Magalia, CA asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for California

Q: How do I obtain the form to complete so I may acquire the police body cam footage for my case?

I can't find the form to be filled out to obtain the body cam footage for my arrest. Where would I find the right form to request this footage from my local sheriff's office?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: To obtain police body cam footage in California, you'll need to submit a Public Records Act (PRA) request to the law enforcement agency that has the footage. Typically, you can find the form for this request on the website of your local sheriff's office or police department. Look for a section titled "Public Records" or "Records Request" on their site.

If you can't find the form online, you can call the sheriff's office directly and ask them how to submit a Public Records Act request. They might have a specific form or they may accept a written request that includes details like your name, the date and location of the incident, and a description of what you're requesting.

Once you've submitted your request, the agency is required by California law to respond within 10 days, although the process of obtaining the footage may take longer. Make sure to follow up if you don't receive a timely response.

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