Trace your commute

Public records

California public records requests for police surveillance

Request plate-reader policies and contracts, with a template and a clear distinction between the determination and production schedule.

Sources checked .

Conceptual illustration

Find the agency that has the records

California DOJ directs requests for another agency's records to that agency. For a local police department, find that department's published records channel. The DOJ form is for DOJ-held records, rather than every local department. California DOJ: request the holding agency

Describe records and dates

The DOJ guidelines encourage written requests and specific descriptions so records can be identified. Use the template as a starting list of existing policies, agreements and logs, without assuming every agency holds each item. California DOJ: records request guidelines

Understand the determination deadline

Government Code 7922.535 requires a determination within 10 days after receipt of a copy request, with prompt notice of the result and reasons. A disclosable-records determination must include the estimated date and time of availability. Defined unusual circumstances can permit a written-notice extension of up to 14 additional days. California Government Code 7922.535: response determination

The linked current section includes amendments effective 01-01-2026. It specifies conditions for unusual circumstances, including particular cyberattack and emergency situations. Do not assume an extension is automatic or that the determination period guarantees completed production. California Government Code 7922.535: response determination

Copy and adapt this request

Replace the bracketed fields, narrow the dates for logs, and use the holding agency's published request channel. This site does not submit the request.

Download request template (.txt)

To: [Agency public records custodian, through the published request channel]

Date: [MM-DD-YYYY]

Subject: California Public Records Act request: plate-reader governance records

Under the California Public Records Act, I request copies of these existing records held by [agency] for [start date] through [end date]:

1. Plate-reader operating policies, retention schedules and audit procedures effective during the period.

2. Executed equipment and data-service contracts, amendments, purchase orders and invoices during the period.

3. Existing sharing-partner lists and executed data-sharing agreements effective during the period.

4. Existing access or query audit logs for [narrow date range], subject to lawful redaction.

Please provide an existing electronic format where available. This request seeks existing records rather than a new report or analysis.

Please provide the disclosure determination within the applicable statutory period and identify the estimated date and time when disclosable records will be available. If an extension is invoked, please provide the required written notice and reasons.

If any part is withheld, please identify the legal basis and provide separable nonexempt portions. Please notify me before charges exceed [$ amount].

Reply contact: [email or mailing address]

Name: [name, if supplied]

If access remains disputed

Preserve the request and written response, and ask the agency to clarify the legal basis for withholding or delay. Government Code 7923.000 provides court-enforcement routes, including injunctive or declarative relief and a writ of mandate. Review the applicable procedure before choosing a court filing. California Government Code 7923.000: court enforcement

Questions and answers

Does the DOJ form request every police department's records?

No. DOJ tells requesters to contact another agency directly for that agency's records. California DOJ: request the holding agency

Are all records due within 10 days?

The cited statute sets a determination period and requires an estimated availability date and time for disclosable records. California Government Code 7922.535: response determination

Is this the same process as deleting broker-held data?

This guide concerns government records. The separate DROP guide concerns a consumer deletion request to data brokers.

Sources and scope

Sources checked 10-23-2026: official California Legislative Information and DOJ guidance. The determination section includes amendments effective 01-01-2026.

Keep exploring