Police Records & Use of Force Logs - Des Moines

Public Safety Iowa 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, residents and researchers can request police records and use-of-force logs under municipal procedures and state public records law. This guide explains who to contact at the City of Des Moines, what records are typically available from the Police Records unit, how to make a request, typical timelines and fees, and how to challenge a denial. Use the official City Clerk and Police Records instructions to file requests and preserve statutory rights when requesting video, incident reports, or use-of-force documentation. The steps below apply to records held by the City of Des Moines and describe appeals and enforcement paths under Iowa public records practice.[1]

Start with the City Clerk or Police Records unit to identify the correct custodian.

What records are available

Typical public police records include incident reports, arrest records, use-of-force incident summaries, and body-worn camera or in-car video unless a statutory exemption applies. Requests should describe the record clearly (date, location, names if known, report number) to help staff locate responsive records.

How to submit a request

Submit a written request to the City Clerk or the Police Records office describing the records sought. Many requests can be submitted by email, mail, or an online form where provided. Include contact information and whether you request inspection, copies, or electronic delivery. The Police Records unit processes law-enforcement records and can advise on fees and redactions.[3]

  • Describe records with dates, locations, and report numbers when possible.
  • Provide a daytime phone or email for follow-up.
  • State preferred delivery: inspect on-site, mailed copies, or electronic files.
Be as specific as possible in your initial request to reduce processing time.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Des Moines implements public records requests through the City Clerk and the Police Department records custodian. Specific fines, civil penalties, or fee caps for wrongful withholding of records are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see state law for statutory remedies and petitions to court for enforcement.[1] For records retained by the Police Department, enforcement actions for improper retention or disclosure of records are handled by departmental oversight and, if applicable, judicial remedies under state public records statutes.[2]

  • Monetary fines for denial or late release: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: administrative review followed by judicial petition is the typical path; exact timelines are not specified on the cited municipal page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to disclose, court review, and injunctions may apply per state law; local pages do not list specific remedies.
  • Enforcer/contact: City Clerk and Police Records unit are primary contacts for requests and complaints.
If the city denies a record, request the reason in writing and note the basis cited for exemption.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes public records request instructions and may offer a written request form or email template; if no specific form is required, submit a written request that includes your contact details and a precise description of the records sought. The City pages do not uniformly list a mandatory form number or fixed fee schedule on the cited pages; check the Police Records page for electronic request options and copying fees.[3]

Processing steps and timelines

Upon receipt, the records custodian will determine whether records are disclosable, identify any redactions, and estimate fees and completion time. If records are exempted, the custodian should cite the exemption. If the request is complex, expect additional time; exact statutory deadlines or maximum response times are described by state public records law rather than a single municipal statement on the cited pages.[2]

  • Initial acknowledgment and estimated completion date: varies by request complexity.
  • Copying or production fees: check Police Records fee schedule where posted; if not posted, fee details are provided when staff responds.
  • Requests for video may require additional processing for redaction and review.
Video and body-worn camera requests often take longer due to privacy review and redaction needs.

How to appeal a denial

If the City denies disclosure, request the denial in writing and the legal basis cited. Common appeal routes include internal administrative review and filing a petition in state court to compel disclosure under Iowa public records law; exact appeal deadlines and procedures are not specified on the cited municipal pages and may be governed by state statute.[2]

  • Administrative appeal: ask the City Clerk or Police Records supervisor for review.
  • Judicial appeal: petition a court to compel disclosure under state public records law.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unjustified withholding of nonexempt records — outcome: administrative citation or court order to disclose (details not specified on municipal pages).
  • Failure to produce records in reasonable time — outcome: expedited review request or court petition (timelines not specified).
  • Improper release of sensitive information — outcome: corrective orders and departmental actions; monetary penalties not specified on cited pages.

FAQ

Who handles police records requests in Des Moines?
The City Clerk and the Des Moines Police Records unit are the primary custodians for public records requests; contact information and submission instructions are on the official City pages.[1]
Are use-of-force logs public?
Summaries of use-of-force incidents are typically public unless exempted; requests for full reports or video may require redaction and specific review.
Are there fees to get copies?
Copying and media fees may apply; the Police Records office will provide an estimate when processing the request.

How-To

  1. Identify the records you need: dates, report numbers, and parties involved.
  2. Prepare a written request with your contact information and preferred delivery method.
  3. Submit the request to the City Clerk or Police Records office by email, online form, or mail.
  4. Await acknowledgment and an estimate of fees and completion time; clarify scope if the custodian asks for clarification.
  5. If denied, request a written denial with the exemption cited and seek administrative review or judicial petition per state law.

Key Takeaways

  • Be specific in your request to speed processing.
  • Police records and use-of-force summaries are often public but may require redaction.
  • Contact the City Clerk or Police Records unit for forms, fees, and submission methods.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Des Moines City Clerk - Open Records
  2. [2] Iowa Code Chapter 22 - Public Records
  3. [3] Des Moines Police Department - Records and Reporting

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data