If you experience or witness police brutality in Colorado, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and build a strong case.
State laws support your right to record and report misconduct. However, how you go about it can impact whether your complaint is taken seriously. These moments can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can make a lasting difference.
Whether you’re a bystander or directly involved, your actions could help bring about justice and prevent future harm. Here’s how to take action with care and purpose.
Stay calm and protect your safety first
Tensions can escalate quickly during an encounter with law enforcement. If you’re a witness, keep a safe distance and avoid interfering. Colorado state law allows you to observe and record public officials in public spaces, as long as you don’t obstruct their duties.
Record the incident clearly and legally
Colorado recognizes your right to record the police under the state’s court procedure laws. Use your phone to record video or audio, but make sure it’s visible and not hidden—secret recordings may not be admissible in court. Try to capture officer names, badge numbers, patrol car IDs and surrounding landmarks. Say the date, time and location aloud if needed to create a reliable record.
Document everything while it’s fresh
Once the situation is safe, write down everything you saw or experienced. Include the following:
- Sequence of events
- Quotes
- Actions
- Any injuries sustained
If you were hurt, seek immediate medical attention and request full documentation from your provider. These records will support your account.
Get witness accounts and contact details
If others saw what happened, politely ask for their contact information. Encourage them to share their account in writing or on video. Multiple perspectives can back up your claims and make the complaint harder to ignore.
File your complaint with the right agency
In Colorado, you can file a misconduct complaint with the local police department, the city’s oversight agency, or the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) board. Be clear, detailed and stick to the facts when writing your complaint. Keep in mind that strong documentation increases the chances of action being taken.
Your action can lead to real accountability
Colorado law supports your right to speak out against police misconduct. By documenting clearly, acting safely and reporting to the right agencies, you help protect your community. If you ever need help in determining what to do first, speaking with an attorney might be helpful.
It can be intimidating to pursue something like this. By speaking up however, you can bring about change and hold the system accountable.