How to Request Bodycam Footage in Virginia

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

Governing law

Virginia FOIA (Va. Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.)

Who to send your request to

Agency FOIA 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

Reasonable cost of accessing and copying records

Response timeline

5 working days; 7-day extension permitted

If your request is denied

General district or circuit court; expedited docket. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.