Colorado § 17-20-103 - Wardens and others - conservators of peace.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 17-20-103 — Wardens and others - conservators of peace., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-20-103. Wardens and others - conservators of peace.
The wardens of all correctional facilities under the supervision of the executive director and the staff of such correctional facilities shall be conservators of the peace. As such they shall have the power to arrest or cause to be arrested, with or without process, upon any grounds owned or leased by this state and used by such correctional facilities, any person who breaks the peace, has an outstanding arrest warrant, or is found upon said grounds violating any criminal law of this state and to turn such person over to local law enforcement for detainment and disposition. Local law enforcement authorities are obligated to respond at the facilities' request to carry out the provisions of this section.
Source: L. 77: Entire title R&RE, p. 918, § 10, effective August 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 690, § 36, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 50, § 3, effective July 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 603, § 6, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 843, § 35, effective May 24.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 27-20-103 as it existed prior to 1977.
Cross references: For authority of a peace officer to make an arrest, see part 1 of article 3 of title 16; for use of physical force by an authorized official of a jail, prison, or correctional institution, see § 18-1-703 (1)(b).
ANNOTATION
Guard's authority does not include engaging in undercover activities. A penitentiary guard, accused of aiding an escape, whose theory of the case is that he was attempting to apprehend an escaped criminal by using undercover techniques, is not entitled to a jury instruction on the affirmative defense of execution of public duty when his authority to make an arrest is limited to penitentiary grounds and there is no evidence he had any authorization to engage in undercover activities. People v. Roberts, 43 Colo. App. 100, 601 P.2d 654 (1979).
Applied in People v. Scott, 41 Colo. App. 66, 583 P.2d 939 (1978).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 17-20-103
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 17-20-103 cover?
Section 17-20-103 ("Wardens and others - conservators of peace.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 17-20-103?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 17-20-103" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 17-20-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.