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1. I need information about an ongoing investigation. Who do I call?

If the case is a misdemeanor, please contact the officer that handled the initial report. If the case is a felony, you may contact the detective assigned to the case. If you are unsure who is assigned to the case or you do not have the detective’s phone number, you can call the general Investigations number at 303-235-2945 and you will be put in contact with the correct person.

2. Who starts the investigation?

When a citizen calls to report a crime, an officer is usually sent to initiate the report. The responding officer conducts the initial investigation and is responsible for the collection of evidence. If the crime is serious or complex, the officer may request assistance from Investigations or the Crime Lab. Some reports may be taken by phone by the Telephone Reporting Unit at 303-980-7300. This is offered as a convenient service to citizens. For certain crimes, the citizen may be referred directly to Investigations to speak to a detective.

3. How are crimes classified?

Crimes are classified into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are more serious offenses and include crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, and others. Felonies may be punishable by a sentence to the Department of Corrections (i.e. prison). Misdemeanors may be punishable by a citation up to and including a sentence to the county jail.

4. Who continues the investigation?

If the crime is a misdemeanor, the responding officer will conduct any required follow-up investigation and file the applicable criminal charges.

In felony cases, the report (once completed) will be reviewed by a supervisor. After the report is accepted, Records will forward the report to Investigations. An Investigations supervisor will review the report and determine which detective will receive the case.

The case may be assigned for active investigation if there are suspects, evidence, or other leads that may allow the case to be solved.

5. Are all cases actively investigated?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is “no”. There are many cases where a crime has obviously occurred, but there is no way to identify who committed the crime and no witnesses or evidence that will help solve the crime. In this circumstance, the report is given to a detective to review but is not otherwise investigated.

Cases with identified suspects, evidence, or other leads are prioritized based on the seriousness of the crime and the availability of investigative resources. Even some “solvable” cases cannot be actively investigated due to the volume of other cases or limited investigative resources.

6. I reported a felony crime. Will a detective call me tomorrow?

It will likely take at least one business day for the initial report to be reviewed, processed, and assigned to a detective. If you have new information related to the case it is best to call the non-emergency number at 303-237-2220 and file a supplemental report. Generally, a detective will call you to let you know the case has been assigned to them or if they have any questions about the incident. The detective will normally call you if an arrest is made in the case or if the case has been presented to the District Attorney for consideration of criminal charges.

7. What happens when an investigation is complete?

When the investigation is complete, and if the suspect(s) have been identified, the case will be presented to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges. The DA’s office will review the case and determine what charges will be filed against the suspect. The DA’s office may decline to prosecute a case, based on their prosecution standards and the relative likelihood of obtaining a conviction.

8. Will I have to go to court?

You may or may not have to go to court, depending on a number of circumstances. Your cooperation as the victim or witness of a crime is critical to a successful prosecution. If you are the victim of a crime but do not wish to appear in court, criminal charges are likely to be dropped. If you are required to appear in court you will receive a subpoena from the District Attorney’s Office advising you where and when you need to be at court.

9. How do I file a restraining order?

Victims of domestic violence can contact Women in Crisis in Jefferson County at 303-420-6752 for assistance in filing for a restraining order.

If the restraining order is related to a domestic violence situation there is no fee for either filing for or service of the restraining order.

For non-domestic violence related cases you may contact your local county court. In Jefferson County call 303-654-3259.

For additional information regarding restraining orders please feel free to contact the Victim Outreach Information at 303-202-2196.