Ohio Public Records Act
How to Request Body Camera Footage in Ohio
You can ask a Ohio police department for body-worn camera and dash camera video under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code 149.43). Response timeline: No fixed number of days. Records must be promptly prepared and made available for inspection, and copies provided within a reasonable period of time (R.C. 149.43(B)(1)). Courts judge reasonableness case by case, and long delays can be challenged in a mandamus action. Since 2019, police body camera and dash camera recordings are public records, except restricted portions such as images of a death, serious violence, minors, or the inside of a home; a denial of restricted portions can be challenged in court.. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Ohio Revised Code 149.43.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get body camera footage from a Ohio police department?
- You can request body-worn camera and dash camera video under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code 149.43). 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 Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code 149.43) is: No fixed number of days. Records must be promptly prepared and made available for inspection, and copies provided within a reasonable period of time (R.C. 149.43(B)(1)). Courts judge reasonableness case by case, and long delays can be challenged in a mandamus action. Since 2019, police body camera and dash camera recordings are public records, except restricted portions such as images of a death, serious violence, minors, or the inside of a home; a denial of restricted portions can be challenged in court.. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.