The Records section of the Montrose Police Department is responsible for processing and disseminating law enforcement records generated by each segment of the department.

A daily news release is prepared for the media, and the information is added to databases that are used by law enforcement agencies nationwide. 

Public Services

Records section personnel assist the public with:

• Accident and Police Reports
• Background Checks
• Bicycle licensing
• Release of impounded vehicles
• Sex offender registry
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspections

Background checks and police reports can be requested using a downloadable PDF or via an online form.

The Montrose Police Department is dedicated to Community Policing, a proactive law enforcement philosophy that focuses on building partnerships between the department and the community. These partnerships can be used to improve quality of life, reduce crime, and help resolve neighborhood problems. 

Community Services is responsible for coordinating community policing activities in the Police Department. These activities include:

• Community presentations
• Coordination of community events
• Crime prevention
• Participation in community task forces
• Traffic safety

Some of the department's successful Community Policing programs include:

• Citizens Academy
• Crime-Free Housing Program
• Graffiti Prevention

For further information, contact the Police Department at 970-252-5200.

Emergency Preparedness Is Everyone's Responsibility

Local governments are expected to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a wide variety of potential emergency situations – from severe weather to domestic terrorism. When an emergency occurs, they are ready to meet the critical needs of the community as a whole.

Individuals have a similar responsibility to take steps to ensure that they are prepared to care for the needs of their household during an emergency. Numerous actual emergencies demonstrate that citizens who accept this important responsibility fare much better than those who do not. Personal preparedness also reduces or eliminates unnecessary burdens on emergency responders at a time when resources are already stretched to the limit.

Consider Some Important Questions

• Are you and your family prepared for an emergency?
• Is your family prepared to cope with a disaster if you are called upon to assist in the disaster response?
• Have you planned evacuations?
• Do you have a family reunification plan if you are separated during an event?
• Do you have a communication plan that will work even if technology is unavailable?
• Do you have a survival cache only at your home or is it with you and accessible at all times?
• Are you able to assist your neighbors if necessary?
• Is your cell phone registered with the Emergency Notification System?

Prepare a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

The first few days following an emergency are often the most difficult. Loss of power, communications, and transportation resources can make it difficult or even impossible to obtain basic necessities. Many of these basic needs can be met by preparing and maintaining a 72-hour emergency kit for each member of your household. The cost of one kit is approximately $150 including freeze-dried foods.