Did Colt make .38 revolvers for civilians as well as for police in the '70s?

They were designed for police use and marketed towards them but not limited to police, civilians also acquired them as well. More of a marketing name and technique.

Yes Colt made guns for civilians and police alike.

One of their most basic designs was the "Colt Official Police" but they sold it to anyone who would buy it, civilian, police, and military alike. They sold nearly a half-million of them.

Besides, even if the gun WAS sold to the police, most police departments when they upgraded to semiautomatic 9mm handguns sold their revolvers on the used market. Up until this crazy gun buying started after Sandy Hook, it was pretty common to see the on-line stores advertising 'police trade in' revolvers for about $250...usually a mix of Colts and Smith&Wessons in 38 special, heavy holster wear but otherwise in good condition.

Back in the bad old days, a lot of police departments would sell their surplus weapons when they upgraded to newer models or different calibers. Yours might have been one such weapon

Colt revolvers were widley sold to anyone back then. I wish I had a Python. Those were sweert .357's they made back then.

Of course.