How to Request Bodycam Footage in Illinois

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

Governing law

Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140) & Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act (50 ILCS 706/10-20)

Who to send your request to

Agency FOIA officer. 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 50 B&W pages free; then $0.15/page

Response timeline

5 business days; body-cam footage exempt unless subject or complainant requests

If your request is denied

Public Access Counselor at the Attorney General. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.