Request Police Use of Force Records - Memphis

Public Safety Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee residents and researchers can request police use-of-force records from the Memphis Police Department and the City of Memphis under public-records rules. This guide explains who to contact, what to ask for, typical timelines, and how appeals and fees are handled. For official submission methods and the City’s process, consult the City of Memphis open records page Open Records Request[1] and the Memphis Police Department records unit MPD Records[2].

What are "use of force" records?

Use-of-force records typically include incident reports, officer narratives, body-worn camera (BWC) footage, supervisor reviews, and internal administrative notes related to force used by officers. Some materials may be exempt from disclosure under state law or involve redactions for privacy, ongoing investigations, or safety concerns.

Who handles requests

  • City of Memphis Open Records Office: handles general public-records requests and coordinates with departments.
  • Memphis Police Department Records Division: processes police-specific requests, provides reports and non-exempt footage.
  • City Clerk or Records Custodian: official contact for appeals or clarification.
Start by identifying the incident date, location, and involved unit or officer badge number if available.

How to make a request

Requests should be as specific as possible about dates, locations, involved officers, and types of records (e.g., incident report, BWC). Submit via the City of Memphis online open-records portal or MPD Records submission procedures linked above. Include your contact information and preferred delivery format (electronic copy or physical media).

Penalties & Enforcement

Access and enforcement for public records in Memphis are governed by the City’s records procedures and applicable state law. Specific monetary penalties, fee schedules, or statutory damages for wrongful withholding are not specified on the cited City of Memphis or MPD pages; consult the listed official sources for details or administrative contacts below.[1][2]

  • Fees: the City or MPD may charge copying or media costs; exact rates are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first request versus repeat or continuing failures to produce records is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: records custodian orders, court enforcement, or compelled disclosures under judicial order may apply; specific local procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint path: contact the City of Memphis Open Records Office or MPD Records Division; appeals typically proceed to the City Clerk or a court if administrative remedies are exhausted.
If a request is denied or heavily redacted, request a written denial stating the specific exemption relied upon.

Applications & Forms

The City and MPD provide online submission forms or email contacts for public-records requests; exact form names and fee details are not specified on the cited pages. Use the City of Memphis open records portal or MPD Records page to locate the current request form and submission instructions.[1][2]

Action steps

  • Identify incident details: date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers, and report numbers if known.
  • Submit a written request via the City of Memphis open-records portal or MPD Records contact with a clear description of records sought.
  • Ask about fees and preferred delivery format before finalizing payment or media requests.
  • Track the request and request a written denial if records are withheld; note the exemption cited.
  • If denied, follow the City’s appeal process or seek judicial review within the time limits specified by the applicable public-records law or the City’s guidance.
Keep copies of all correspondence and request receipts for appeals or judicial review.

FAQ

Can I get body-worn camera footage of a use-of-force incident?
Possibly; BWC footage may be available unless exempted for ongoing investigations, privacy, or safety reasons. Request specifics via MPD Records and ask for redaction explanations if denied.
How long will it take to receive records?
Response times vary by workload and complexity; the cited City and MPD pages do not provide a fixed deadline—contact the records office for current timelines.
Are there fees to obtain records?
Fees for copying or electronic media may apply; the exact fee schedule is not specified on the cited pages—confirm with the records office when you submit your request.

How-To

  1. Identify the incident details you know and list the specific records you want.
  2. Visit the City of Memphis Open Records portal or MPD Records page and complete the online request or download the form.[1][2]
  3. Submit the form with contact information and preferred delivery format; request an estimate of fees and processing time.
  4. If you receive a denial, request a written explanation citing the exemption; preserve all correspondence.
  5. If dissatisfied, follow the City's administrative appeal route or seek judicial review as allowed by applicable law.

Key Takeaways

  • Be specific: precise incident details speed up retrieval.
  • Expect variable timelines; ask the records office for an estimate.
  • Keep written records of all requests and responses for appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis - Open Records Request
  2. [2] Memphis Police Department - Records Division

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