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

Most public records laws, including the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), 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 Texas?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.

Do Texas police have 10 days to give me records?

No. They must release information promptly. The 10 business day deadline is the time limit for asking the Attorney General for permission to withhold something.

What happens if a Texas agency misses the deadline to ask the Attorney General?

The requested information is presumed public and must be released unless the agency shows a compelling reason to withhold it (Gov. Code 552.302).

Can I get basic arrest information in Texas while a case is open?

Generally yes. Basic information about an arrest or offense is public even when other details are withheld under the law enforcement exception.

Texas Public Information Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Texas

In Texas, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). The law sets this response timeline: Information must be released promptly (s. 552.221). To withhold anything, the agency must ask the Attorney General for a ruling within 10 business days (s. 552.301(b)).. 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: Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.

Write your Texas request

Texas 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 Texas

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Texas?: Most public records laws, including the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), 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 Texas agency have to respond?: Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), the response timeline is: Information must be released promptly (s. 552.221). To withhold anything, the agency must ask the Attorney General for a ruling within 10 business days (s. 552.301(b)).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Texas?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). 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 Texas 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 Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.
Do Texas police have 10 days to give me records?: No. They must release information promptly. The 10 business day deadline is the time limit for asking the Attorney General for permission to withhold something.
What happens if a Texas agency misses the deadline to ask the Attorney General?: The requested information is presumed public and must be released unless the agency shows a compelling reason to withhold it (Gov. Code 552.302).
Can I get basic arrest information in Texas while a case is open?: Generally yes. Basic information about an arrest or offense is public even when other details are withheld under the law enforcement exception.

Public records law in Texas Police departments and incidents in Texas