Chaffee County Sheriff Police Records
Chaffee County police records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Salida. This mountain county sits in central Colorado. The Sheriff's Office serves a community surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Records include incident reports, arrest data, and accident documentation. Tourism and outdoor recreation are major parts of local law enforcement.
Chaffee County Quick Facts
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office Contact
Sheriff John Spezze leads the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office. The office is at 641 W. Third Street in Salida. This location houses all operations. The Records Division handles public requests. Staff serve residents and visitors.
Salida is the county seat. It's known as the Heart of the Rockies. The Arkansas River runs through town. The area attracts rafters and anglers. The Sheriff's Office handles outdoor recreation incidents. Search and rescue is a major function.
| Sheriff | John Spezze |
|---|---|
| Address | 641 W. Third Street, PO Box 699 Salida, CO 81201 |
| Phone | (719) 539-2596 |
| Fax | (719) 539-1077 |
| Website | chaffeecountysheriff.org |
How to Request Chaffee County Police Records
The Sheriff's Office handles all records requests. You can call to start. You can visit in person. Written requests may be needed. Staff will guide you through the process.
Bring valid ID when visiting. This is required. Case numbers help find records fast. Dates and locations are useful. Names of parties involved assist searches. The Sheriff's Office aims to help.
Response times follow state law. Three days is standard. Seven days is the maximum. Extensions need reasons. Staff work to be prompt. Personal service is a priority.
Search and Rescue in Chaffee County
Chaffee County has more 14,000-foot peaks than any other county. This creates unique challenges. Search and rescue operations are frequent. The Sheriff's Office coordinates these. They work with volunteer teams.
Records of SAR operations are kept. These include incident reports. They document rescues and recoveries. They show resources used. Some details may be limited. Privacy concerns apply.
The Colorado State Patrol handles highway crashes. They patrol US Highway 50 and US Highway 285. These roads cross the county. For crashes on these highways, contact CSP directly.
Police Records in Chaffee County
The Sheriff's Office maintains several record types. These serve various needs. Most are public. Some have limits.
- Incident and investigation reports
- Arrest and booking records
- Traffic accident reports
- Search and rescue documentation
- Daily activity logs
Incident reports document all calls. Deputies write detailed accounts. Facts are recorded. Witnesses are interviewed. Reports support legal cases. They also inform the public.
Arrest records are maintained. They show bookings. Charges are listed. Bond amounts are recorded. The jail holds inmates securely. Records are accurate.
Colorado Records Laws in Chaffee County
Chaffee County follows state law. The CCJRA governs police records. CORA covers other documents. Both ensure transparency. Both have limits.
Agencies respond within three days. Seven days is the maximum. Extensions need explanation. Denials require legal basis. Appeals are permitted. The system is fair.
Some records are exempt. Active investigations stay closed. Juvenile records are protected. Personal information may be redacted. The Sheriff reviews each request. Learn more at coloradofoic.org.
State Resources for Chaffee County
State agencies can help. The CBI has criminal history data. Chaffee County arrests are included. The State Patrol covers highways. Both are useful.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers ICHC. This is online. Results are instant. Five dollars per search. You need name and birth date. Colorado records only.
The County Sheriffs of Colorado lists all sheriffs. Chaffee County is included. Contact info is available. Use this as reference.
Town of Buena Vista Police
Buena Vista is a town in Chaffee County. It has its own police department. They are separate from the Sheriff. They handle calls within town limits. The Sheriff covers the rest of the county.
Buena Vista Police keep their own records. For incidents in town, contact them first. The Sheriff's Office can refer you. Working with the right agency saves time.
The town is a recreation hub. River rafting is popular. The police handle tourist incidents. The Sheriff handles rural areas. Both work together when needed.
Note: The Arkansas River sees heavy use. Water incidents may involve multiple agencies.
Nearby Counties to Chaffee County
Chaffee County is in central Colorado. It's surrounded by mountains. Several counties border it. Records may cross these lines.
Lake County is north across the divide. Park County lies to the northeast. Gunnison County is west. Saguache County sits to the south. Fremont County borders to the east. Mountain passes connect these counties.