How to Request Bodycam Footage in District of Columbia

A practical, jurisdiction-specific walkthrough for filing a public-records request for police body-worn camera video in District of Columbia (DC). This guide is informational and not legal advice.

Governing law

D.C. FOIA (D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq.)

Who to send your request to

MPD FOIA Officer or agency counsel. If the incident involved multiple agencies (city PD plus state troopers plus sheriff), file parallel requests with each.

What to include in the request

The exact date, approximate time window, and location of the incident.
The case, incident, or CAD number if you have it.
Names or badge numbers of involved officers if known.
A clear statement invoking the state's public-records statute.
Your preferred delivery format (electronic file, DVD, thumb drive).
A fee ceiling — e.g. "please contact me before incurring charges above $25."

Fees

First 2 hours + 100 pages free for non-commercial

Response timeline

15 business days

If your request is denied

Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel or Superior Court. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.