Do I have to live in Tennessee to request records?

Yes. Tennessee 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 Tennessee." in your letter. Tennessee limits public records rights to state citizens. State in your request that you are a Tennessee resident.

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

Most public records laws, including the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503), 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 Tennessee?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503). 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Tennessee Public Records Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Tennessee

In Tennessee, residents can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503). The law sets this response timeline: Records must be made available promptly. If that is not practicable, within 7 business days the custodian must produce them, deny in writing with the basis, or state in writing how long it will take (T.C.A. 10-7-503(a)(2)(B)). IMPORTANT: only Tennessee citizens have the right to request records; agencies may refuse non-residents.. 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: Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503.

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

Tennessee limits public records rights to state citizens. State in your request that you are a Tennessee resident.

Write your Tennessee request

Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to live in Tennessee to request records?: Yes. Tennessee 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 Tennessee." in your letter. Tennessee limits public records rights to state citizens. State in your request that you are a Tennessee resident.
Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Tennessee?: Most public records laws, including the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503), 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 Tennessee agency have to respond?: Under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503), the response timeline is: Records must be made available promptly. If that is not practicable, within 7 business days the custodian must produce them, deny in writing with the basis, or state in writing how long it will take (T.C.A. 10-7-503(a)(2)(B)). IMPORTANT: only Tennessee citizens have the right to request records; agencies may refuse non-residents.. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Tennessee?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503). 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 10-7-503) 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 Tennessee Police departments and incidents in Tennessee