How to Request Bodycam Footage in South Carolina

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

Governing law

South Carolina FOIA (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.)

Who to send your request to

Public body designee. 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

Prorated hourly rate for search + copy cost

Response timeline

10 business days to respond; 30 days to produce for records older than 24 months

If your request is denied

Circuit court; $500 civil penalty for willful violations. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.