Opinion ID: 2634802
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Burden of Demonstrating Capacity and Function in which the Records are Held and Used

Text: The entity requesting inspection of the items has the initial burden to show that they are likely criminal justice records under the terms of the act. See, e.g., Denver Publishing, at 199-200. In what capacity the custodian makes, maintains, or keeps and uses the record is the linchpin to this inquiry. We hold that in cases where it is not clear whether the custodian holds a record in an individual or official capacity, and thus whether the record is private or public, the requesting party must make a threshold showing that the document is likely a public record. Wick, 81 P.3d at 364. This threshold showing is not overly burdensome. Id. Where the agency is the custodian of the records sought and the records are `made, maintained, or kept' in a public capacity, the burden to show that the records are likely public records has been met. Denver Publishing, at 199 (emphasis added). The burden then shifts to the custodian to show whether the items in contention relate to the performance of public functions. Id. at 199. The agency must look to the content of the records to resolve whether they relate to the performance of public functions. Id. Here there is no question that the Sheriff holds the recordings in his official capacity.