Denver Police Records
Denver County police records are maintained by the Denver Police Department. Denver is a consolidated city-county. This means the city and county governments are merged. The Police Department serves both. They handle all law enforcement in Denver. Records requests go through DPD. The Records Section manages public requests.
Denver County Quick Facts
Denver Police Department
The Denver Police Department is the largest in Colorado. Over 1,500 officers serve the city. The department handles all police matters. They patrol neighborhoods. They respond to emergencies. They investigate crimes. The Records Section handles public requests. They maintain all police records.
The Records Section is at 1331 Cherokee Street. This is in downtown Denver. Room 420 houses the unit. They accept walk-in requests. You can also request records online. The department has a records portal. It makes requesting easier. You can track your request status.
| Records Address |
1331 Cherokee Street, Room 420 Denver, CO 80204 |
|---|---|
| Police HQ | 2195 Decatur Street, Denver, CO 80211 |
| Records Phone | (720) 913-6755 |
| Website | denvergov.org/police-department |
| Media Contact | DPDPIO@denvergov.org |
How to Request Denver Police Records
The Denver Police Department offers several ways to request records. Online requests are convenient. The department has a records portal. You can submit requests there. You can also pay fees online. This is the fastest method.
In-person requests work too. Visit the Records Section on Cherokee Street. Bring photo identification. Fill out a request form. Staff will help you. Some records are available immediately. Others take time to process. The office is open business hours.
Mail requests are accepted. Send your request to the records address. Include your contact information. Describe the records you want. Be specific. Include payment if required. The department will process your request. They will mail the results to you.
Denver Police records available include:
- Incident and offense reports
- Arrest records and booking photos
- Traffic crash reports
- 911 call recordings
- Body-worn camera footage
- Computer-aided dispatch reports
Note: Some records require fees. Research time may be charged. Complex requests take longer. The department will inform you of costs.
Types of Denver Police Records
The Denver Police Department maintains comprehensive records. Incident reports are most common. Officers write these after calls. They document events. They include witness statements. Dates and locations appear. These are public in most cases. Some information may be redacted.
Arrest records document custody events. They include the suspect's name. Charges are listed. Arrest dates are recorded. Booking photos may be available. These are public records. Some restrictions apply. Active case information may be limited.
Crash reports are frequently requested. They document vehicle accidents. Insurance companies need these. They show who was involved. They may indicate fault. Denver Police files these reports. You can request copies. Fees may apply.
911 recordings are available. These capture emergency calls. They show what was reported. They help understand response. There is a fee for copies. The department provides these. They are useful for legal matters.
Body camera footage is increasingly requested. Denver officers wear cameras. This records interactions. You can request this footage. There are specific procedures. Fees may apply. The department reviews requests carefully.
Consolidated City-County Government
Denver operates as a consolidated city-county. This is unique in Colorado. Most counties have separate governments. Denver merged theirs in 1902. This affects records access. All police records are at DPD. There is no separate sheriff for the county.
The Police Department serves the entire area. They cover downtown Denver. They patrol suburban neighborhoods. They handle airport calls. They manage stadium events. Records come from all these areas. The Records Section processes them all.
The consolidation simplifies records access. You go to one agency. You follow one set of procedures. This is efficient. It avoids confusion. Other Colorado counties differ. They may have city police and county sheriffs. Denver is streamlined.
Additional Colorado Records Resources
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history. This includes Denver records. You can request a background check. It shows arrests across Colorado. This is useful for comprehensive searches.
The Colorado State Patrol handles state highway crashes. This includes accidents on I-25 and I-70 through Denver. You can request these reports online. Their portal accepts payment. Processing takes about ten days.
The Colorado Open Records Act governs access. It grants rights to inspect public documents. The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition explains these laws. They help citizens understand their rights.
Colorado Records Laws and Denver DPD
Denver Police records are released under Colorado law. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act applies. It sets rules for disclosure. Some records may be withheld. Active investigations are protected. Juvenile records are restricted. The department follows these rules.
Requesters must certify proper use. Colorado law prohibits pecuniary gain. You cannot use records for profit. You cannot sell booking photos. You cannot solicit business. Denver Police requires a signed statement. This confirms legal use.
Fees are charged for records. The first hour of research is free. Additional time has costs. Copy fees apply. The department will estimate costs. They will notify you before proceeding. This ensures transparency.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Denver County. Incidents may involve multiple jurisdictions. Denver Police works with these agencies. Check these counties if needed.