Texas Public Information Act
How to Request Use of Force Reports in Texas
You can ask a Texas police department for use of force reports under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). 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)).. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Statute: Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get use of force reports from a Texas police department?
- You can request use of force reports under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). Some records may be withheld or redacted under exemptions in the law, for example for open investigations or privacy.
- What should I include in a request for use of force reports?
- Name the department, describe the records as precisely as you can (date, time, location, officer name or badge number, case number), ask for electronic copies, and ask for a fee estimate first.
- How long will it take?
- The response timeline under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) 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)).. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.