How to Request Bodycam Footage in Tennessee

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

Governing law

Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503)

Who to send your request to

Public Records Request 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

No charge for first hour; hourly rate thereafter + $0.15/page

Response timeline

7 business days to respond

If your request is denied

Chancery or circuit court; petition for access. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.