FOIA Request to Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office by Centennial State News. The request seeks access to all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The information requested includes various data points such as the arrestee’s name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, the request asks for booking IDs, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types of crimes committed, locations and dates of crimes.
The request was made under the Colorado Open Records Act § 24-72-201 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, Centennial State News emphasizes the importance of accessing public records to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Centennial State News has also requested a fee waiver for obtaining these records due to their role in disseminating information as part of their professional responsibilities.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
