Chaffee County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Chaffee County in 2026
ChaffeeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Chaffee County, including booking data, custody status, charges, and bond information. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current detainees, recently released individuals, court case references, and historical booking entries. Record availability varies by custodial agency and the nature of the underlying offense.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking inmate information.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the county jail and provides public access to current inmate information. Members of the public may access the inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office directly or by contacting the facility by phone.
To conduct a search, members of the public should contact the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office directly, as an online inmate search portal is not currently listed on the agency's public-facing website. Staff at the facility can provide custody status, booking information, and charge details upon request during business hours.
Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes:
- Full legal name and booking number
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office
635 Sherrod Ave
Salida, CO 81201
Phone: (719) 539-2596
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year in Colorado are transferred from county jail to the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections. The state DOC maintains a publicly accessible offender search tool that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities or recently released from state custody.
To search, members of the public may visit the Colorado DOC offender search portal and enter the individual's name or DOC identification number. Available information includes facility assignment, sentence length, projected release date, and conviction charges. Individuals held pre-trial or serving short misdemeanor sentences remain in county custody and will not appear in the state DOC database.
Transfer from county jail to state prison following sentencing at the district court level occurs within a period determined by the Colorado Department of Corrections intake process.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses may be held in federal custody rather than county or state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a free, publicly accessible search tool for locating individuals in federal custody.
This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal charges such as drug trafficking across state lines, immigration violations, or federal firearms offenses. The locator provides facility location, projected release date, and register number.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may call the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office at (719) 539-2596 to request inmate information by phone. Staff can confirm custody status, charges, and bond information when provided with the individual's full legal name and date of birth. Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, booking information, and charge details.
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office / Detention Facility
635 Sherrod Ave
Salida, CO 81201
Phone: (719) 539-2596
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be submitted to the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office at 635 Sherrod Ave, Salida, CO 81201. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Try name variations including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmate rosters and recently released records
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in available records
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison; search the Colorado Department of Corrections offender database
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in available records
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (719) 539-2596
Are Inmate Records Public in Chaffee County?
Inmate records maintained by the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Colorado's open records framework. Pursuant to the Colorado Open Records Act, § 24-72-201 et seq., C.R.S., records held by government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Inmate booking records, custody status, and charge information fall within the category of publicly accessible government records.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under § 19-1-304, C.R.S.
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classification details
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in taxpayer-funded facilities. Public safety considerations support the availability of booking and charge information. Family members and legal representatives rely on custody records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry requires access to bond and charge information to fulfill its function within the pretrial release system.
Privacy Considerations:
Colorado law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, receives statutory protection. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged within ongoing policy discussions at the state level, though under current law, booking information remains publicly accessible.
What Is Inmate Records in Chaffee County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by custodial agencies to document the arrest, booking, detention, and release of individuals taken into custody. These records serve as the official account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system and are created at the point of booking by the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office.
The purpose of maintaining inmate records includes tracking the location and legal status of detained individuals, supporting court proceedings, facilitating communication between agencies, and providing an auditable record of government custody decisions. The official custodian of county inmate records is the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office.
The following distinctions apply to the categories of inmate records:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification information, charges, and bond information at the time of arrest
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including housing assignments, transfers, and classification
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of detention within the county system
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, including bond posting, sentence completion, or transfer
County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less for misdemeanor offenses. State prison records are maintained by the Colorado Department of Corrections for individuals serving felony sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Chaffee County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block designation (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following discharge)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers assigned by the court
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information, including issuing jurisdiction
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, when applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney of record, when available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, when applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Chaffee County
- Previous charges and case references
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing designations
- Work assignment information, when available
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments, withheld for security purposes
Chaffee County Prison System
The Chaffee County detention system is operated by the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody of pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities. The Sheriff's Office operates under the authority of the elected Sheriff of Chaffee County.
Administration:
The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office administers the county detention facility and oversees all aspects of inmate custody, classification, and programming. The administrative office is located at the address below.
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office
635 Sherrod Ave
Salida, CO 81201
Phone: (719) 539-2596
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Chaffee County Detention Facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, individuals awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. Classification is conducted at intake and determines housing assignment and program eligibility.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides access to medical care, mental health services, substance abuse programming, religious services, and recreational opportunities in accordance with state standards. Educational programming and legal library access are available to support inmates' legal proceedings and reentry preparation.
Legal Services:
Inmates retain the right to access legal counsel and may receive attorney visits during designated hours. Coordination with the public defender's office serving the 11th Judicial District is available for eligible individuals.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services support individuals approaching release with referrals to housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment resources in the community.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Colorado Department of Public Safety provides oversight of county detention facilities through inspection and compliance review processes. Inmates may submit grievances through the facility's internal grievance procedure. Members of the public with concerns regarding facility operations may contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Chaffee County
Chaffee County Detention Facility
Chaffee County Detention Facility
635 Sherrod Ave
Salida, CO 81201
Phone: (719) 539-2596
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office
The Chaffee County Detention Facility is the primary county-operated jail serving Chaffee County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to misdemeanor terms, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies. The facility operates under the supervision of the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office and is subject to state inspection standards.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office may administer home detention and electronic monitoring programs for eligible individuals as an alternative to full incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program should contact the Sheriff's Office directly at (719) 539-2596.
Work Release
Work release programming allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are required to return to the facility during non-working hours.
State Prison Facilities Near Chaffee County
The Colorado Department of Corrections operates the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility in Cañon City, located in Fremont County adjacent to Chaffee County. This state-operated facility houses individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year. The Colorado DOC operates multiple facilities in the Cañon City area, including the Fremont Correctional Facility and the Colorado State Penitentiary. These facilities are state-operated and distinct from the county detention system.
Individuals transferred from Chaffee County Detention to state custody will appear in the Colorado Department of Corrections offender search rather than county records.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is located within Chaffee County. Individuals in federal custody from Chaffee County may be held at the Federal Detention Center in Englewood, Colorado, or at other Bureau of Prisons facilities depending on classification and case assignment. Members of the public may locate federally held individuals through the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Chaffee County Detention Facility | 635 Sherrod Ave, Salida, CO 81201 | (719) 539-2596 |
| Colorado DOC (State Prisons) | 1250 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 | (719) 579-9580 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Chaffee County for Free?
Members of the public may locate inmates in Chaffee County at no cost through several official government resources. No fee is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
Members of the public may contact the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office directly at (719) 539-2596 to request current inmate roster information at no charge. No registration is required. Information available includes current inmates, booking data, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. Staff can provide this information during regular business hours.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Colorado Department of Corrections offender search provides free access to information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities or recently released from state custody. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals with prior state sentences. No fee or registration is required.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides free access to information on individuals in federal custody. The search tool requires only the individual's name or BOP register number and returns facility location and projected release date at no cost.
4. Court Records Search
Members of the public may search court records through the Chaffee County District Court docket search maintained by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Court records can confirm custody status through active case filings and may reflect upcoming court dates. The Colorado Judicial Branch docket search allows searches by county, case number, or party name at no charge.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (719) 539-2596 to request inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status and provide basic booking information when provided with the individual's full legal name and date of birth.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office at 635 Sherrod Ave, Salida, CO 81201 during business hours to request inmate information at no charge. Staff assistance is available at the front desk. No fee is assessed for basic information requests.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no charge:
- Online and phone inmate search
- Current custody status confirmation
- Basic booking and charge information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
The following services involve fees:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation services (fees set by service provider)
- Phone calls initiated by inmates (fees set by telecommunications vendor)
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location services. Basic inmate information is available at no cost through official government sources. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified government domain. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation sex offender registry and other official state databases are available at no charge and do not require payment for access to public records.
Pursuant to § 24-72-205, C.R.S., custodians of public records are authorized to charge fees only for the actual cost of document reproduction, not for access to information itself. Members of the public are not required to pay for the right to inspect public records.