California Public Records Act (CPRA)
How to Request 911 Calls in California
You can ask a California police department for 911 call audio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 and following). Response timeline: The agency must decide within 10 days whether it will disclose, extendable by up to 14 days in unusual circumstances (Gov. Code 7922.535).. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Statute: Government Code Section 7920.000 and following.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get 911 calls from a California police department?
- You can request 911 call audio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 and following). 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 California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 and following) is: The agency must decide within 10 days whether it will disclose, extendable by up to 14 days in unusual circumstances (Gov. Code 7922.535).. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.