Request Police Use-of-Force Records - Fort Worth

Public Safety Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Fort Worth, Texas, members of the public may request police use-of-force records under the Texas Public Information Act. This guide explains how to submit an online request to the City of Fort Worth, what to expect from the Records/Police office, common timelines, and how to appeal or seek review if records are withheld.

You can request records online through the City Secretary's public records portal.

Overview

Use-of-force records may include incident reports, body-worn camera footage, administrative reviews, and related documentation held by the Fort Worth Police Department. The City Secretary coordinates many public-records requests for municipal departments and provides an online intake for public information requests via the City portal. For state rules that govern timing and exceptions, the Texas Attorney General provides guidance under the Texas Public Information Act.

To file, describe the records clearly (dates, locations, officer names or badge numbers if known), indicate preferred delivery format (electronic or physical copies), and provide contact information for any required clarifications.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited City page; administrative penalties under state law may apply in some cases but specific municipal fines related to records requests are not listed on the cited pages.City Secretary - Public Records[1]

Escalation and timing: under the Texas Public Information Act, agencies generally must respond within 10 business days; additional procedural extensions or responses are described by the Texas Attorney General.Texas Attorney General - Public Information Act[2]

Non-monetary sanctions and remedies: the usual remedies for wrongful withholding of public information include administrative review by the Attorney General and civil actions; exact municipal-level sanctions are not specified on the cited city page.

Enforcer and complaint pathway: the City Secretary and the Fort Worth Police Department Records/Legal units handle intake and withholding decisions for city records; requests for AG rulings or appeals go to the Texas Attorney General as described on the AG site.Texas Attorney General - Public Information Act[2]

  • Typical statutory response time: 10 business days (see AG guidance).
  • Fees: copying or media fees may apply; specific fee schedules are not specified on the city public records page.
  • Common non-monetary actions: redaction of exempt information, partial release, or formal denial with a stated exemption.
  • Appeals: request an AG ruling or pursue civil remedies as described by state law.

Applications & Forms

The City of Fort Worth provides an online Public Records request portal managed by the City Secretary; a downloadable form may be available on that page. The Fort Worth Police Department accepts record requests through the City portal or its Records unit when specified on the department pages.City Secretary - Public Records[1]

How to Request Use-of-Force Records

  1. Identify the documents and date range you need (incident report, bodycam footage, review documents).
  2. Submit the request via the City Secretary public records portal or the Records unit, describing records precisely and noting preferred format.City Secretary - Public Records[1]
  3. Wait for the agency response (statutory guidance: usually 10 business days under the Texas Public Information Act).
  4. If records are withheld, follow the agency's stated process and consider requesting an Attorney General ruling or seeking judicial review per state law.

Common Violations

  • Untimely responses by the agency (may be subject to review).
  • Improper or excessive redactions without citation to an exemption.
  • Failure to provide requested formats when feasible.
Keep a copy of your submitted request and any correspondence for appeals.

FAQ

How do I submit an online request for police use-of-force records?
Use the City Secretary public records portal and describe records clearly; the City Secretary page links to the online intake and instructions.City Secretary - Public Records[1]
How long will the City take to respond?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, agencies generally have 10 business days to respond; consult the Texas Attorney General guidance for details.Texas Attorney General - Public Information Act[2]

How-To

  1. Go to the City Secretary public records portal and locate the public information request form.
  2. Complete the form with clear details about the use-of-force incident you are requesting.
  3. Submit the form and retain confirmation; note any estimated fees and delivery method.
  4. Await the City's response and follow instructions if redactions or exemptions are asserted; consider AG review if necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • Use clear descriptions and date ranges to speed processing.
  • Expect a statutory response timeline; consult AG guidance for extensions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Worth - City Secretary: Public Records
  2. [2] Texas Attorney General - Texas Public Information Act guidance

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