How to Request Police Body Camera Footage

Body-worn camera (BWC) footage is one of the most requested types of public records in the United States. Whether you're a journalist investigating a use-of-force incident, an attorney building a case, or a citizen seeking transparency, you have the right to request this footage under federal and state public records laws.

Your Right to Body Camera Footage

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the federal level, and equivalent state laws like Ohio's Public Records Act (ORC § 149.43), California's Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), and New York's Freedom of Information Law (Pub. Off. Law § 84-90), law enforcement agencies are required to release body camera footage unless a specific, narrow exemption applies.

What to Include in Your Request

A strong body camera footage request should include:

The specific incident: Date, time, approximate location

Officer identification: Badge numbers if known, or "all officers who responded"

Time range: Footage from 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the incident

Format: Request digital copies in the original file format

Sample Request Language

I am requesting all body-worn camera (BWC) footage from officers who responded to the incident on [DATE] at [LOCATION], reference [CASE NUMBER]. Please include footage from all officers present at the scene, beginning 30 minutes prior to arrival and ending 30 minutes after the conclusion of the incident.

Common Exemptions Agencies Cite (and How to Challenge Them)

"Ongoing Investigation"

Agencies frequently claim that footage is exempt because it's part of an active investigation. In many jurisdictions, this exemption is narrower than agencies suggest. The investigation must be specifically identified, and the agency must explain how release would concretely interfere with it.

"Privacy"

While there are legitimate privacy concerns (e.g., footage inside someone's home), agencies cannot use a blanket privacy exemption to withhold all footage. Request that the agency redact private portions and release the rest — this is called segregability, and it's required by law.

"Officer Safety"

This exemption is sometimes invoked but is rarely applicable to footage of routine encounters. Challenge vague safety claims by asking the agency to identify the specific threat.

Tips for Success

Be specific: The more precise your request, the harder it is to deny

Cite the law: Include the relevant statute in your request

Request segregability: If they can't release everything, they must release the non-exempt portions

Set deadlines: Remind the agency of their statutory response deadline

Follow up: If you don't receive a response within the deadline, file an appeal

File Your Request Now

FOIAfile generates a legally formatted request with the correct citations for your jurisdiction, delivers it to the agency, and tracks your deadline automatically.

File a free body camera footage request →