Internal police probes now included in Colorado open records

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed into law legislation designed to shed light on the conclusions of internal police investigations into alleged officer misconduct.

The law signed Friday allows citizens to obtain records of internal affairs investigations, with proper redactions protecting witnesses, victims and others who aren’t the subject of an investigation.

Sponsors Rep. James Coleman and Sen. Mike Foote say the law will increase transparency – and trust – among law enforcement agencies and the public.

In the past, investigations that absolved officers in misconduct complaints have been kept secret – even in cases where municipalities have paid settlements to affected citizens.

Only Denver routinely releases, on request, details of internal probes in Colorado, according to the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition.