Idaho Public Records Act
How to Request Use of Force Reports in Idaho
You can ask a Idaho police department for use of force reports under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-101 and following). Response timeline: For Idaho residents, the agency must grant or deny within 3 working days, and if it needs more time, provide the records within 10 working days (Idaho Code 74-103(2)). Non-residents get longer deadlines and may pay different fees. The request must clearly say it is a public records request. No response in time counts as a denial.. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Idaho Code 74-101 and following (opens in a new tab).
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get use of force reports from a Idaho police department?
- You can request use of force reports under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-101 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 use of force reports?
- 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 Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-101 and following) is: For Idaho residents, the agency must grant or deny within 3 working days, and if it needs more time, provide the records within 10 working days (Idaho Code 74-103(2)). Non-residents get longer deadlines and may pay different fees. The request must clearly say it is a public records request. No response in time counts as a denial.. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.