Visit cbi.colorado.gov. They also have name-based checks.

Learn about open records at sos.state.co.us. This state site explains the laws. It is a helpful resource.

Tips for Westminster Records Requests

Make your request go smoothly. Plan ahead first. Gather all your information. Know the date and location. Get the case number if you can. This helps staff find your record fast.

Use the website as a resource. The city site has helpful pages. Look for the police section. Read about records there. It explains the process. It may answer your questions.

Be clear about what you want. Specific requests are faster. Broad requests take more time. They also cost more. Narrow your scope if possible. This helps everyone.

Follow up if needed. Keep your request number. Use it when you call. Be polite with staff. They are there to help. Good communication solves problems.

Adams and Jefferson County Records

Westminster spans two counties. The Adams County Sheriff serves the north. The Jefferson County Sheriff serves the south. Each has its own records system. You may need to contact both. This depends on where your incident occurred.

View Adams County Police Records View Jefferson County Police Records