Legislative Authority
The CBI is a “by request” agency responding to requests for investigative service from local law enforcement, district attorneys and other state agencies.
Generally speaking, the CBI responds and investigates serious criminal matters when officially requested by local law enforcement authorities.
In accordance with CRS §24-33.5-412, the CBI has the following, but not limited to, statutory authority:
- To assist a local law enforcement authority or a state agency in the investigation and detection of crime and in the enforcement of the criminal laws of the state when assistance is requested by any sheriff, chief of police, district attorney, head of a state agency, or chief law enforcement officer and with the approval of the director.
- To investigate suspected criminal activity when directed to do so by the governor.
- To locate and apprehend persons who are fugitives from the law.
- The CBI is charged with the responsibility to investigate organized crime which cuts across jurisdictional boundaries of local law enforcement agencies, subject to the provisions of section 24.33.5-410.
- To conduct criminal investigations relating to cybercrime violations pursuant to section 18-5.5-102, when violations are reported or investigations requested by law enforcement officials or the governor or when violations are discovered by the bureau. All investigations conducted by the bureau must be in cooperation and coordination with local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities, subject to the provisions of section 24.33.5-410.