Public records
Tennessee public records requests for police surveillance
Find the agency coordinator, check citizenship and identification requirements, and request defined records with a template.
Sources checked .
Start with the agency's policy
Tennessee's Comptroller says requests go to the governmental entity holding the records. Its policy identifies the Public Records Request Coordinator, process and fees. For copies, a written request or particular form may be required. Tennessee Comptroller: records FAQs
Check who can use the statutory right
The published guidance gives Tennessee citizens a right to access nonexempt records, while agencies may choose to provide records to others. Follow the agency's identification rules. The state's standard request form includes a citizenship question and asks for specific records. Tennessee Comptroller: standard request form
Understand the response clock
Readily available records should be provided promptly. When that is impracticable, the guidance describes a seven-business-day period to provide records, deny in writing with a basis, or explain the time reasonably needed. It does not promise all copies within seven days. Tennessee Comptroller: records FAQs
Copy and adapt this request
Use only truthful eligibility statements and replace the bracketed fields. Submit through the agency's designated route, using its form if required.
Download request template (.txt)
To: [Agency Public Records Request Coordinator, through the published request channel]
Date: [MM-DD-YYYY]
Subject: Tennessee public records request: plate-reader governance records
I request copies of the following existing records held by [agency] for [start date] through [end date] under the Tennessee Public Records Act:
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 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. I seek existing records, not a new compilation or report.
Tennessee citizenship: [truthful statement; follow the agency's identification requirements]. If I do not qualify for statutory access, please let me know whether the agency will voluntarily provide these records.
Please identify the basis for any denial and provide separable nonexempt portions. If prompt production is impracticable, please provide the written response and estimated time required by law.
Please send an estimate before charges exceed [$ amount].
Name: [full name]
Reply contact: [email or mailing address]
Signature: [if required by agency policy]
If there is a dispute
The Office of Open Records Counsel provides information and assistance with disputes. It does not hold every agency's records and does not request them on someone else's behalf. Keep the original request, response and fee estimate. Tennessee Comptroller: records FAQs
Questions and answers
Can a Kentucky resident assume the same right in Tennessee?
No. Check Tennessee citizenship eligibility. Agencies can choose to provide records to people outside the statutory entitlement. Tennessee Comptroller: records FAQs
Should I send the first request to the Comptroller?
Send it to the entity holding the records, following that entity's policy. Tennessee Comptroller: records FAQs
Sources and scope
- Tennessee Comptroller: records FAQs. Checked 10-23-2026.
- Tennessee Comptroller: standard request form. Checked 10-23-2026.