Alabama Open Records Act
How to Request 911 Calls in Alabama
You can ask a Alabama police department for 911 call audio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs under the Alabama Open Records Act (Ala. Code 36-12-40 and following (as amended by SB 270, 2024)). Response timeline: Since October 1, 2024, the agency must acknowledge a request within 10 business days, then within 15 business days fulfill it, deny it, or notify you that it is time-intensive (with possible written extensions). Time-intensive requests get 45 business days. A standard request is presumed denied if not answered within 30 business days or 60 calendar days. The Act grants rights to "every citizen.". Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Statute: Ala. Code 36-12-40 and following (as amended by SB 270, 2024).
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get 911 calls from a Alabama police department?
- You can request 911 call audio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs under the Alabama Open Records Act (Ala. Code 36-12-40 and following (as amended by SB 270, 2024)). Some records may be withheld or redacted under exemptions in the law, for example for open investigations or privacy.
- What should I include in a request for 911 calls?
- Name the department, describe the records as precisely as you can (date, time, location, officer name or badge number, case number), ask for electronic copies, and ask for a fee estimate first.
- How long will it take?
- The response timeline under the Alabama Open Records Act (Ala. Code 36-12-40 and following (as amended by SB 270, 2024)) is: Since October 1, 2024, the agency must acknowledge a request within 10 business days, then within 15 business days fulfill it, deny it, or notify you that it is time-intensive (with possible written extensions). Time-intensive requests get 45 business days. A standard request is presumed denied if not answered within 30 business days or 60 calendar days. The Act grants rights to "every citizen.". Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.