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North Carolina Public Records Law

Police Records Request Letter Generator for North Carolina

In North Carolina, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132). The law sets this response timeline: Most records must be provided as promptly as possible (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132). POLICE BODY CAMERA AND DASH CAMERA RECORDINGS ARE NOT PUBLIC RECORDS in North Carolina (N.C.G.S. 132-1.4A). A person shown in a recording, or their representative, can ask the agency to let them view it. Getting a copy requires a petition to the superior court in the county where the recording was made, and only a court order can release it.. 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: N.C.G.S. Chapter 132 (opens in a new tab).

Write your North Carolina 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 North Carolina

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in North Carolina?
Most public records laws, including the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132), 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 North Carolina agency have to respond?
Under the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132), the response timeline is: Most records must be provided as promptly as possible (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132). POLICE BODY CAMERA AND DASH CAMERA RECORDINGS ARE NOT PUBLIC RECORDS in North Carolina (N.C.G.S. 132-1.4A). A person shown in a recording, or their representative, can ask the agency to let them view it. Getting a copy requires a petition to the superior court in the county where the recording was made, and only a court order can release it.. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in North Carolina?
Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132). 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 132) 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 North CarolinaPolice departments and incidents in North Carolina