Search El Paso County Recent Bookings
El Paso County provides online access to recent booking records and inmate information through the sheriff's office website. As Colorado's second most populous county, El Paso processes thousands of bookings each year at its detention facilities in Colorado Springs. You can search for current inmates and recent arrests using the online inmate search tool maintained by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. The system lets you look up booking information by name to see charges, bond amounts, and custody status. Anyone can use these free search tools to find recent bookings in El Paso County and view public arrest records.
El Paso County Inmate Search
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal for the public. This free tool lets you search for people currently in custody or recently booked into the county jail. You can search by first name, last name, or booking number. The system shows results for all matches in the database.
The inmate search page displays current custody information for each person. Results include the person's name, age, and booking date. You can see what charges were filed and the bond amount set by a judge. The search shows booking numbers assigned to each inmate. These numbers help track individuals through the system. You can also see housing locations within the jail facility and expected release dates when available.
El Paso County updates its inmate database regularly throughout the day. New bookings appear in the system after processing completes. Released inmates may take some time to clear from the active roster. The search tool provides the most current information available but status can change quickly. For the most up-to-date custody status, call the booking desk at 719-390-2151.
The sheriff's office is at 27 East Vermijo Avenue in Colorado Springs. This is the main administrative office. The detention facilities are at separate locations. You can contact the office at 719-520-7177 for general questions. The office handles records requests, warrant information, and public inquiries about jail operations.
Requesting El Paso Booking Records
For detailed booking records beyond what appears in the online search, submit a records request to the sheriff's office. You can make requests in person, by mail, by email, or through an online form. El Paso County charges an eight dollar review and redaction fee for reports up to ten pages. Reports over ten pages cost eight dollars plus twenty-five cents per additional page.
The sheriff's office processes records requests under Colorado's public records laws. Staff review requests to determine what records exist and whether they can be released. Some records may be withheld if they relate to active investigations or contain confidential information. Most requests for booking records get approved since this information is generally public.
Response times vary based on the complexity of the request. Simple requests for booking information usually get answered within a few days. Complex requests involving many records or extensive research take longer. The office notifies you about fees before processing your request. You must pay fees before receiving the records.
Note: Requests for booking photographs require a signed statement that you will not use the photos for commercial purposes.
El Paso County Arrest Data
El Paso County tracks arrest statistics across various categories. In 2024, the county reported 685 arrests for violent crimes, DUI offenses, and drug charges. Violent crime arrests totaled 239 for the year. DUI arrests reached 242. Drug offense arrests numbered 204. These figures reflect only certain crime categories and do not include all bookings in the county.
The county's large population drives higher arrest numbers compared to rural Colorado counties. Colorado Springs is the county seat and largest city with nearly 500,000 residents. The city police department makes most arrests within city limits. The sheriff's office handles unincorporated areas. Both agencies book arrestees into the same county jail system.
Military installations near Colorado Springs also affect arrest patterns. Fort Carson and other bases bring military personnel and their families to the area. Some arrests involve service members though military police handle many incidents on base. Civilian law enforcement coordinates with military authorities when needed.
Colorado Booking Laws
Colorado requires county jails to maintain daily logs of all inmates. The logs must list names, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. These records must be available to the public. El Paso County meets this requirement through its online inmate search and by keeping physical logs at the jail.
The Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act controls access to arrest records. Booking information is an official action record under this law. Agencies must release official action records when requested. The law sets a three working day deadline for most records requests. El Paso County follows these timelines when processing requests.
If you request mug shots, you must sign a pecuniary gain statement. This document confirms you will not use the photos to make money. Colorado law prohibits websites from charging fees to remove booking photos. The sheriff's office provides the required form with all mug shot requests. The form takes just a minute to complete.
Court and Legal Resources
The Colorado Judicial Branch website provides docket searches for El Paso County courts. You can search by name or case number to see criminal filings. Court records show charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. This information supplements booking records by showing what happens in court after arrest. Docket searches are free and available online.
For statewide criminal history, use the Colorado Bureau of Investigation background check system. The CBI maintains arrest records from all Colorado counties. You can order checks online for six dollars per result. These reports show arrests where fingerprints were submitted to the state database. The reports cover El Paso County and all other jurisdictions in Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Corrections handles state prisons. People sentenced to more than a year transfer from county jail to state prison. The CDOC website has an inmate locator for state prisoners. This search will not show county jail inmates. If someone from El Paso County receives a long sentence, they eventually appear in the CDOC system after transfer.
Legal aid organizations serve El Paso County residents who cannot afford attorneys. Public defenders handle criminal cases for people who qualify. Colorado Legal Services and other groups provide civil legal help. Contact these organizations to learn about available assistance if you or someone you know faces charges after a booking in El Paso County.
El Paso County Communities
El Paso County includes Colorado Springs and several smaller cities. Colorado Springs is the county seat and by far the largest city. Other communities include Fountain, Manitou Springs, and Monument. All arrests within county boundaries result in booking at El Paso County detention facilities. The online inmate search covers arrests by all agencies in the county.
Police departments in each city make arrests within their jurisdictions. The El Paso County Sheriff handles unincorporated areas. State patrol makes arrests on highways. All arrested individuals go through the same booking process at the county jail. The inmate search does not separate results by arresting agency. You can find anyone booked in El Paso County regardless of which agency made the arrest.
Nearby County Jails
Several counties border El Paso and maintain separate jail systems. Pueblo County is south of El Paso County. Teller County lies to the west. Douglas County borders El Paso to the north. Lincoln County and Elbert County sit to the east. Each county posts its own booking records. If you do not find someone in El Paso County, check neighboring counties where the arrest might have occurred.