How to Request Bodycam Footage in Washington

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

Governing law

Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) & RCW 42.56.240(14) for body-worn cameras

Who to send your request to

Agency public-records 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

$0.15/page or actual cost; per-recording surcharge for redaction time

Response timeline

5 business days to acknowledge; ongoing production

If your request is denied

Superior Court; attorney's fees + $5-100/day penalties. Ask for the specific statutory exemption cited; boilerplate "ongoing investigation" denials are frequently reversed on appeal.