Denver Police Body Camera Public Records Guide

Public Safety Colorado 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Denver, Colorado, members of the public can request police body-worn camera footage under the citys public records process and applicable state law. This guide explains how to identify what footage may be available, how to submit an open-records request, timelines, likely redactions, and the office that handles production. Many requests go through Denvers Records Management/Open Records process and the Police Records Unit, which coordinate release and any applicable redaction or exemptions.[1]

What footage is covered

Body-worn camera footage captured by Denver Police Department officers is generally treated as part of the departments official records when related to an incident that involves police action. Certain categories of footage may be withheld or redacted under privacy, investigatory, or law enforcement exemptions. If footage relates to an ongoing investigation, release may be delayed or limited.

Request standard identifying details (date, time, location, officer badge) to speed retrieval.

How to request footage

Follow these practical steps to request body camera footage from Denver Police:

  1. Identify the incident details: date, time range, location, officer name or badge number, and any case or report number.
  2. Contact the Police Records Unit to check whether a report or case number exists; some requests require a related report.[2]
  3. Submit an Open Records Request through Denvers official Open Records Requests portal with the incident details and specify you are requesting body-worn camera footage.
  4. Include a preferred delivery method (electronic link, DVD, in-person inspection) and contact information for production or questions.

Processing time and redactions

Processing times depend on the complexity of the request and whether footage must be reviewed for redactions. If footage is part of a pending criminal investigation or contains sensitive personal data, portions may be redacted or withheld under statutory exemptions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Denver enforces public-records obligations through its Records Management office and related city procedures. Specific monetary fines or penalties for mishandling or unlawful withholding of records are governed by applicable city rules and state law; exact fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages below and may depend on court remedies or statutory processes. The city may face orders to release records, court injunctions, or other judicial remedies if records are improperly withheld.

  • Enforcer: Denver Records Management / City Attorney and relevant Police Records Unit.
  • Appeal/review: Administrative review or court action; statutory timelines for filing suit are not specified on the cited page.
  • Fines/fees: Copying or production fees may apply; specific fee schedules are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: court orders to produce records, compelled inspection, or injunctive relief.
If denied, request a written explanation citing the exemption claimed.

Applications & Forms

The City of Denver accepts Open Records Requests through its online portal and via mail or email per the Records Management instructions. No special form for body-worn camera footage is published separately on the cited pages; use the standard Open Records Request procedure linked below.[1]

Common issues and practical tips

  • Be specific: provide exact times and identifying officer details to reduce search time.
  • Expect processing delays when footage requires redaction or relates to ongoing investigations.
  • Ask in your request whether any production fees apply and for an estimate.
Requests that implicate juvenile, medical, or confidential witness information often require redaction or denial.

FAQ

How long does Denver take to produce body camera footage?
Times vary by case complexity; the cited Denver pages do not provide a fixed statutory processing time and processing may be delayed for investigations or redaction review.
Will I be charged to obtain footage?
Denver may charge fees for copying or media production; the cited pages do not list specific dollar amounts or a fee schedule.
Can footage be withheld if it involves an ongoing criminal case?
Yes, footage related to active investigations may be withheld or redacted under law enforcement exemptions.

How-To

Step-by-step: request and obtain body camera footage from Denver Police.

  1. Gather incident details: date, time, location, officer name or badge, and case/report number if available.
  2. Search the Denver Police Records pages or call the Records Unit to confirm whether a report exists.[2]
  3. File an Open Records Request via the City of Denver Open Records portal and specify "body-worn camera footage" and desired format.
  4. Monitor communications from Records Management and respond promptly to fee estimates or clarification requests.
  5. If denied, request a written denial citing the exemption and consider administrative review or court action within applicable time limits (not specified on the cited page).

Key Takeaways

  • File a detailed Open Records Request to speed retrieval and limit back-and-forth.
  • Expect possible redactions for privacy or investigative reasons.
  • Contact the Police Records Unit early to confirm case/report numbers.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Denver  Open Records Requests
  2. [2] Denver Police Department  Records

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