Colorado Released Inmate Records
Finding information about released inmates in Colorado is a task many people need to complete. The state provides several ways to search for inmate records and custody status. You can look up current inmates and recent releases through official databases. Colorado's Department of Corrections maintains records for state prisoners. Each county sheriff operates their own jail with separate inmate lookup tools. This guide shows you how to find released inmate records across Colorado.
Colorado Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) runs the main state database for inmate records. You can search this system online at any time. The database holds records for inmates in state prisons and facilities. It does not cover county jails or federal prisons. You need basic details to start your search. The system asks for a DOC number, last name, or first name.
The DOC number is the best way to find someone. This ID is six digits long. It stays with an inmate through their whole sentence. You can also search by name. The system finds all names that start with your letters. If you type "Mar," you will see Martin, Martinez, and others. You do not need the full name to get results.
Visit the CDOC Offender Search to begin. The site is free to use. You can search as many times as you need. The database updates often with new bookings and releases.
You can also view the search tips page for help. It shows how to use the system the right way.
Using the CDOC Database
The CDOC homepage gives you links to all their services. You can find inmate search tools from the main menu. The site also lists visiting hours and facility locations. Staff post news and updates about prison operations too.
Visit the Colorado Department of Corrections website to learn more about state inmate records.
The CDOC site is the main hub for all state prison information in Colorado.
Note: The database does not show people who finished their sentence and left supervision.
VINE Victim Notification System
VINE is a free service for crime victims. It tracks inmates in Colorado jails and prisons. You can get alerts when an inmate's status changes. The system sends texts, emails, or phone calls. You pick how you want to be told. VINE covers 2,900 facilities across 48 states. It is the largest victim alert network in the country.
Visit VINE to sign up for alerts. The site keeps your data safe. You can use a quick exit button if you need to leave fast. The system works on phones and computers. You can check status any time of day.
Visit the VINE website to register for custody change notifications.
VINE helps victims stay informed about inmate releases and transfers in Colorado.
Colorado County Jail Inmate Searches
Each of Colorado's 64 counties runs its own jail. Sheriff's offices keep inmate records for their facilities. You must check with the right county to find someone. County jails hold inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences. State prisons hold people with longer terms. The two systems do not share one database.
Large counties have online inmate lookup tools. Adams, Jefferson, Douglas, and Larimer counties offer web searches. Smaller counties may need phone calls. You can call the jail directly to ask about an inmate. Most jails answer calls 24 hours a day. They can tell you if someone is in custody.
County jails update their rosters daily. Some update every few hours. Release dates change based on court orders and good time credits. Always check close to the release date for the most current info.
Finding County Released Inmate Records
Many Colorado counties put their inmate data online. The search tools are free to use. You can search by name or booking date. Some systems show photos and charges. Others list only basic custody status. Each county sets its own rules for what they show.
Visit the CDOC Offender Search portal for state-level inmate lookups.
The state search tool works for all CDOC facilities across Colorado.
The CDOC site offers search tips to help you find inmates faster.
Visit the search tips page for guidance on using the system.
Reading the tips first can save time when searching for inmates.
Colorado Parole Board Hearings
The Colorado State Board of Parole decides when inmates can leave prison early. They hold hearings for eligible inmates. You can find hearing dates online. The calendar shows all upcoming parole hearings. Dates may change without notice. Check close to the hearing day for updates.
All parole hearings are open to the public. You can attend in person. You must make plans ahead of time. Call the facility to arrange your visit. Some hearings are for applications. Others are for violations. Each type has different rules.
Visit the parole board calendar to see upcoming hearings.
The parole board posts hearing schedules for public review on their website.
Under C.R.S. § 17-2-201(12), all parole board votes are public records open to inspection.
CDOC Constituent Services Help
The Constituent Services Office helps people with questions. They answer calls about inmates and prison rules. You can reach them by phone or email. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm. They close on state holidays.
Email is the best way to reach them. Send your question to cdoc@state.co.us. Include the inmate's name and DOC number. Add your contact info too. Staff try to answer within two business days. High volume may cause delays. Wait two weeks before sending a follow-up.
Visit the Constituent Services page for more contact options.
Constituent Services acts as a help desk for families and friends of inmates.
Colorado Inmate Records Laws
Colorado has laws about who can see inmate records. The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) controls most access. It covers records made by police, courts, and jails. The law favors public access but has limits. Some records stay private to protect safety.
The CCJRA defines what counts as a criminal justice record. It includes papers, photos, and videos made by agencies. Any record kept for legal work falls under this law. The rules apply to all 64 counties in Colorado. Each agency must follow the same standards.
Learn more about CCJRA under C.R.S. § 24-72-301. The guide explains your rights to see public records. It also lists what agencies can keep private.
Note: Records of official action must be disclosed under CCJRA rules.
Colorado Open Records Act Requests
The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) covers most government files. It does not cover criminal justice records. Those fall under CCJRA instead. CORA applies to administrative records. You can ask for budgets, emails, and meeting notes. Any person can file a CORA request.
Agencies must answer CORA requests in three business days. They can charge for copies. The fee is 25 cents per page at most. Research time may cost extra. The first hour is free. After that, agencies can charge up to $33.58 per hour.
Read about CORA under C.R.S. § 24-72-201 to learn how to file requests.
The CDOC disclaimer page warns that database info may have errors.
Always verify inmate information directly with CDOC for important matters.
Popular Colorado Counties for Inmate Searches
Some counties see more inmate searches than others. Large metro areas have the most requests. Adams, Arapahoe, and Denver counties serve the Denver area. Jefferson and Boulder counties are also busy. El Paso County covers Colorado Springs. Weld and Larimer counties round out the top areas.
Each county page on this site lists local resources. You can find sheriff office links and phone numbers. We also list nearby cities and counties. This helps you search in the right place.
Major Colorado Cities
City police departments work with county jails. They book arrestees into the county facility. Denver and Broomfield are combined city-counties. They run their own jails. Other cities rely on the county sheriff.
Denver is the largest city with over 700,000 people. Colorado Springs and Aurora follow. Fort Collins, Lakewood, and Thornton are also large. Each city page shows which county jail serves that area.