Do I have to live in Arkansas to request records?

Yes. Arkansas only grants public records rights to its residents, so the agency may legally refuse a request from a non-resident. Include the statement "I am a resident of the State of Arkansas." in your letter. Arkansas FOIA rights belong to Arkansas citizens. State in your request that you are an Arkansas resident.

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Arkansas?

Most public records laws, including the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.

What does a public records request cost in Arkansas?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Arkansas

In Arkansas, residents can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following). The law sets this response timeline: Records must be open for inspection during regular business hours. If they are in active use or storage, the custodian must certify that in writing and set a date and time within 3 working days when they will be available (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105(e)). IMPORTANT: the Act grants rights to citizens of Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105(a)).. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following.

Residents only: Arkansas only grants public records rights to its residents. Include the residency statement below or the agency may legally refuse your request.

Arkansas FOIA rights belong to Arkansas citizens. State in your request that you are an Arkansas resident.

Write your Arkansas request

Arkansas police department

Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

How to send your request

Step 1
Pick the records
Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.
Step 2
Fill in the details
Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.
Step 3
Send it to the records custodian
Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.
Step 4
Follow up after the deadline
If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Arkansas

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to live in Arkansas to request records?: Yes. Arkansas only grants public records rights to its residents, so the agency may legally refuse a request from a non-resident. Include the statement "I am a resident of the State of Arkansas." in your letter. Arkansas FOIA rights belong to Arkansas citizens. State in your request that you are an Arkansas resident.
Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Arkansas?: Most public records laws, including the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Arkansas agency have to respond?: Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following), the response timeline is: Records must be open for inspection during regular business hours. If they are in active use or storage, the custodian must certify that in writing and set a date and time within 3 working days when they will be available (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105(e)). IMPORTANT: the Act grants rights to citizens of Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105(a)).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Arkansas?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Arkansas police department denies my request?: Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 and following) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Public records law in Arkansas Police departments and incidents in Arkansas