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Colby, Kansas Public Records

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Colby, Thomas County, Kansas to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Colby, Kansas, you will be transported to the Thomas County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Thomas County Court. Under Kansas law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The Thomas County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.ks.gov/information/offender-search where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Colby, Thomas County, Kansas?
The Colby Unified School District (USD) serves the city of Colby, Thomas County, Kansas. The district consists of one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. According to the Kansas State Department of Education, the district's overall performance rating for the 2019-2020 school year was "Meets Expectations." The district's graduation rate was 92.3%, and the average ACT score was 20.7.
3
What are the crime statistics for Colby, Thomas County, Kansas?
The most recent crime statistics for Colby, Thomas County, Kansas are not available online. However, the Thomas County Sheriff's Office publishes an annual report that includes crime statistics for the county. This report can be found on the Thomas County Sheriff's Office website.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Colby, Thomas County, Kansas Library?
The Colby Public Library in Thomas County, Kansas provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Kansas government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), which governs access to government documents in Kansas. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Colby Kansas Archives and Genealogy at https://www.kshs.org/index.php. Contact the Colby Public Library reference desk at (785) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Colby, Thomas County, Kansas Public Library located?
The Colby, Thomas County, Kansas Library is located at 515 W. 5th Street, Colby, KS 67701.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Colby, Thomas County, Kansas?
Fingerprinting services for Colby, Kansas residents are provided at the Colby Police Department, which serves Thomas County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Colby Police Department at (785) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/criminal_history/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Colby, Thomas County, Kansas, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Colby, Thomas County, Kansas, you must contact the Thomas County Register of Deeds office.

The vital records available from the Thomas County Register of Deeds office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Colby, Kansas can be obtained from the Colby Police Department, located in Thomas County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), most police reports are public records in Kansas, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Colby Police Department Records Division at (785) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.kbi.ks.gov/criminal_history/.
9
About background check
A background check in Colby, Thomas County, Kansas typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Kansas. Criminal background checks are processed through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Kansas residents. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/criminal_history/. Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026