San Juan County Criminal Records Directory
San Juan County is Colorado's least populous county. Silverton is the county seat. The county sits high in the San Juan Mountains. It is known for historic mining and rugged terrain. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office provides all law enforcement. They maintain criminal records. Access follows Colorado open records laws.
San Juan County Sheriff's Office
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office is in Silverton. The address is 1557 Greene Street. The phone number is 970-387-5531. Emergency calls use 911. The office serves the entire county.
The Sheriff's Office handles diverse duties. They patrol mountain highways. They respond to backcountry emergencies. They conduct search and rescue. They enforce criminal laws. Records document all activities.
The county is extremely rural. It has fewer than 800 residents. Law enforcement covers vast wilderness. They handle winter emergencies. They deal with summer recreation. Historic preservation issues arise. Silverton is a historic mining town. It attracts tourists year-round. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad brings visitors. The sheriff manages increased population. They coordinate with tour operators. They ensure visitor safety. Summer months are especially busy.
| Address | 1557 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-387-5531 |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
San Juan County Jail and Detention
San Juan County maintains a small detention facility. It is at the Sheriff's Office. It holds inmates temporarily. Long-term housing uses other counties. This is typical for small jurisdictions.
Inmate records are kept current. Even when prisoners transfer. San Juan County maintains the files. They track all detainees. Booking information is available.
Visitation policies vary. Contact the jail for current rules. Identification is required. Security is maintained. Due to the small population, most serious offenders transfer. La Plata County often houses them. San Juan County maintains oversight. They track all cases. They ensure due process.
Types of Criminal Records Available
San Juan County maintains essential records. Various types exist. Each serves different purposes. Requesters should specify needs.
Record categories include:
- Arrest reports
- Incident reports
- Accident reports
- Search and rescue records
- Dispatch logs
Arrest reports document apprehensions. They include charges. They show circumstances. Most information is public.
Incident reports cover calls. Content varies. Some involve crimes. Others are informational. Active cases have restrictions. Search and rescue is common. The mountains are dangerous. Weather changes quickly. Hikers get lost. The sheriff coordinates rescues. They work with volunteers. They use specialized equipment. These operations are documented carefully.
Colorado State Criminal Records Resources
San Juan County records are local. State resources expand coverage. Colorado provides comprehensive tools.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is at 690 Kipling Street, Lakewood. Call 303-239-4208. They maintain statewide history.
The Internet Criminal History Check costs six dollars. Access through CBI. It shows convictions. Results are instant. Coverage is statewide.
Learn more at cbi.colorado.gov/records-and-background-checks. Services are detailed. Fees are listed. Forms are available.
Colorado Court Dockets track cases. Find them at courts.state.co.us/dockets. Search by name or case number. The service is free.
The Sex Offender Registry is public. Access at apps.colorado.gov/sor. Search by various criteria. Call 303-239-4222 for help.
The Department of Corrections tracks prisoners. Use doc.state.co.us/oss. This covers state inmates. Felony records are shown.
Colorado Laws Governing Records Access
Two statutes control San Juan County records. The CCJRA applies to criminal files. CORA covers general records. Both ensure transparency.
The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act is C.R.S. 24-72-301 et seq. It establishes public access. It permits restrictions. Active cases are confidential. Juvenile records are sealed. Victims are protected.
The Colorado Open Records Act is C.R.S. 24-72-200.1 et seq. It mandates timely responses. Three days is standard. Reasonable fees are allowed. Denials require legal citation.
Your rights include:
- Right to inspect records
- Right to reasonable fees
- Right to timely response
- Right to appeal denials
San Juan County upholds these rights. Staff are trained. They understand the law. They balance access and privacy.
How to Request San Juan County Criminal Records
Obtaining records requires clear requests. Specific details help. General inquiries take longer.
Steps to request:
- Determine what you need
- Gather subject information
- Contact the Sheriff's Office
- Submit a detailed request
- Include contact details
- Allow processing time
- Pay applicable fees
Visit in person. Go to 1557 Greene Street. Bring photo ID. Ask for records staff. They assist immediately.
Call 970-387-5531 to start. Staff explain requirements. They may request a visit.
Written requests are accepted. Mail to the Sheriff's Office. Include complete contact info. Describe records specifically.
Fees are reasonable. They follow state law. Inspection is free. Copies have charges. Estimates are provided.
Understanding San Juan County Records
Criminal records in San Juan County are carefully maintained despite the small population. Each incident is documented thoroughly. The sheriff's office takes pride in professional standards. Records support the justice system.
The historic nature of Silverton affects law enforcement. The town preserves its mining heritage. Tourists come to experience history. The sheriff protects this heritage. They manage modern challenges in a historic setting.
Requesters should understand the unique context. Records may reflect mountain emergencies. Weather-related incidents are common. Search and rescue operations require documentation. The sheriff coordinates with multiple agencies. Avalanche incidents occur in winter. The sheriff responds. They work with ski patrol. Records document these dangerous missions. The county has steep terrain. Snow slides are a risk. The sheriff trains for these events. They coordinate rescues. They work with experts. Safety is always the priority.
Nearby Counties
San Juan County is surrounded by other mountain counties. Records are kept locally. Check neighboring counties for border incidents.