Request Police Use of Force Records - Salt Lake City

Public Safety Utah 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Utah

Requests for police use-of-force records in Salt Lake City, Utah start with the Salt Lake City Police Department records unit and follow state public-records law. This guide explains where to submit a request, which office enforces disclosure, typical timelines, appeals, and practical steps to obtain copies of reports, body-worn camera footage, and related records. Information below relies on official Salt Lake City departmental pages and Utah public-records guidance; if an exact fee, fine, or deadline is not published on the cited page, the text states that explicitly. Sources current as of February 2026.

Public records requests are processed under Utah public-records rules unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

How to submit a records request

Start by identifying the records you need (incident date, location, officer name or badge number, case number). Send a written request to the Salt Lake City records intake system and to the Salt Lake City Police Department records unit when applicable. For city submission details and the official records request form, see the Salt Lake City public-records page Records Request[1]. To contact the Police Department records desk directly and learn available formats, see the SLCPD records information Police Records[2]. Utah state guidance on public records (GRAMA) explains state-level procedures and exemptions GRAMA[3].

  • Prepare a written request including dates, names, and description of the use-of-force incident.
  • Submit via the city records portal or by mail/email to the Police Records Unit; include contact information for delivery.
  • Specify the desired format (electronic copy, DVD, certified copy) and whether video or audio is requested.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of public-records disclosure for Salt Lake City records, including police use-of-force records, is handled by the Salt Lake City Records Office and the City Attorney when disputes arise. Internal investigations, standards, and discipline for officer conduct are handled by the Salt Lake City Police Department Professional Standards Division; records disclosure remains subject to applicable exemptions under Utah law and city procedures.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, internal discipline, and court actions may occur for noncompliance with disclosure obligations; specific remedies for enforcement are handled by the City Attorney or courts.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Salt Lake City Records Office and City Attorney; submit a records request or complaint via the city records page and the Police Records Unit for unresolved matters.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeals follow the city records-review process and may proceed to the City Attorney or state tribunals; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited city page.
  • Defences/discretion: statutory exemptions under Utah GRAMA (privacy, ongoing investigations) can justify withholding; the records office applies discretion per state and city rules.[3]
If a fee or deadline is needed for action, confirm on the city records or police records page before filing.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an official public-records request method on its records page; the Police Records Unit lists available formats and submission contacts. If a named city form or fee schedule is required it is provided on the linked pages; where no specific form is published, a written request by email or portal submission is accepted.[2]

Action steps

  • Identify incident details and dates before you submit the request.
  • Use the Salt Lake City Records portal or the Police Records contact to file the request.[1]
  • Ask for an itemized fee estimate in writing if copying or media costs apply.
  • If denied, follow the city appeal route and contact the City Attorney or file under state GRAMA procedures.[3]
Retain a copy of your written request and any correspondence to support appeals.

FAQ

How do I request police use-of-force records?
Submit a written request with incident details via the Salt Lake City records portal or to the Police Records Unit; see the official pages linked above.[1]
How long will it take to get records?
The specific response timeline is not specified on the cited city pages; Utah GRAMA governs state timelines and possible extensions.[3]
Are videos like body-worn camera footage public?
Videos may be public but can be redacted or withheld under GRAMA exemptions for privacy or active investigations; the Police Records Unit handles access determinations.[2]

How-To

  1. Gather incident identifiers: date, time, location, officer badge or case number.
  2. Complete the city records request via the Salt Lake City Records page or email the Police Records Unit with a clear description.[1]
  3. Request the format you need and ask for an estimate of copying or media fees.
  4. If denied, request a written reason and follow the appeal directions on the city records page or under GRAMA.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • File a clear written request with precise incident details to the city records portal.
  • Contact the Police Records Unit for video requests and format questions.[2]
  • Appeals and exemptions follow city procedures and Utah GRAMA; check linked official pages for next steps.[3]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Salt Lake City records / public records requests
  2. [2] City of Salt Lake City Police - Records information
  3. [3] Utah GRAMA guidance - Utah State Archives

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