El Paso County Criminal Records Search
El Paso County criminal records are open to the public under Colorado law. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office maintains these documents. They serve a county that spans 2,130 square miles. The office was founded in 1861. Today the population exceeds 740,000. Five hundred forty-one sworn officers and three hundred thirteen civilian staff work to uphold the mission. That mission is clear. They aim to provide citizens with effective and efficient public safety services. Records here cover arrests, bookings, jail stays, and body camera footage. State statutes make most of this data public. This guide shows you how to find the records you need.
The Sheriff's Office sits in Colorado Springs. It is the main source for local criminal justice records. You can search online for current inmates. You can request body camera video. You can ask for copies of reports. Some records are free. Others have fees tied to research time. The office follows both CORA and CCJRA rules. These laws balance access with privacy. This page walks you through each option step by step.
El Paso County Quick Facts
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has deep roots. It was created in 1861. That was the same year El Paso County formed. The office predates Colorado statehood. It has grown with the county. Today it is one of the largest sheriff's offices in the state. It covers a vast area. The terrain ranges from plains to mountains. Urban and rural areas both fall under its watch.
The staff totals 854 people. Five hundred forty-one are sworn deputies. Three hundred thirteen are civilians. They handle patrol, jail, records, and courts. The jail sits at 2739 East Las Vegas Street. The main office is at 27 East Vermijo Avenue. Both are in Colorado Springs. The office uses modern tools. They offer online searches. They take digital requests. They strive to serve the public well.
| Jail Address | 2739 East Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 |
|---|---|
| Jail Phone | 719-390-2000 |
| Office Address | 27 East Vermijo Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 |
| Booking Desk | 719-390-2151 |
| Sheriff Homepage | epcsheriffsoffice.com |
El Paso County Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office runs an online inmate search. This tool lets you find who is in jail. It is free to use. It is open to all. You can search by name. You can see booking dates. You can view charges. Bond amounts appear. Court dates show up too. This helps families stay informed. It helps lawyers track clients. It helps the public know who is in custody.
You can access the inmate search portal directly. The page is simple. Enter a name. Results appear fast. Data includes the booking number. It shows the date of arrest. It lists the charges filed. Some records have photos. Not all details are public. Some data may be held back. This is due to privacy laws. It is also for safety reasons.
The Sheriff's Office posts clear warnings. The data is not for official law enforcement use. It is not for criminal justice purposes. Do not act on this data alone. Always call the booking desk first. The number is 719-390-2151. Staff can verify current status. They can confirm release dates. They can answer questions. The online tool is helpful. But it has limits. Call for the full story.
Records and Video Requests
You can request records from the Sheriff's Office. This includes reports. It includes body camera video. It includes other documents. The records request page guides you through the process. Some info is very limited by phone. The office does not do background checks. Inmate information is also limited. Formal requests work best.
Body camera footage has special rules. You may request a copy. You may ask to review it. This is under CCJRA. That is the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. The statute is CRS 24-72-301. Video may be redacted. This protects privacy. Faces may be blurred. Personal data may be hidden. The office reviews each request. They follow state law. They balance transparency with rights.
Not all records are open. Some are exempt. Records made for investigations are closed. Work product for elected officials is private. Social Security numbers are redacted. Bank accounts are hidden. Personal identifying info is protected. The office will tell you if a record is closed. They will cite the law. You can appeal if you disagree. Contact the records custodian for help.
Beth DeStefano handles records. She is the Records and Documents specialist. Her number is 719-520-7183. For media, call Kate Singh. She is the PIO for the 4th Judicial DA. Her number is 719-520-6084. These staff can guide you. They know the rules. They can point you to the right forms.
Request Fees and Payment
Fees apply to many records requests. The Sheriff's Office charges for research. They charge for retrieval. They charge for redaction. The rate is $32.00 per hour. The first hour is free. This is per C.R.S. 24-72-205(6)(b). That statute sets the max rate. No agency can charge more. Criminal justice records have added costs. Reports up to ten pages cost $8.00 for review and redaction. Body camera video costs $32.00 per hour. There is a one-hour minimum for video.
Standard requests finish within 72 hours. Some take up to 10 days. Complex requests need more time. Pending investigations cause delays. The office will notify you. They will explain the holdup. You can pay at the Sheriff's Office. The address is 27 East Vermijo Avenue. Hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm. Monday through Friday. Bring exact change if possible. Ask about other payment types when you submit.
Colorado Open Records Act
The El Paso County CORA page explains your rights. CORA is the Colorado Open Records Act. It covers C.R.S. § 24-72-201 through 206. You can request records from any county office. Submit your request to the custodian. Each office keeps its own records. There is no central state repository. This is true for all of Colorado.
CORA requests must be specific. Name the record you want. Give dates if you can. Include case numbers. Vague requests may be denied. The office has three days to respond. They can extend this for good cause. If denied, they must cite the statute. You can appeal to the District Attorney. You can also go to court. Keep copies of all letters. Track your request dates. This helps if you need to appeal.
Other El Paso County Resources
More tools exist for El Paso County residents. The county website has a popular services page. This includes a sex offender search. You can find registered offenders near you. The search is free. It uses state data. Results show photos and addresses. It helps families stay safe.
Community corrections has its own portal. Visit justice services to learn more. This office handles probation. It manages alternative sentences. It helps with reentry programs. Records here differ from sheriff's records. They focus on supervision. They track compliance. They work with courts and the jail.
State resources add more depth. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation keeps statewide records. The Sex Offender Registry covers all counties. Court dockets show case details. These tools work together. Start local. Go state if needed. Each level adds new data.
Colorado Laws on Criminal Records
Colorado has two key laws. CORA is the Colorado Open Records Act. It covers general public records. CCJRA is the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. It covers police and jail records. Both apply in El Paso County. They work side by side. Knowing them helps you get records. It also helps you know your limits.
CORA is at C.R.S. § 24-72-201 through 206. It says most records are public. Agencies must respond fast. They can charge for copies. They can charge for research. But viewing is free. CCJRA is at C.R.S. § 24-72-301 and beyond. It deals with criminal justice files. Most are public. But some are not. Investigative files are closed until the case ends. Personal data is redacted. The Sheriff's Office follows both laws. They train staff on compliance. They aim for transparency.
Cities in El Paso County
El Paso County has several cities. Colorado Springs is the largest. It has its own police department. So does Fountain. The Sheriff's Office serves unincorporated areas. They also help small towns. Records for city arrests may be with city police. County arrests are with the Sheriff. Know which agency to ask.
Other communities include Monument, Palmer Lake, and Calhan. Each may have different record systems. Check with the local police for city matters. Use the Sheriff's Office for county-wide records.
Nearby Counties
El Paso County borders several counties. Records are kept locally. If you need documents from another area, check that county's resources. Here are the neighbors of El Paso County.