How to Request Bodycam Footage in Maine

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

Governing law

Maine Freedom of Access Act (1 M.R.S. § 400 et seq.)

Who to send your request to

Public Access 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

$15/hour after first hour of staff time free

Response timeline

5 working days for acknowledgment; 'reasonable time' to fulfill

If your request is denied

Superior Court within 30 days. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.