Massachusetts Public Records Law
How to Request Body Camera Footage in Massachusetts
You can ask a Massachusetts police department for body-worn camera and dash camera video under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10). Response timeline: The records access officer must respond within 10 business days (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10(a)). If more time is needed, the response may not exceed 15 business days from the request for state agencies or 25 business days for cities and towns, unless the Supervisor of Records grants more. No written response within 10 business days counts as a denial, and if the deadline is missed the agency cannot charge fees. Appeals go to the Supervisor of Records within 90 days.. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get body camera footage from a Massachusetts police department?
- You can request body-worn camera and dash camera video under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10). 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 body camera footage?
- 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 Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10) is: The records access officer must respond within 10 business days (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10(a)). If more time is needed, the response may not exceed 15 business days from the request for state agencies or 25 business days for cities and towns, unless the Supervisor of Records grants more. No written response within 10 business days counts as a denial, and if the deadline is missed the agency cannot charge fees. Appeals go to the Supervisor of Records within 90 days.. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.