El Paso County Sheriff Records
El Paso County police records are available through the Sheriff's Office in Colorado Springs. This is the most populous county in Colorado with over 730,000 residents. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for unincorporated areas and operates the county jail. You can request incident reports, arrest records, and accident reports from their records division.
El Paso County Quick Facts
El Paso County Sheriff's Office Records
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office maintains all police records for unincorporated areas. Their records division processes requests for incident reports and arrest records. The office serves Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. You can visit in person or submit requests by mail. Staff can help you find the records you need.
The Sheriff's Office also operates the Criminal Justice Center. This facility houses the county jail and booking operations. Arrest records from this facility are available through the records division. The office handles thousands of cases each year. They work with the District Attorney's Office on criminal prosecutions.
| Address |
27 E Vermijo Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (719) 390-5555 |
| Website | epcsheriffsoffice.com |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Request El Paso County Police Records
You can request El Paso County police records in several ways. The Sheriff's Office accepts in-person requests at their downtown office. You can also submit requests by mail or phone. Some records may be available online through their website. The method you choose depends on what type of record you need.
For incident reports, visit the records division during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Staff will search for the report using the date, location, or case number. Reports typically take a few days to process. You can also call ahead to check if a report is ready for pickup. The Sheriff's Office handles requests under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
When requesting El Paso County police records, include the following details:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location where it occurred
- Names of parties involved
- Case number if available
Accident reports for crashes investigated by the Sheriff's Office are available through the same process. Colorado State Patrol handles accidents on state highways in El Paso County. You can request those records through the Colorado State Patrol website. Make sure you know which agency responded to your incident before making a request.
Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act in El Paso County
The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act governs access to police records in El Paso County. This law sets rules for what records are public. It also establishes time frames for responses. The Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within three business days. They can extend this to ten days with a written explanation.
Not all police records are public under the CCJRA. Some records are sealed by court order. Others may be withheld during active investigations. Juvenile records have special protections. The Sheriff's Office will review each request. They will release records that are not exempt from disclosure. You can learn more about the CCJRA from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Denial of a records request must be in writing. It must cite the specific law that allows the denial. You can appeal a denial to the district court. The court will review whether the Sheriff's Office followed the law. Legal aid organizations may help with appeals. Note: Some records require a subpoena for release.
Types of El Paso County Police Records Available
El Paso County police records include several document types. Incident reports document calls for service. These show what officers found at the scene. Arrest records show bookings at the Criminal Justice Center. Accident reports cover vehicle crashes. Each type of record has its own request process.
Incident reports are the most common request. They show the date, time, and location of an event. They include witness statements and officer observations. These reports help with insurance claims. They also support civil cases. The Sheriff's Office maintains these records for several years.
Booking records show who was arrested. They include photos and charges. These are public records in most cases. The Sheriff's Office updates booking information daily. You can search recent arrests on their website. Older booking records require a formal request.
El Paso County police records may contain:
- Incident dates and locations
- Officer narratives and observations
- Witness contact information
- Evidence collected at scenes
- Arrest details and charges
- Vehicle information for accidents
State Resources for El Paso County Records
Several state agencies work with El Paso County on law enforcement. The Colorado State Patrol handles highway incidents. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history records. These agencies can provide additional records. They supplement what the Sheriff's Office provides.
The Colorado State Patrol responds to accidents on major highways. This includes Interstate 25 and Highway 24. Their records are separate from the Sheriff's Office. You must request them through the State Patrol's Central Records Unit. They offer an online portal for crash reports.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history records. These include fingerprint-based arrest records from El Paso County. You can request your own criminal history online. Employers must follow specific rules for background checks. The CBI also helps with records expungement questions.
For open records questions, contact the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. They provide guidance on the Colorado Open Records Act. This law covers records held by county government. The Secretary of State also publishes CORA resources.
Cities in El Paso County
El Paso County includes several cities with their own police departments. Colorado Springs is the largest city. It has its own police department separate from the Sheriff's Office. Other cities also maintain independent law enforcement. You must contact the correct agency for records.
Other communities in El Paso County include Fountain, Manitou Springs, and Monument. Each may have its own police department or contract with the Sheriff's Office. Check which agency handles your area before requesting records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border El Paso County. If your incident occurred near the county line, verify which agency responded. Records are maintained by the county where the incident occurred.