Atlanta Police Use of Force Records Portal

Public Safety Georgia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Georgia

In Atlanta, Georgia, members of the public can request police use-of-force records under the city public records process and the Georgia Open Records Act. This guide explains who handles requests, what documents are typically available, how to submit a request to the Atlanta Police Department and the City Clerk, expected response steps, and where to appeal denials. Use the official records portals and department contacts below to start your request and track status.

Requesting use-of-force records

Records commonly sought include incident reports, officer reports, body-worn camera footage, supervisor reviews, and related investigative materials. To begin, prepare identifying details (incident date, location, names, badge numbers) and whether you seek video, reports, or both.

  • Submit a written public records request to the Atlanta Police Department Records Division via the official portal or Records email/portal listed by APD. Records request[1]
  • If the APD directs records to the City Clerk or another office, follow the City of Atlanta Open Records instructions and submission process. City open records[2]
  • Specify format (digital copy, DVD), date range, and any fee willingness to expedite processing.
Requests that name exact dates and parties are processed faster.

Penalties & Enforcement

Access and enforcement for public records requests in Atlanta are governed by the City of Atlanta records procedures together with the Georgia Open Records Act. The Atlanta Police Department Records Division and the City Clerk are the primary enforcers for municipal records access; disposal or withholding decisions are typically documented by the custodian.

  • Fines or statutory penalties for failure to provide records: not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeal or judicial review: state court remedies under the Georgia Open Records Act may apply; specific time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Atlanta Police Department Records Division and the City Clerk handle custody and complaints; contact details appear on the official pages cited below.[1][2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: records orders, subpoenas, and court-ordered production are remedies a court may grant; specific penalty schedules are not specified on the cited page.
If APD withholds records, ask for the legal basis and the specific exemption cited.

Applications & Forms

The city does not publish a unique blanket "use-of-force" form; public records requests are usually submitted via the APD records request portal or the City Clerk's open records form. Where a downloadable form exists, the Records Division or City Clerk page links to it; if no form is posted, a written email request is acceptable per the department guidance.[1][2]

How to

Practical steps to submit and follow up on a request for use-of-force records.

  1. Identify the incident with date, location, and involved officers; note what you want (video, report, review files).
  2. Use the APD records request portal or email the Records Division with a clear written request and contact information. Records request[1]
  3. If redirected, submit the same request to the City Clerk open records portal and track the submission confirmation. City open records[2]
  4. Respond promptly to city requests for clarification and be prepared to pay published duplication fees if requested.
  5. If denied, request a written explanation citing the specific exemption and then consider administrative review or court appeal under the Georgia Open Records Act.
  6. Keep records of all correspondence and request tracking numbers for appeals or follow-up.
Keep all emails and confirmations; they are evidence if you appeal a denial.

FAQ

Who can request police use-of-force records?
Any member of the public may request records, subject to applicable exemptions.
Are body-worn camera videos public?
Body-worn camera footage may be public but can be exempt or redacted for investigations or privacy; ask APD for the status and any redactions.
How long does a request take?
Response times vary; the cited pages do not specify a guaranteed deadline for production.

How-To

  1. Draft a written request with incident specifics and desired formats.
  2. Submit via the APD Records portal or Records Division contact method.[1]
  3. If directed to City Clerk, submit through the City open records page and retain receipts.[2]
  4. Respond to clarifying requests from staff and confirm delivery method for copies.
  5. If denied, request written reasons and consider appeal under state law.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with APD Records Division for use-of-force materials and be specific in your request.
  • Preserve all confirmation emails and correspondence for appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Atlanta Police Department - Records Request
  2. [2] City of Atlanta - Open Records (City Clerk)

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