Hinsdale County Jail Records and Sheriff Department Data
Hinsdale County is Colorado's least populous county. It sits in the remote San Juan Mountains. The county seat is Lake City. The Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office provides all law enforcement for this vast rural area. The jail is very small, handling minimal local detention needs.
Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office
The Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office is in Lake City. The main phone number is 970-944-2291. The office has limited staff. The sheriff handles most law enforcement duties personally.
The county covers over 1,100 square miles. Much is wilderness and national forest. Alpine terrain creates access challenges. Winter often isolates the county.
Deputies patrol Highway 149. This is the main route through the county. Lake City is the primary population center. Tourism drives seasonal activity.
Records requests go through the main office. Email is records@hinsdalecountysheriff.com. Phone calls are also accepted. Response times may be longer due to staffing.
Under C.R.S. § 24-72-303, official action records are public. Hinsdale County honors this obligation. Requests are processed as resources allow.
Hinsdale County Jail
Hinsdale County operates a very small jail. It has minimal holding capacity. Most arrests require transfer to other facilities. The jail is for short-term detention only.
There is no online inmate search. Call 970-944-2291 for custody information. Staff can verify if someone was booked. They will indicate transfer location.
Inmates typically transfer to larger facilities. Gunnison or La Plata County often receive transfers. This is due to limited local capacity. State prisoners go to CDOC facilities.
Visiting is extremely limited. Most contact happens after transfer. Family should contact the receiving facility. They will have visiting procedures.
The jail is attached to the sheriff's office. It is not a full-service facility. Medical care requires transport. This affects detention decisions.
Mail can be sent to the sheriff's office. Address it to the inmate by name. Include your return address. Mail will be forwarded if the inmate has transferred.
Requesting Police and Jail Records in Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County handles records requests directly. Email records@hinsdalecountysheriff.com. Phone requests to 970-944-2291 are accepted. Written requests can be mailed.
The small staff affects processing time. Be specific in your request. Include all relevant details. This helps staff locate records quickly.
Include these details:
- Date and approximate time of incident
- Location within Hinsdale County
- Names of individuals involved
- Your complete contact information
Fees are minimal but apply. The county charges for copies. Staff time may incur costs. Payment is required before release.
Under C.R.S. § 24-72-304, some records may be withheld. The custodian determines discretionary releases. Written explanations are provided.
Hinsdale County Court Records
Hinsdale County is part of the 7th Judicial District. Court sessions are limited. The courthouse is in Lake City. Proceedings may be infrequent.
The state docket search includes Hinsdale County. This is free to use. Search by name or case number. Fewer cases mean limited results.
The clerk's office has limited hours. Call ahead to confirm availability. Records may be stored off-site. Retrieval takes additional time.
Most serious cases transfer to larger venues. This is due to jury pool requirements. The county's small population affects proceedings. District court handles major matters.
State Resources for Hinsdale County
State databases become especially important for Hinsdale County. Local resources are limited. State systems provide additional coverage.
The CBI Internet Criminal History Check includes Hinsdale County arrests. Searches cost six dollars. Access CBI ICHC online. This is often the best search option.
The CDOC Offender Search tracks state prisoners. Hinsdale County inmates usually transfer quickly. This database shows their current location.
VINE is particularly useful here. Register at VINE Link. Get notifications about transfers. This helps track inmate location.
Nearby Counties
Hinsdale County borders remote mountain counties. Access between counties is limited. Records searches may need to include multiple areas.
Under C.R.S. § 24-72-305, appeals are available. Contact the Hinsdale County Sheriff for procedures.