JM Audits Public Records Toolkit
Public Records Request Templates
Professional, plain-language request templates based on records requests used by JM Audits. Choose a category, replace the bracketed details, copy the request, and send it to the correct public-records custodian.
New to public records requests?
Use the step-by-step guide to choose an agency, describe records, control fees and follow up.
Public-records request examples for police and local government
This free library includes copy-and-paste public-records request examples for body-camera video, police reports, 911 audio, CAD logs, arrest records, internal affairs files, public employees, government emails, Flock camera data, contracts, policies, meeting records and more. Each page includes a focused template, practical use notes and a downloadable text version.
General Public Records Request
A flexible starting point for documents, databases, photographs, recordings, reports, and other government records.
Open template →Body Camera, Dash Camera & Evidence
Request body-worn camera, dash camera, photographs, audio, evidence files, reports, and related metadata.
Open template →CAD, 911 & Dispatch Records
Request call logs, CAD event histories, dispatch audio, call notes, unit assignments, and timestamps.
Open template →Arrest, Incident, Booking & Jail Records
Request affidavits, incident reports, booking records, jail logs, probable-cause documents, and case numbers.
Open template →Audit Trails, Axon & Metadata
Request system audit logs, evidence histories, device events, user activity, exports, timestamps, and metadata.
Open template →Flock & License-Plate Reader Records
Request camera locations, search histories, hot-list activity, access logs, policies, agreements, and audit data.
Open template →Employees, Personnel & Payroll
Request employee rosters, applications, job titles, dates of employment, salary data, and personnel records.
Open template →Internal Affairs, Complaints & Discipline
Request complaints, IA files, use-of-force reviews, findings, discipline, separation forms, and closing documents.
Open template →Emails, Texts, Calendars & Communications
Request official correspondence across agency systems and public business conducted on personal devices.
Open template →Policies, Training, Contracts & Vendors
Request manuals, general orders, training records, certificates, contracts, invoices, and vendor documents.
Open template →Meetings, Budgets, Permits & Code Enforcement
Request agendas, minutes, recordings, spending records, permits, inspections, zoning files, and code-enforcement cases.
Open template →Fees, Delays, Denials & Follow-Up
Professional follow-up language for estimates, clarification requests, delays, partial productions, and exemptions.
Open template →How to use these templates
- Open the closest matching template.
- Replace every bracketed field with your facts and narrow the date range when possible.
- Ask for electronic production in the record's existing or native format.
- Keep a copy of the request, confirmation, invoice, and every response.
Public-records request FAQ
Which request template should I use?
Choose the template that most closely matches the system or record you want. If several categories apply, start with the general template or combine only the relevant paragraphs from multiple templates.
Should I send one large request or several focused requests?
Focused requests are usually easier to track and process. Separate unrelated systems or subjects when doing so will make the search clearer.
Can I copy and edit these templates?
Yes. Replace every bracketed field, remove language that does not apply and adapt the request to the agency and jurisdiction involved.
Are these templates legal advice?
No. They are educational examples based on JM Audits' request experience and do not replace advice from a qualified attorney.