Find La Plata County Arrest Records
La Plata County provides public access to police blotter records through the Sheriff's Office and online inmate search tools. Located in southwestern Colorado with Durango as the county seat, La Plata County serves a diverse population including college students, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and long-time residents. The La Plata County Jail houses up to 297 inmates in its modern detention facility. The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search system that allows the public to check custody status and booking information. Residents can also request formal records through the county's online forms portal.
La Plata County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The La Plata County Sheriff operates an online inmate lookup system through the county website. This tool displays current bookings at the La Plata County Jail located in Durango. The roster shows individuals currently in custody along with recent releases. Search results display booking dates, criminal charges, bond amounts, and other custody information for each inmate. The system updates regularly to reflect new arrests and releases.
Accessing the inmate search is free and available without account registration. Each entry shows the inmate's name, booking information, and current charges. Bond amounts and release eligibility are displayed when applicable. Family members can verify custody status and learn about visitation procedures. Visit the La Plata County website at lpcgov.org and navigate to the Detentions Division to access the inmate search from any device.
La Plata County Detention Facility
The La Plata County Jail is a 297-bed facility located in Durango, Colorado. The modern detention center houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced inmates serving county time, and those awaiting transport to state prison. The facility employs professional corrections staff who manage daily operations including intake, classification, and release procedures. Various programs are available for qualifying inmates including educational courses, substance abuse counseling, and religious services. The jail serves not only La Plata County but also holds inmates for other jurisdictions through contractual agreements.
Visiting hours are scheduled based on housing unit assignment and require advance registration through the jail's visitor system. All visitors must follow dress code requirements and security procedures. Money for inmate accounts can be deposited through lobby kiosks or online services. The jail operates 24 hours a day for intake processing. For general jail information, contact the La Plata County Sheriff's Office at (970) 247-1157.
Requesting Criminal Justice Records
Formal records requests in La Plata County follow Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act procedures. The Sheriff's Office provides an online records request form through the county forms portal. Not all police files are publicly available under state law. Records of official action including arrests and charges must be released. Investigatory files for active cases may be withheld pending case closure. The records custodian reviews each request to determine available documents.
To request La Plata County police reports, use the online CCJRA request form available through the county website. Staff will explain applicable fees for copies and staff research time. Written requests help ensure accurate processing and provide documentation of the request. Response times vary based on request complexity and current workload. The online form streamlines the process for requesting incident reports and other law enforcement records.
The La Plata County online records request form provides streamlined access to criminal justice records.
Crime Data and Statistics
La Plata County encompasses diverse communities from the college town of Durango to rural ranching areas. Fort Lewis College brings a unique dynamic to local law enforcement with seasonal population fluctuations. Crime statistics reflect this diversity with varying patterns across different areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office patrols unincorporated areas while the Durango Police Department handles municipal law enforcement. Annual crime reports may be available through the Sheriff's Office showing arrest totals and incident trends.
The La Plata County Sheriff's Office works closely with federal land management agencies due to extensive public lands within the county. BLM and Forest Service law enforcement coordinate with the Sheriff on incidents occurring on federal lands. For statewide criminal history verification, use the CBI Internet Criminal History Check System. The Colorado Judicial Docket Search can help locate related court cases for criminal matters.
Cities Within La Plata County
La Plata County includes the city of Durango, which serves as the county seat and largest population center. Durango maintains its own municipal police department with separate records systems. The town of Bayfield and town of Ignacio also fall within La Plata County. These smaller communities rely primarily on the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. The Southern Ute Indian Reservation spans parts of La Plata County with its own tribal law enforcement jurisdiction.
When seeking incident reports, contact the appropriate agency based on incident location. Durango Police Department handles city incidents while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. Multi-jurisdictional cases require coordination between agencies. The Sheriff's Office can help determine proper jurisdiction if the location is uncertain. For comprehensive statewide criminal history checks, use the CBI Internet Criminal History Check System.
Victim Notification Services
Crime victims can monitor inmate custody status through the VINE system. The Victim Information and Notification Everyday service provides free automated alerts when inmates are released, transferred, or escape custody. Register at VINELink to receive phone calls, emails, or text message notifications. This service supports victim safety throughout court proceedings and incarceration periods.
VINE covers La Plata County jail inmates and tracks transfers to state prison facilities. Status checks are available 24 hours a day through the online portal or toll-free telephone number. Notifications are offered in multiple languages. Victim advocates can assist with account setup and notification preferences if technical assistance is needed. The District Attorney's Office also provides victim services for cases progressing through the court system.