Lakewood Criminal Records Search Guide
Lakewood criminal records are maintained by multiple agencies across Jefferson County and Colorado. The city sits just west of Denver and serves as a hub for state law enforcement. Records searches in Lakewood span local police files, county sheriff databases, and state criminal history systems. Each source holds different pieces of the public record.
The Jefferson County Sheriff provides primary law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of Lakewood. The Lakewood Police Department handles calls within city limits. Both agencies create and maintain records. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has its headquarters in Lakewood at 690 Kipling Street. This location makes the city a center for statewide background checks and criminal history searches. Records requests follow Colorado's Criminal Justice Records Act and Colorado Open Records Act statutes.
Lakewood Quick Facts
Jefferson County Sheriff Records
The Jefferson County Sheriff serves Lakewood residents through patrol services, jail operations, and records management. The agency maintains criminal justice records for arrests, incident reports, and inmate information. Their Records Unit processes public requests for documents under Colorado law.
The Sheriff operates the Jefferson County Jail in Golden. This facility houses inmates arrested in Lakewood and throughout the county. Family members and legal representatives can access inmate information through the online lookup tool. The system shows booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and release status. Visit inmatelookup.jeffco.us to search current inmates. The jail phone number is 303-271-5444 for questions about visitation or inmate accounts.
Records requests go through the Jefferson County Sheriff Records Unit at 200 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. The unit charges a processing fee of $3.00 per C.R.S. § 24-72-306(1). The office phone is 303-271-5542. Staff can explain what records are public and how to obtain copies. Some records may require formal open records requests.
The Sheriff uses the NextRequest platform for records submissions. This paperless system started in September 2024. Requesters create accounts and submit forms online. The platform tracks request status and delivers documents electronically when possible. This speeds up the process for Lakewood residents seeking sheriff records.
You can access the Jefferson County Sheriff Inmate Lookup tool to find current jail inmates. Click here to search inmate records.
The online system provides real-time booking information for inmates housed at the Jefferson County Jail.
Criminal Justice Records in Lakewood
Criminal justice records include arrest reports, incident reports, accident reports, and jail booking records. These documents fall under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA). The statute is C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq. Agencies may charge fees for research and copying time.
The Jefferson County Sheriff provides detailed information about accessing criminal justice records. Their website explains the difference between public records and restricted information. Some records contain sensitive data that requires redaction. Others may be sealed by court order. The Criminal Justice Records page at jeffco.us outlines the full process for Lakewood requesters.
Processing times vary based on record complexity. Simple requests for specific incident reports may take days. Broad requests requiring extensive research can take weeks. The $3.00 base fee applies to each request. Additional charges accrue for staff time and copies. Requesters receive cost estimates before work begins on complex requests.
The Criminal Justice Records information page explains how to request sheriff documents. Visit the Jefferson County Criminal Justice Records page for complete details.
This resource guides residents through the records request process under Colorado law.
Lakewood Police Department Records
The Lakewood Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency for the city. Officers respond to calls, investigate crimes, and maintain local police records. These records complement those held by the county sheriff. Residents can request police reports directly from the department.
Police records include incident reports, accident reports, and case files for investigations within Lakewood city limits. The Records Unit handles public requests. Some reports are available immediately. Others require review before release. Reports involving ongoing investigations may be withheld until cases close.
The Lakewood Police work closely with the Jefferson County Sheriff on jail and detention matters. While the police make arrests, the county operates the jail. Inmate records flow through the sheriff's system. Understanding this relationship helps Lakewood residents know where to look for specific records.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation in Lakewood
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains its headquarters at 690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000, in Lakewood. This location places the state's central criminal history repository within the city. CBI serves as the primary source for statewide background checks and criminal history verification.
The CBI Records and Background Checks unit processes thousands of requests each year. Employers, licensing agencies, and individuals use these services. The Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) system allows online name-based searches. Results show Colorado arrests and convictions. The system does not include federal records or out-of-state offenses.
For fingerprint-based background checks, individuals must visit authorized locations. CBI works with third-party vendors for electronic fingerprinting. Results from fingerprint checks are more accurate than name-based searches. They match biometric data rather than text names. This reduces false positives in background checks.
The CBI Sex Offender Registry is accessible online. The database contains information about registered sex offenders in Colorado. Search by name, location, or proximity to an address. The registry helps Lakewood residents stay informed about offenders living nearby. Access the search at apps.colorado.gov.
The CBI headquarters sits in Lakewood at 690 Kipling Street. Visit the CBI homepage for background check services and criminal history resources.
This state agency provides comprehensive criminal history checks and records services from its Lakewood office.
Statewide Records Resources
Lakewood residents can access several statewide databases for criminal records research. These systems cover courts, offenders, and criminal history across all Colorado counties. Understanding these resources expands search capabilities beyond local agencies.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides online court docket searches. The system covers cases from district courts, county courts, and municipal courts. Users can search by name, case number, or court location. Dockets show case status, hearing dates, and filing history. Access the search at courts.state.co.us. Records for the 1st Judicial District, which includes Lakewood, appear in this system.
The CBI Records and Background Checks page explains all options for obtaining criminal history information. The site covers name-based checks, fingerprint checks, and challenges to incorrect records. Fees vary by service type. Some results return immediately online. Others require mailing fingerprint cards and waiting for processing. Visit cbi.colorado.gov/records-and-background-checks for current fee schedules.
Additional state resources include:
- Colorado Department of Corrections inmate locator for prison records
- Colorado State Patrol for traffic accident reports
- Attorney General's office for consumer protection complaints
Each agency maintains separate records systems. Cross-referencing multiple sources yields the most complete picture of criminal history in Colorado.
Colorado Records Laws
Access to Lakewood criminal records is governed by two main statutes. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) covers law enforcement records. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) applies to general government documents. Both laws balance public access against privacy and safety concerns.
The CCJRA is found at C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq. It classifies criminal justice records as public or confidential. Public records include arrest information, incident reports, and jail booking data. Confidential records include ongoing investigation materials and juvenile records. Agencies may deny requests for records that would harm investigations or endanger witnesses.
CORA appears at C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq. It applies to records held by all public entities in Colorado. The law presumes records are open to inspection. Agencies must respond to requests within three business days. Extensions are allowed for complex requests. Fees for research and copying must be reasonable.
Requesters who face denials can appeal to district courts. Judges review whether agencies properly withheld records. Successful challenges may result in attorney fee awards. These laws ensure Lakewood residents can access most criminal records while protecting legitimate government interests.
Jefferson County Criminal Records
Lakewood sits in Jefferson County, the fourth most populous county in Colorado. The Jefferson County Sheriff provides regional law enforcement services. County courts process criminal cases. The district attorney files charges. For more information on county-level resources, court procedures, and regional records, visit the Jefferson County criminal records page.