Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)
Please note: Per the provisions of the Colorado Open Records Act, the first hour of time associated with research and retrieval of public records will be provided at no cost. The maximum rate for research and retrieval of public records after the first hour is $41.37 per hour. View the CDPS Policy on the Colorado Open Records.
To submit a CORA request please email cdps_dfpc_pio@state.co.us
Procedures
When feasible, the division should endeavor to provide electronic copies or files to requestors if such an alternative is significantly less burdensome to provide than paper records. When responsive records cannot be easily or cost-effectively provided electronically to a requestor, the department shall work with the requestor to schedule a time to inspect the records in person, allowing for business hours and staffing considerations. The Executive Director's Office or authorized custodians of records may grant exceptions where the department, requestors, or the records produced require special accommodations. At all times when records are inspected, a member of the department must be present to maintain custody and integrity of the records. No requestor shall be allowed to photograph, modify, mar or destroy any records that are provided for inspection.
Fees
Pursuant to Section 24-72-205 (6), C.R.S., the maximum hourly fee for the research and retrieval of public documents in response to a Colorado Open Records Act will increase from $33.58 to $41.37 as of July 1, 2024 as documented on the Colorado General Assembly website.
State law allows government agencies to charge a fee for the research and retrieval of public documents that shall not exceed this amount, although they shall not charge a fee for the first hour of time expended on each request. Before increasing the fee, government entities must revise and publish their Colorado Open Records Act policies to include the new fee. The updated CDPS CORA Policy is linked above.
Additional Fee Information
- Making hard copies of documents - $ 0.25 per page
- Staff time - $ 41.37 per hour after the first hour
Costs associated with a request must be paid in full by the requestor before DFPC or CDPS will begin work on fulfilling the records request.
The division shall not charge a per-page fee for providing records in a digital or electronic format.
The statutory timeframe the division has to complete the request will begin once the requestor submits payment for any required fees.
If no fees are required, the statutory timeframe to complete the request will begin the first working day following receipt of the request.
The division may also charge an hourly rate greater than $ 41.37 per hour when specialized document production or specialized skills are required to locate, compile, or produce records requested, including the use of third-party contractors.
No Personal Gain
C.R.S. 24-72-305.5 states records of official action and criminal justice records and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other information in such record shall not be used by any person for the purpose of soliciting business for “pecuniary gain.” The official custodian shall deny any person access to records of official action and criminal justice records unless such person signs a statement that affirms that such records shall not be used for the direct solicitation of business for pecuniary gain.
Format of Records Produced
The Colorado Open Records Act guarantees that "…all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, except as provided in this part 2 or as otherwise specifically provided by law" (§ 24-72-201, C.R.S). The CORA/CJRA Act does not guarantee access to public records in a specific format. When the production or review of records in a specific format would interfere with the regular discharge of duties of division employees (§ 24-72-203(l)(a), C.R.S.) or levy an undue burden upon the division, the Executive Director’s Office or division director shall determine the appropriate format for the records to be produced. Records maintained electronically may be produced electronically at the division's discretion.
The division may require that members of the public or media only be allowed to review copies of documents when the custodian of records determines that allowing access to originals could interfere with the regular discharge of duties of the division or its members, or that production of original records could jeopardize the condition of the records.