Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Colorado?

Most public records laws, including the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.

What does a public records request cost in Colorado?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.

Does CORA apply to Colorado police records?

No. Police records are criminal justice records governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, C.R.S. 24-72-301 and following.

Can a Colorado police department refuse to release video?

Most video is a criminal justice record other than official action, which gives the custodian discretion to withhold it, especially while a case is open. Colorado law separately requires release of certain body camera footage of incidents involving complaints of misconduct.

How long does a Colorado agency have to produce records?

For records of official action that are not immediately available, the custodian must set a time within three working days.

Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA)

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Colorado

In Colorado, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309). The law sets this response timeline: Records of official action: if not immediately available, the custodian must set a time within 3 working days (C.R.S. 24-72-303(3)). Other criminal justice records are released at the custodian's discretion.. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Statute: C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309.

Write your Colorado request

Colorado police department

Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

How to send your request

Step 1
Pick the records
Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.
Step 2
Fill in the details
Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.
Step 3
Send it to the records custodian
Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.
Step 4
Follow up after the deadline
If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Colorado

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Colorado?: Most public records laws, including the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Colorado agency have to respond?: Under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309), the response timeline is: Records of official action: if not immediately available, the custodian must set a time within 3 working days (C.R.S. 24-72-303(3)). Other criminal justice records are released at the custodian's discretion.. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Colorado?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Colorado police department denies my request?: Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) (C.R.S. 24-72-301 to 24-72-309) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.
Does CORA apply to Colorado police records?: No. Police records are criminal justice records governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, C.R.S. 24-72-301 and following.
Can a Colorado police department refuse to release video?: Most video is a criminal justice record other than official action, which gives the custodian discretion to withhold it, especially while a case is open. Colorado law separately requires release of certain body camera footage of incidents involving complaints of misconduct.
How long does a Colorado agency have to produce records?: For records of official action that are not immediately available, the custodian must set a time within three working days.

Public records law in Colorado Police departments and incidents in Colorado