Arrest records are public documents in Evans, Colorado, pursuant to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) § 24-72-301 et seq. and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) § 24-72-201 et seq. These statutes establish the framework for public access to criminal justice records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Evans Police Department. The CCJRA specifically addresses criminal justice records, while CORA governs access to other public records.
Under these laws, members of the public may request and inspect arrest records, booking photos, and related documentation. However, certain limitations exist regarding the release of records that might compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights in specific circumstances, or endanger public safety. The custodian of records at the Evans Police Department determines which records may be released in accordance with statutory guidelines.
The City of Evans maintains these records as part of its commitment to governmental transparency and public accountability. Access to such records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and the criminal justice system's operations within their community.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking arrest records in Evans, Colorado. The Evans Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides several methods for record retrieval:
Evans Police Department
1100 37th Street
Evans, Colorado 80620
Phone: 970-339-2441
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Evans Police Department
Written Requests: Written applications for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the Evans Police Department address listed above. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Weld County Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Weld County Combined Court.
Weld County Combined Court
901 9th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: 970-475-2400
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Evans Municipal Court
1100 37th Street
Evans, Colorado 80620
Phone: 970-475-1170
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Evans Municipal Court
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
Phone: 303-239-4208
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to § 24-72-305.5, C.R.S., requestors seeking arrest records must pay established fees for search and retrieval services. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's records division.
Arrest records maintained by the Evans Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are standardized in accordance with Colorado Bureau of Investigation reporting requirements and generally include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), address, and other demographic data.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); agency case number; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including citation of applicable Colorado Revised Statutes or Evans Municipal Code sections allegedly violated.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, and booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots").
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, bail or bond amounts, and court appearance dates.
Property Inventory: Itemized list of personal property taken into custody during the booking process.
Medical Screening: Basic health assessment information collected during intake (subject to HIPAA restrictions).
Miranda Rights Documentation: Record of when and how constitutional rights were explained to the arrestee.
The Evans Police Department maintains these records in both physical and digital formats in compliance with the department's records retention schedule as approved by the Colorado State Archives. Pursuant to § 24-72-303, C.R.S., certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public release, particularly details that might compromise victim privacy or ongoing investigations.
The process of expungement (also referred to as "sealing" in Colorado law) provides a legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-701 through § 24-72-709 govern the expungement process applicable to Evans arrest records.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records include:
Cases Resulting in No Charges: When an arrest does not result in charges being filed within the statute of limitations period.
Dismissed Cases: When criminal charges are dismissed by the court or prosecution.
Acquittals: When the defendant is found not guilty after trial.
Completed Deferred Judgments: When a defendant successfully completes all terms of a deferred judgment and sentence agreement.
Petty Offenses and Municipal Violations: After a specified waiting period following completion of the sentence.
Certain Drug Offenses: As specified in § 24-72-704, C.R.S., with applicable waiting periods.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the case. For municipal violations in Evans, petitions must be filed with the Evans Municipal Court. For state-level offenses, petitions are filed with the Weld County District Court.
Upon successful expungement, all public agencies, including the Evans Police Department, must seal the records and may not disclose their existence except under limited circumstances specified by statute. Law enforcement agencies may retain sealed records for internal use only, but these records will not appear in background checks conducted by the general public or most employers.
Persons seeking expungement are advised that the process involves legal filing fees, potential hearing requirements, and specific procedural rules. The Evans Municipal Court can provide standardized forms for municipal violation expungements, while the Colorado Judicial Branch website offers forms for district court filings.
The Evans Police Department implements several community policing programs designed to foster transparency and build trust with residents. These initiatives complement the department's records policies by providing context for law enforcement activities documented in arrest records.
The department's community outreach efforts include:
Citizens' Police Academy: A multi-week program offering residents insight into police operations, including the arrest and booking process.
Neighborhood Watch Programs: Collaborative crime prevention efforts that encourage community reporting and documentation.
Community Advisory Board: A civilian oversight committee that reviews departmental policies, including those related to arrests and record-keeping.
Public Data Dashboards: Online resources providing statistical information about arrests, calls for service, and other police activities within Evans city limits.
These programs reflect the Evans Police Department's commitment to transparency in its operations while maintaining the integrity of its record-keeping systems. Community members are encouraged to participate in these initiatives to gain greater understanding of law enforcement procedures, including the circumstances under which arrests occur and how those events are documented.