Skip to content

Massachusetts Public Records Law

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10). The law sets this 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.. 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: M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10.

Write your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Massachusetts?
Most public records laws, including the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10), 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 Massachusetts agency have to respond?
Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10), the response timeline 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.. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Massachusetts?
Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10). 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, s. 10) 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 MassachusettsPolice departments and incidents in Massachusetts