Do I have to live in Kentucky to request records?

Yes. Kentucky 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 Commonwealth of Kentucky." in your letter. Kentucky limits open records requests to residents. Include a signed statement that you are a resident of the Commonwealth, or the agency can deny the request.

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

Most public records laws, including the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), 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 Kentucky?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Kentucky Open Records Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Kentucky

In Kentucky, residents can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). The law sets this response timeline: The agency must respond within 5 business days (KRS 61.880(1)). IMPORTANT: since June 29, 2021, only Kentucky residents (or businesses, property owners and news organizations in Kentucky) may request records, and the request must include a statement that you are a Kentucky resident (KRS 61.870(10), 61.872(2)).. 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: KRS 61.870 to 61.884.

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

Kentucky limits open records requests to residents. Include a signed statement that you are a resident of the Commonwealth, or the agency can deny the request.

Write your Kentucky request

Kentucky 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 Kentucky

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to live in Kentucky to request records?: Yes. Kentucky 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 Commonwealth of Kentucky." in your letter. Kentucky limits open records requests to residents. Include a signed statement that you are a resident of the Commonwealth, or the agency can deny the request.
Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Kentucky?: Most public records laws, including the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), 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 Kentucky agency have to respond?: Under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), the response timeline is: The agency must respond within 5 business days (KRS 61.880(1)). IMPORTANT: since June 29, 2021, only Kentucky residents (or businesses, property owners and news organizations in Kentucky) may request records, and the request must include a statement that you are a Kentucky resident (KRS 61.870(10), 61.872(2)).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Kentucky?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884) 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 Kentucky Police departments and incidents in Kentucky