Boulder Police Oversight Panel Discusses Limitations of Sealed Criminal Records

Boulder’s Police Oversight Panel is grappling with the complexities of criminal justice reform, particularly regarding the limitations imposed by state laws on the review of sealed records. During the recent meeting on July 19, 2025, panel members discussed the implications of Colorado's legislation that allows for the automatic sealing of certain criminal records, which can hinder the panel's ability to conduct thorough oversight.

The law, which was updated five years ago, enables quicker sealing of records, making them inaccessible to most entities, including the police oversight panel. This means that if a complaint involves a sealed record, the panel cannot review it unless the individual petitions the court to have the record unsealed specifically for oversight purposes. This process can be cumbersome and time-consuming, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in police oversight.

Panel members emphasized the need for clear communication with the public regarding these limitations. Suggestions were made to enhance public awareness, including potentially updating the police oversight website and including information in community newsletters. The goal is to ensure that individuals filing complaints understand the process and their options if their records are sealed.

The discussion also touched on the possibility of legislative changes to allow for exceptions that would enable the oversight panel to access sealed records in cases of serious misconduct. However, as it stands, only the individual whose record is sealed has the standing to petition for unsealing, which complicates the panel's oversight capabilities.

As Boulder continues to navigate these challenges, the panel is looking to engage with legislators to advocate for necessary reforms. The city is in the process of hiring an intergovernmental affairs person to facilitate these discussions, which could lead to future changes in the law that enhance police oversight.

The outcome of these discussions and potential legislative changes could significantly impact the effectiveness of civilian oversight in Boulder, ensuring that the community's concerns are addressed while balancing the rights of individuals with sealed records.