How to Request Bodycam Footage in Michigan

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

Governing law

Michigan FOIA (MCL § 15.231 et seq.)

Who to send your request to

Agency FOIA Coordinator. 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

Hourly rate of lowest-paid capable employee; first $20 waived on request

Response timeline

5 business days; 10-day extension permitted

If your request is denied

Head of agency, then circuit court. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.