Otero County Criminal Records Search
Otero County lies in southeastern Colorado. La Junta serves as the county seat. The Arkansas River flows through this rural area. The Otero County Sheriff's Office maintains local criminal records. They serve a population of about 18,000 residents. Records access follows Colorado open records laws. Most documents are available to the public.
Otero County Sheriff's Office
The Otero County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for the entire county. They patrol highways and rural roads. They respond to emergency calls. They investigate criminal activity. The main office is in La Junta. The address is 222 East 2nd Street. You can call them at 719-384-5941.
The Sheriff's Office handles all aspects of public safety. Deputies make arrests. They serve warrants. They transport prisoners. They work with other agencies. This includes state police and local departments. Records from these activities are maintained with care.
Records staff process requests daily. They understand Colorado law. They know what can be released. They work to provide quick service. Most requests are completed within days. Complex searches take longer. Staff will inform you of timeframes.
| Address | 222 East 2nd Street, La Junta, CO 81050 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 719-384-5941 |
| Fax | 719-384-6908 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Otero County Jail
The Otero County Jail houses inmates at the Sheriff's Office location. It is a secure detention facility. It holds both pre-trial and sentenced inmates. The jail meets state standards. It provides basic services to inmates.
Visitation is available. Family and friends can visit inmates. Schedules vary. Contact the jail for current times. Rules apply for security. Identification is required. Dress codes are enforced.
Inmate information is public. Current bookings can be checked. Release dates may be available. Bond information is provided. Some details stay confidential. Medical information is private. Security concerns may limit disclosure.
Types of Records Available
Otero County maintains various criminal justice records. Each type serves different purposes. Requesters should know what they need. Staff can help identify the right documents.
Common record types include:
- Arrest reports and booking logs
- Incident and offense reports
- Warrant information
- Accident reports
- Jail visitation logs
Arrest reports document apprehensions. They show who was arrested. They list the charges. They include the arresting officer. These are public records. Some information may be redacted.
Incident reports cover calls for service. Not all involve arrests. Some are informational only. Others document crimes. The level of detail varies. Active cases have restrictions.
Colorado State Criminal Records Resources
State agencies provide records beyond Otero County. These resources cover all of Colorado. They are useful for comprehensive searches. State databases are authoritative.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers statewide checks. Visit them at 690 Kipling Street in Lakewood. Call 303-239-4208 for assistance. The CBI manages criminal history data. They provide official background checks.
The Internet Criminal History Check System costs six dollars per search. It shows conviction records. It covers the entire state. Results are available online. This service is popular. Many employers use it.
The CBI records overview page is helpful. Find it at cbi.colorado.gov/records-and-background-checks. It explains all services. Fees are listed. Forms are available. Processing times are noted.
Colorado Court Dockets are online. Access them at courts.state.co.us/dockets. This system tracks court cases statewide. Criminal cases appear here. Civil cases too. You can search by name. Case numbers work best. The service is free to use.
The Sex Offender Registry is public. Access it at apps.colorado.gov/sor. Search by various criteria. The registry is updated regularly. Call 303-239-4222 for questions. Not all offenders appear. Risk levels determine inclusion.
The Department of Corrections has an inmate locator. Find it at doc.state.co.us/oss. This tracks state prisoners. It does not include county jails. Use it for felony records. State prison data is comprehensive.
Colorado Laws Governing Criminal Records
Colorado law controls access to criminal records. Two statutes are primary. The CCJRA covers criminal justice records. CORA covers general public records. Both apply in Otero County.
The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act begins at C.R.S. 24-72-301. It establishes public access. It also allows restrictions. Active investigations remain confidential. Juvenile records are protected. Victim information may be withheld.
The Colorado Open Records Act starts at C.R.S. 24-72-200.1. It covers all public records. Agencies must respond promptly. Three business days is standard. Extensions are possible with cause. Denials require legal citation.
Key provisions include:
- Right to inspect records without cost
- Reasonable fees for copies and research
- Written requests for complex searches
- Appeal rights for denials
- Protection of sensitive personal data
Otero County follows these laws. Staff are trained properly. They understand release requirements. They balance transparency and privacy. Requesters receive fair treatment.
How to Request Otero County Criminal Records
Obtaining records from Otero County requires clear communication. Provide specific information. General requests take longer. Detailed requests move faster.
Follow these steps:
- Identify the specific records you need
- Gather subject information including full name
- Note incident dates if known
- Contact the Sheriff's Office
- Submit your request with contact details
- Allow processing time
- Pay any required fees
Contact the office at 719-384-5941. Explain your needs. Staff will direct you. Some records need forms. Others can be verbal. Complex cases may need writing.
Visiting in person is effective. Go to 222 East 2nd Street. Bring photo identification. Ask for records staff. They will assist immediately. Same-day service is possible. It depends on the request complexity.
Written requests create a record. Mail them to the office. Include return address. Specify preferred format. Paper copies are standard. Electronic may be available. Ask what options exist.
Fees are set by law. They must be reasonable. Otero County follows state rules. Inspection is free. Copies cost money. Research time may incur charges. Staff provide estimates. You can approve or modify requests.
Nearby Counties
Criminal records are maintained at the county level. If you need information about incidents near Otero County borders, check these neighboring counties. Each maintains separate records.