How to Request Police Surveillance Technology Records

Law enforcement agencies increasingly use sophisticated surveillance technologies — often without public knowledge or oversight. Public records requests are one of the most effective tools for uncovering these programs.

Technologies You Can Request Records About

Cell-site simulators (Stingrays): Devices that mimic cell towers to intercept phone communications

Facial recognition: Software used to identify individuals from photos or video

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs): Cameras that capture and store license plate data

Social media monitoring: Tools used to track and analyze social media activity

Predictive policing algorithms: Software that predicts where crimes will occur

Drone programs: UAV surveillance operations and policies

Geofence warrants: Requests to Google/Apple for all devices in an area

Sample Request Language

I am requesting all records related to [AGENCY]'s acquisition, use, and policies regarding [TECHNOLOGY], including purchase agreements, vendor contracts, usage logs, privacy impact assessments, and any policies governing deployment, for the period of [START DATE] to [END DATE].

What to Expect

Agencies are often reluctant to disclose surveillance capabilities. Common pushback:

"We neither confirm nor deny": This Glomar response is only valid for classified programs

"Law enforcement technique": Exemption 7(E) — but courts have held that the existence of a program is rarely exempt even if specific techniques are

"Vendor NDA": Agencies sometimes claim their contract with the vendor prohibits disclosure — courts have generally rejected this

Tips

Request the procurement records — these are often easier to obtain than usage logs

Request policies and training materials — these reveal capabilities without operational details

File with the city council or oversight body as well as the police department

Check EFF's Atlas of Surveillance for known deployments before filing

File your surveillance technology request →