La Plata County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In La Plata County?
Inmate records in La Plata County are official documents maintained by the La Plata County Sheriff's Office and the county detention facility, documenting the custody status, personal history, and legal circumstances of individuals held in local correctional custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the court system maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the La Plata County Detention Center. At that point, facility staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-204, certain categories of government records, including those related to law enforcement and detention, are subject to specific access provisions that balance public transparency with individual privacy protections.
La Plata County Sheriff's Office 1702 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 382-7700 La Plata County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In La Plata County?
Inmate records in La Plata County are generally accessible to the public under Colorado's open records framework. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified at Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect and obtain copies of government records, including those maintained by law enforcement and detention facilities. Members of the public may inspect the following categories of inmate information without demonstrating a specific legal interest:
- Current inmate roster and booking status
- Booking date, time, and arresting agency
- Charges filed against the individual
- Mugshots taken at the time of booking
- Bond and bail amounts set by the court
- Expected release dates, where available
- Name of the housing facility within the detention system
Certain information may be withheld where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger facility security, or violate specific statutory exemptions. Juvenile records and records sealed by court order are not subject to public disclosure. The La Plata County Sheriff's Office administers access to these records in compliance with both CORA and applicable corrections-specific regulations.
What's Included In Inmate Records in La Plata County
Inmate records maintained by the La Plata County Detention Center contain multiple categories of information compiled throughout the custody period. The following breakdown reflects the standard components of a complete inmate record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing unit and cell assignment
- Custody classification level
- Disciplinary history within the facility
Charge Information:
- All charges filed at the time of booking
- Statute citations for each charge
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, or petty offense)
- Case number associated with each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Assigned court and judicial district
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case status and disposition, where available
- Members of the public may also access related case filings through the Colorado Judicial Branch courts records search
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and type
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Conditions of sentence (work release, electronic monitoring)
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date upon discharge
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
- Post-release supervision conditions, if applicable
La Plata County Prison System
La Plata County operates a local detention facility designed to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving short-term sentences, and persons held on immigration detainers or other legal holds. The county jail system is distinct from the Colorado state prison system: county facilities typically house individuals serving sentences of up to one year or those in pre-trial status, while the Colorado Department of Corrections manages state prisons for individuals convicted of felonies carrying longer sentences.
The La Plata County Sheriff's Office administers the county detention system and is responsible for the intake, classification, housing, and release of all individuals in county custody. The Sheriff's Office also coordinates with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Department of Corrections on matters involving state-level offenders and sex offender registration, which members of the public may search through the Colorado sex offender registry.
La Plata County Detention Center 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303 (970) 382-7700 La Plata County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In La Plata County
La Plata County's correctional infrastructure consists primarily of one county-operated detention facility. The following details the facility currently serving the county:
La Plata County Detention Center 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303 (970) 382-7700 La Plata County Sheriff's Office
This facility serves as the primary detention center for the county and handles all stages of local incarceration, from initial booking through release. The Detention Center operates under the authority of the La Plata County Sheriff and is subject to oversight by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and applicable state correctional standards. Individuals requiring state-level incarceration following conviction are transferred to facilities operated by the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Colorado Department of Corrections – Central Office 1250 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 (719) 579-9580 Colorado Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In La Plata County
The La Plata County Detention Center houses several distinct populations at any given time. Understanding who is incarcerated in the county facility helps members of the public distinguish between local and state custody.
Individuals currently held at the La Plata County Detention Center typically fall into the following categories:
- Pre-trial detainees: Persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been convicted and are awaiting trial or a court hearing
- Sentenced misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year in the county facility
- Sentenced felons (short-term): Persons convicted of lower-level felonies who may serve a portion of their sentence locally before transfer to state custody
- Probation and parole violators: Individuals held pending a hearing on alleged violations of probation or parole conditions
- Immigration detainees: Persons held pursuant to agreements with federal immigration authorities
- Civil holds: Individuals held under court order for civil matters, including mental health evaluations ordered by a court
- Individuals awaiting transfer: Persons awaiting transport to state correctional facilities or other jurisdictions
How To Search for Inmate Records In La Plata County in 2026
Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels maintained by the La Plata County Sheriff's Office and affiliated agencies. The following steps outline the available methods for conducting an inmate search:
Online Search: The La Plata County Sheriff's Office currently provides an online inmate roster through its official website. Members of the public may visit the Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the detention or inmate search section to query individuals by name or booking number.
In-Person Request: Members of the public may appear in person at the La Plata County Detention Center during business hours to request inmate information. Staff at the public counter can confirm custody status and provide basic booking information.
- Location: 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303
- Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hours subject to change; members of the public are advised to confirm current hours by telephone)
- Telephone: (970) 382-7700
Written Records Request: Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-203, members of the public may submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office. Requests should include the full name of the individual, approximate date of birth, and the specific records sought. The agency is required to respond within three business days of receiving a proper request.
Court Records: For case-related information beyond custody records, members of the public may search the Colorado Judicial Branch courts records search to access court filings, hearing dates, and case dispositions associated with an individual's charges.
How To Find an Inmate in La Plata County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in La Plata County at no cost through the following official channels:
- La Plata County Sheriff's Office Online Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster on its official website at no charge. Members of the public may search by name to confirm current custody status.
- Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the La Plata County Detention Center at (970) 382-7700 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status at no cost.
- In-Person Inquiry: Members of the public may visit the Detention Center at 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303, during public counter hours to request basic inmate information without charge.
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Court case information, including charges and hearing dates, is accessible through the Colorado Judicial Branch courts records search portal at no cost for basic case lookups.
- Colorado Sex Offender Registry: For individuals registered as sex offenders, the public may conduct a free search through the Colorado sex offender registry maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
How To Visit an Inmate In La Plata County
Visitation at the La Plata County Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public who wish to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable regulations.
Visit Rules and Procedures: All visitors must be pre-approved by the facility before a visit is permitted. Visitors are required to submit a visitation application, which is subject to a background review. Approval is at the discretion of facility administration.
Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are set by the La Plata County Detention Center and are subject to change based on facility operations. Members of the public are advised to contact the facility directly at (970) 382-7700 to confirm current visitation days and times prior to arrival.
What to Bring:
- Government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Approved visitation confirmation, if required by the facility
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Unauthorized food or beverages
- Electronic devices not expressly permitted by facility rules
- Large amounts of cash
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or insignia is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to any visitor whose attire does not comply with the dress code.
Visit Types: The La Plata County Detention Center currently offers in-person contact or non-contact visits and may provide video visitation options. The availability of each visit type depends on the inmate's classification and housing assignment.
Visit Restrictions: Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules, pending disciplinary proceedings, or for security-related reasons. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and may be subject to additional approval requirements.
How To Send Money to a La Plata County Inmate
Members of the public may deposit funds into an inmate's trust account at the La Plata County Detention Center through approved methods. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the facility commissary, make telephone calls, and cover other approved expenses.
Approved Methods:
- Online Deposits: The La Plata County Detention Center currently utilizes a third-party payment service provider for online deposits. Members of the public may access the deposit portal through the Sheriff's Office website or the service provider's platform.
- Kiosk Deposits: A deposit kiosk may be available at the facility for cash or card transactions.
- Money Order by Mail: Money orders made payable to the inmate, with the inmate's full name and booking number noted, may be mailed to the facility at 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303.
Amount Limits: Deposit limits are set by the facility and the third-party service provider. Members of the public are advised to confirm current limits by contacting the Detention Center at (970) 382-7700.
Fees: Third-party service providers typically charge a transaction fee for online and kiosk deposits. The fee amount varies by transaction method and deposit amount.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources are not accepted
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence costs. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without a court order or facility authorization.
How To Send Jail Mail In La Plata County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the La Plata County Detention Center by mail, subject to facility rules governing incoming and outgoing correspondence.
Mailing Address: All mail for inmates should be addressed as follows: Inmate Full Name, Booking Number La Plata County Detention Center 742 Turner Dr, Durango, CO 81303
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff for contraband and security purposes, consistent with applicable Colorado law and facility policy
- Letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard envelopes; padded envelopes and packages are generally not accepted
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; members of the public should confirm current photograph policies with the facility
- Stickers, glitter, markers, or other embellishments on envelopes or letters are typically prohibited
- Mail containing threats, coded language, or content that poses a security risk will be rejected and may be reported to law enforcement
- Books and publications, if permitted, must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from an individual sender
- Incoming mail from attorneys is treated as privileged legal correspondence and is subject to different handling procedures under applicable law
Prohibited Items in Mail:
- Controlled substances or drug paraphernalia
- Cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in letters
- Pornographic or sexually explicit material
- Gang-related content or materials promoting violence
Members of the public with questions about specific mail policies are advised to contact the La Plata County Detention Center directly at (970) 382-7700 or visit the facility's official page through the La Plata County Sheriff's Office website.