Otero County Arrest and Jail Records
Otero County is located in southeastern Colorado on the high plains. The county seat is La Junta, a historic railroad town that serves as the center for government and law enforcement. The Otero County Sheriff's Office provides police services for unincorporated areas and operates the county jail. The facility has 34 beds for housing inmates. Public records are available through the Sheriff's Office with applicable fees for document copies.
Otero County Sheriff's Office
The Otero County Sheriff's Office is located at 222 East 2nd Street in La Junta. This facility houses the administrative offices, patrol division, and county jail. The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement coverage for rural areas of the county. Deputies respond to calls across the extensive agricultural region. The agency works with municipal police departments in La Junta and Rocky Ford.
For general inquiries, contact the Sheriff's Office at 719-384-5941. Staff can provide information about recent arrests and jail procedures. The records division handles formal requests for police reports. Business hours are Monday through Friday for administrative matters. Patrol deputies provide continuous coverage for emergency response.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all law enforcement activities. This includes incident reports, arrest logs, and traffic citations. The agency follows Colorado law regarding public records access. Records custodians review all requests for compliance with state statutes. Some records may be withheld for active investigations.
Otero County Jail Facility
The Otero County Jail is a 34-bed facility attached to the Sheriff's Office. The jail houses pre-trial detainees and inmates serving short sentences. Medical care is arranged through local providers as needed. The facility meets state standards for inmate housing and security. Classification procedures determine appropriate housing for each individual.
Inmates receive three meals daily and basic hygiene supplies during their stay. The facility provides opportunities for recreation within security guidelines. Programs help inmates address substance abuse and behavioral issues. Work details are available for qualified inmates nearing release. The jail accepts inmates from throughout Otero County.
Visiting hours are scheduled based on housing unit assignments. Visitors must present valid photo identification at the entrance. All visits are monitored for security purposes. The dress code requires appropriate attire. Contact the jail at 719-384-5941 before visiting to confirm hours.
Sterling Commissary Services
Otero County Jail uses Sterling Commissary for inmate financial services. This vendor handles commissary accounts for inmate purchases. Family members can deposit funds for inmates to buy approved items. The system allows inmates to purchase snacks, hygiene products, and stationery. These purchases provide comfort during incarceration.
Funds can be added to inmate accounts through multiple methods. Online deposits are available through the Sterling Commissary website. Kiosks in the jail lobby accept cash deposits during visiting hours. Money orders can be mailed to the facility for account credit. Funds typically post within 24 hours of receipt.
Inmates use commissary funds to purchase approved items from a catalog. Prices are set by the commissary vendor. The jail approves all items available for purchase. Spending limits may apply based on housing assignment. Account balances are provided to inmates regularly.
Requesting Criminal Justice Records
Otero County follows the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act for public records requests. This law at C.R.S. § 24-72-303 governs access to police files. Records of official action must be released to the public. These include arrest logs, incident reports, and booking records. Other investigatory files may be withheld for active cases.
To request records, contact the Otero County Sheriff's Office at 719-384-5941. The records custodian will explain available documents and procedures. Copy fees are $7.50 for the first ten pages of any request. Additional pages may incur additional charges. Fees cover staff time and materials for document reproduction.
Requesters may need to complete a pecuniary gain affirmation form. This document confirms that records will not be used for commercial solicitation. The form protects individual privacy while maintaining transparency. The Sheriff's Office provides the form upon request. Written requests may be required for certain records.
Southeastern Colorado Community
Otero County is part of the Arkansas River Valley on Colorado's eastern plains. Agriculture drives the local economy with farming and ranching operations. La Junta serves as the commercial and cultural center. The historic Santa Fe Trail passes through the county. The area maintains traditional values and community connections.
The Sheriff's Office patrols a large rural territory. Response times to remote ranches can be significant. Deputies work closely with the agricultural community. Property crimes and livestock theft are enforcement priorities. The agency emphasizes preventive policing and community relationships.
Transportation corridors bring transient activity to the area. Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 50 intersect near La Junta. The jail houses inmates from traffic stops and local crimes. Drug interdiction is a focus for highway patrol operations. The Sheriff manages resources across this diverse rural county.
Victim Notification Services
Crime victims can monitor inmate custody through VINE. The Victim Information and Notification Everyday system provides free automated alerts. Register at VINELink for custody notifications. Alerts come by phone, text, or email when inmates are released. This service supports victim safety throughout the justice process.
VINE covers all Otero County jail inmates. The system tracks transfers to other facilities and state prison. Status checks are available 24 hours a day online. Multiple language options accommodate diverse users. Registration is free and takes only minutes.
The notification system is confidential and secure. Victims can register multiple contact methods for alerts. The system updates automatically around the clock. Users can check status without creating an account. VINE provides peace of mind for those affected by crime.
Colorado State Resources
The CBI Internet Criminal History Check System shows statewide arrest records. This includes Otero County bookings from all agencies. The cost is six dollars per search with instant online results. This database covers arrests across all Colorado counties. It is useful for employment and personal background checks.
Court records are available through the Colorado Judicial Docket Search. The 16th Judicial District serves Otero County. Dockets show case status, hearings, and outcomes. This helps track criminal cases from arrest through resolution. Search by defendant name or case number for specific information.
For questions about records laws, contact the Colorado Attorney General's Office. They provide guidance on public records access procedures. Local libraries offer free internet for record searches. Staff can assist with navigating government websites. These resources help residents exercise their right to information.