Library Interactions with Law Enforcement Policy

The Jefferson County Public Library (the Library) seeks to provide free and equitable access to quality Library service for all patrons in a safe and pleasant environment without discrimination. The Library strives to protect our patrons and their private information when they use our facilities and services. The purpose of this policy is to assure adherence to applicable laws.

JCPL is a public facility and in accordance with the requirements of C.R.S 24-90-119 and C.R.S. 24-74.1-101-103 law enforcement officers can perform their official duties within the public areas of the Library. They should not enter nonpublic areas except for the safety and security of the Library or with a judicial subpoena, judicial search warrant, or other court order. Staff will speak with the law enforcement agents in public areas of the facility.

If the officer asks staff to provide immediate access to non-public areas staff should immediately notify the Person In Charge or their Division Officer, Director or Designees if there is not a Person In Charge.  Approval of access to nonpublic areas of the library shall be issued by the Executive Director or their designee. The Library has the right to consult with legal counsel before responding to requests.

Per the applicable laws above, Library staff will not share personally identifiable information including but not limited to Library account records or Library use with law enforcement or other third parties without permission from the patron or without a judicial subpoena, judicial search warrant, or other court order, except for the safety and security of the Library.

If the officer asks staff to provide information, staff should immediately notify the Person In Charge or their Division Officer, Director or Designees if there is not a Person In Charge.    Approval of releasing information to law enforcement shall be issued by the Executive Director or their designee. The Library has the right to consult with legal counsel before responding to requests.

Library Staff shall not assist law enforcement in locating or identifying individuals, except as required by applicable law.

Library Staff shall document all official interaction with law enforcement per C.R.S. 24-74.1 through the Library’s incident reporting procedures.

This policy does not apply to a member of law enforcement in their capacity as a customer using the Library’s resources. JCPL has no affirmative duty to collect or retain information about library users on behalf of law enforcement. This policy does not prohibit Library staff from inviting law enforcement officers into non-public areas for Library business.