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California Public Records Act (CPRA)

Police Records Request Letter Generator for California

In California, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 and following). The law sets this response timeline: The agency must decide within 10 days whether it will disclose, extendable by up to 14 days in unusual circumstances (Gov. Code 7922.535).. 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 September 30, 2026. Statute: Government Code Section 7920.000 and following.

Write your California request

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

  1. Step 1

    Pick the records

    Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 California

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in California?
Most public records laws, including the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 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 California agency have to respond?
Under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 and following), the response timeline is: The agency must decide within 10 days whether it will disclose, extendable by up to 14 days in unusual circumstances (Gov. Code 7922.535).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in California?
Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 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 California 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 California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code Section 7920.000 and following) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.
Are California police misconduct records public?
Many are. SB 1421 and SB 16 made public the records of serious uses of force and sustained findings of certain misconduct, under Penal Code 832.7.
How long does a California agency have to respond to a records request?
Ten days to decide whether it will disclose, with a possible 14 day extension in unusual circumstances.
Can I get police body camera footage in California?
Video of critical incidents, such as shootings, is generally released within 45 days. Other footage depends on the circumstances and exemptions.

Public records law in CaliforniaPolice departments and incidents in California