Police body-worn camera and dashcam recordings can help the public understand an incident, but release rules, retention periods and privacy restrictions differ by state and agency. Not every recording is public or immediately available.
How to locate the responsible agency
- Start with the incident location and date, then identify the police department, sheriff’s office or highway patrol involved.
- Look for an official records-request portal or contact the agency’s records custodian.
- Describe the footage sought with the date, approximate time, location, report number if known and type of camera.
- Ask about release eligibility, costs, processing times and whether redacted footage is available.
Why footage may be withheld or edited
Agencies may restrict or redact footage to protect victims, minors, witnesses, sensitive personal information, ongoing investigations or other legally protected interests. A clip may omit events before or after the visible recording. An agency’s release of footage does not automatically mean third-party reuse is unrestricted.
How to evaluate a bodycam video
- Confirm the source, agency and incident date.
- Separate what is visible and audible from claims made in narration or captions.
- Look for incident reports, court filings and later official updates.
- Avoid assuming that an arrest or allegation establishes guilt.
Sheriff Connect resources
Explore our states and counties directories, or read our About Us page. To request a correction to material on this website, visit Corrections. This page provides general information, not legal advice or a promise that particular recordings are available.