Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)
How to Request Use of Force Reports in Kansas
You can ask a Kansas police department for use of force reports under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) (K.S.A. 45-215 and following). Response timeline: Each request must be acted on as soon as possible and no later than the end of the 3rd business day after it is received, or the custodian must explain the delay and give the earliest date the records will be available (K.S.A. 45-218(d)). Police body camera and dash camera recordings are treated as criminal investigation records, which agencies may withhold. However, the person recorded (and certain family members and attorneys) can ask to view or listen to the recording, and the agency must allow it within 20 days (K.S.A. 45-254).. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Statute: K.S.A. 45-215 and following (opens in a new tab).
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get use of force reports from a Kansas police department?
- You can request use of force reports under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) (K.S.A. 45-215 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 Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) (K.S.A. 45-215 and following) is: Each request must be acted on as soon as possible and no later than the end of the 3rd business day after it is received, or the custodian must explain the delay and give the earliest date the records will be available (K.S.A. 45-218(d)). Police body camera and dash camera recordings are treated as criminal investigation records, which agencies may withhold. However, the person recorded (and certain family members and attorneys) can ask to view or listen to the recording, and the agency must allow it within 20 days (K.S.A. 45-254).. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.