La Plata County Sheriff Reports

La Plata County police records are managed by the Sheriff's Office in Durango. This scenic county sits in southwest Colorado near the New Mexico border. Sheriff Sean Smith heads the department. The office serves over 56,000 residents. It covers the city of Durango and surrounding rural areas. Records requests follow Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act rules.

La Plata County Sheriff's Office Contact

The Sheriff's Office is on Girard Street in Durango. This is the main location for all county law enforcement. The building houses patrol operations. It also houses the records division. You can visit in person or use their website.

Note: Visit the website for online forms and current hours.

La Plata County Police Record Types

The Sheriff's Office keeps many record types. Each documents different law work. Some are open to the public. Others need special requests.

Incident reports cover service calls. Deputies write these after each call. They show what happened. They list who was involved. These are commonly requested.

Arrest records show booking details. They include charges and dates. Most are public information. Some cases stay sealed. This protects active investigations.

Accident reports cover vehicle crashes. They show where and when. They list drivers and damage. Insurance firms need these. You can request them anytime.

Warrant information may be available. The Sheriff executes warrants. Some warrant data is public. Active case details may be withheld.

How to Request La Plata County Police Records

You have options for getting records. The Sheriff's Office takes requests in person. They take them by phone. They also take mail requests.

Visit the Girard Street office for fastest service. Bring photo identification. Staff can search records while you wait. Pay any fees at the counter. Most reports are ready quickly.

Call (970) 247-1157 for information. Staff can check record status. They can explain the process. They will tell you about fees. Some requests can start by phone.

Mail requests need patience. Write a detailed letter. Include your contact info. Describe the records you want. Add incident details. Include payment for fees. Send to the Girard Street address.

Colorado State Police Record Resources

State resources complement county records. The Colorado State Patrol handles highway crashes. They cover US 550 and US 160. Their records are separate from the county.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has state criminal data. Their ICHC system does name searches. It covers arrests statewide. Use this for background checks.

The Colorado Secretary of State explains open records law. CORA governs public access. Learn about your rights. Understand fee structures.

Note: Cross-reference state and county records for complete data.

La Plata County Law Enforcement Area

La Plata County spans mountains and valleys. Durango is the hub. Fort Lewis College sits here. Tourism drives the economy. The Sheriff serves locals and visitors.

The county includes wilderness areas. deputies patrol remote zones. Search and rescue operations happen often. The Sheriff coordinates these efforts. Records document all activities.

Durango Police Department serves the city. They have separate records. Check which agency responded. This determines where to request. City and county borders matter.

Winter brings unique challenges. Snow closes mountain roads. The Sheriff handles road closures. They assist stranded drivers. Record requests may delay in severe weather.

La Plata County Record Access Information

Accessing police records in La Plata County requires preparation. Understand what records are available. Know the rules that apply. This makes the process smoother.

Public records are open to inspection. Colorado law guarantees this right. Some records have restrictions. Active cases stay confidential. Juvenile records have special rules.

Identify the correct agency first. The Sheriff handles county areas. Durango Police handles city matters. State Patrol covers highways. Request from the right place.

Bring identification when visiting. Staff must verify your identity. This protects sensitive information. It prevents improper access. Your privacy is also protected.

Note: Fees vary by record type and page count. Ask for a cost estimate.

La Plata County Record Content Details

Police records contain specific information. Understanding this helps you request the right documents. Each record type includes different details.

Incident reports document events. They include the date and time. They describe the location. They name involved parties. They contain officer observations.

Arrest records show custody information. They list charges filed. They include booking details. They show arrest dates. They may include mugshots.

Accident reports cover vehicle collisions. They describe road conditions. They note weather factors. They include driver statements. They show damage assessments.

Nearby Counties

These counties border La Plata County. Records may involve multiple agencies. Each has its own request system.