How to Request Bodycam Footage in North Carolina

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

Governing law

North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1) & § 132-1.4A specifically for body-cam

Who to send your request to

Agency custodian; body-cam release requires court order. 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 of duplication

Response timeline

'As promptly as possible'; body-cam petition heard on expedited docket

If your request is denied

Superior Court; body-cam disclosure petition under § 132-1.4A(g). Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.