How to Request Bodycam Footage in Minnesota

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

Governing law

Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. Ch. 13) & § 626.8473 for body-worn cameras

Who to send your request to

Responsible authority / data-practices compliance 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

Actual cost only for non-standard requests

Response timeline

'Reasonable time'; body-cam data of use of force is public 90 days after incident

If your request is denied

Commissioner of Administration advisory opinion or district court. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.