Getting access to CCTV footage can be tricky. You might need this footage after a car accident, theft, or other incident that was caught on camera. The right letter can make all the difference between getting what you need and facing rejection.
This guide offers 15 ready-to-use letter templates for requesting CCTV footage. Each letter addresses different situations and follows proper format guidelines. Pick the one that fits your needs, add your details, and send it off to boost your chances of success.
Sample Letters of Request to View CCTV Footage
These sample letters will help you make proper requests to view security camera footage in various situations.
1. Basic Request Letter to a Business
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Business Name]
[Business Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request to View CCTV Footage from [Date of Incident]
Dear [Recipient Name],
This letter serves as a formal request to view CCTV footage from your security cameras on [date] between [specific time period]. During this time, I was at your location and [briefly describe the incident: e.g., “my wallet was stolen while I was shopping in the grocery section”].
I have already filed a police report [include report number if available], and accessing this footage would greatly help with the ongoing investigation. I understand there may be privacy concerns and would be happy to view the footage with a staff member present.
Thank you for considering my request. Please contact me at [your phone number] or [your email] to discuss this matter further or to set up a time when I might view the footage.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
2. Request Letter to a Public Institution
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Institution Name]
[Department/Security Office]
[Institution Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Formal Request for Access to CCTV Footage
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request access to CCTV footage captured by your security cameras on [date] at approximately [time]. I was present at your facility during this time and was involved in [briefly describe the incident].
The footage would serve as valuable evidence for [explain why you need the footage: insurance claim, police investigation, etc.]. I understand that you have policies regarding the protection of such footage and am willing to follow all necessary protocols to access it.
Please advise what steps I need to take to view this footage, including any forms that must be completed or identification that must be provided. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
3. Request Letter Following a Traffic Incident
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Traffic Authority/Municipality]
[Department Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request for Traffic Camera Footage – Incident on [Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to request footage from traffic cameras located at or near the intersection of [specific location] on [date] at approximately [time]. I was involved in a traffic incident at this location [briefly describe what happened: e.g., “when another vehicle struck my car from behind”].
This footage is needed for my insurance claim [include claim number if available] and would greatly assist in establishing the facts of the incident. The police report for this incident is [include report number if available].
Please let me know what procedure I should follow to obtain this footage, including any fees that may apply and forms that need to be completed. I understand that such footage may only be kept for a limited time, so your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.
You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address] with any questions or to discuss this request further.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
4. Request to a Hotel After Theft
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hotel Manager’s Name]
[Hotel Name]
[Hotel Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Urgent Request for Security Camera Footage – Theft Incident
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I was a guest at your hotel from [check-in date] to [check-out date], staying in room [room number]. During my stay, on [date] between approximately [time range], my [describe stolen item(s)] was stolen from [location: e.g., “my room,” “the hotel lobby,” etc.].
I reported this incident to your front desk staff and filed a police report [include report number]. To help with the police investigation and my insurance claim, I am requesting to view any security camera footage from the relevant areas during the time period mentioned.
I understand the sensitive nature of security footage and would be willing to have a security staff member present while viewing the footage, or to have the police department request it directly if that is your policy.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss how we can proceed with this request.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance during this stressful situation.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
5. Request Letter to a Residential Building Management
[Your Name]
[Your Apartment/Unit Number]
[Building Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Property Manager’s Name]
[Management Company]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request to Access Building Security Footage
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
As a resident of [building name/address], I am writing to request access to security camera footage from [date] between [time range]. During this time, [briefly describe the incident: e.g., “my bicycle was stolen from the basement storage area” or “there was damage to my vehicle in the parking garage”].
I have filed a police report regarding this incident [include report number if available] and need the footage to assist with the investigation and my insurance claim.
Please let me know the building’s policy regarding resident access to security footage and what steps I need to take to view the relevant recordings. I am happy to schedule a time that is convenient for the management staff.
You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your help with this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
6. Police Department Request on Behalf of a Victim
[Police Department Letterhead]
[Date]
[Business/Property Owner Name]
[Business/Property Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Official Request for CCTV Footage – Case #[Case Number]
Dear [Business/Property Owner Name],
The [Police Department Name] is investigating a [type of incident: e.g., “robbery,” “assault,” etc.] that occurred at or near your property on [date] at approximately [time]. We have reason to believe your security cameras may have captured footage relevant to our investigation.
Under [cite relevant law or statute if applicable], we are requesting that you preserve and provide any surveillance footage from [specific time range] that covers [specific areas of interest: e.g., “the main entrance,” “parking lot,” “sidewalk in front of the building”].
Please contact Detective [Name] at [phone number] or [email address] as soon as possible to arrange for the secure transfer of this footage. If you have any questions about this request or need technical assistance with retrieving the footage, our department can provide support.
Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and will assist us in our efforts to resolve this case.
Sincerely,
[Detective/Officer Signature]
[Detective/Officer Name and Badge Number]
[Police Department Name]
[Contact Information]
7. Request Through an Attorney After an Accident
[Attorney Letterhead]
[Date]
[Business/Property Owner Name]
[Business/Property Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Preservation of Evidence Request – CCTV Footage
Dear [Business/Property Owner Name],
This office represents [Client Name] regarding an incident that occurred on your premises on [date] at approximately [time]. Our client was involved in [briefly describe incident: e.g., “a slip and fall accident in your store’s produce section”] which resulted in significant injuries.
This letter serves as a formal request that you preserve all video surveillance footage from your security cameras that may have captured this incident. Specifically, we request footage from [specific time range] covering [specific area where incident occurred].
Additionally, we request that you preserve any footage showing the area in question for [specific time period before the incident: e.g., “two hours prior to the incident”] to establish the conditions of the area before the incident occurred.
Please treat this letter as a legal hold notice. Destruction of this potential evidence could result in claims of spoliation and negative inferences in any resulting litigation.
We would like to arrange a time to view this footage within the next ten business days. Please contact our office at [phone number] to schedule this viewing or to discuss any questions you may have about this request.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Attorney Signature]
[Attorney Name]
[Law Firm Name]
[Contact Information]
8. Request to a Shopping Mall
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Mall Management Office]
[Mall Name]
[Mall Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request for Security Camera Footage – Incident on [Date]
Dear Mall Management Team,
I visited your shopping mall on [date] between [time range]. During my visit, [briefly describe the incident: e.g., “my car was vandalized in the north parking lot,” “I was the victim of a theft near the food court,” etc.].
I reported this incident to mall security at the time and also filed a police report [include report number if available]. To assist with the investigation, I am requesting access to any security camera footage that may have captured this incident.
I understand that your mall has security protocols in place and would be willing to follow whatever procedures are necessary to view this footage, including having security personnel present during viewing or coordinating with the police department.
Please contact me at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss this request and let me know what steps I need to take.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
9. Request for Workplace Incident Investigation
[Your Name]
[Your Employee ID/Department]
[Your Work Email]
[Your Work Phone Number]
[Date]
[HR Director/Security Manager]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request for Security Footage – Workplace Incident Investigation
Dear [HR Director/Security Manager Name],
I am writing regarding an incident that occurred at our workplace on [date] at approximately [time] in the [specific location: e.g., “break room,” “parking garage,” “third floor hallway”]. During this time, [briefly describe what happened without accusing specific individuals].
I have already reported this incident to my supervisor, [Supervisor’s Name], and understand that an internal investigation has been initiated. To assist with this investigation and provide clarity on what occurred, I am requesting that relevant security camera footage be reviewed.
I understand that company policy may restrict direct access to such footage, but I ask that the appropriate personnel review the footage as part of the investigation. If possible, I would appreciate being present during such a review or being informed of what the footage reveals regarding this incident.
Please let me know how this request will be handled according to company policies. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your attention to this serious workplace concern.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
10. Request to a Bank for Fraudulent Transaction Evidence
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Bank Manager’s Name]
[Bank Name]
[Branch Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request for ATM/Branch Camera Footage – Fraudulent Transaction
Dear [Bank Manager’s Name],
I am a customer of [Bank Name] with account number [last 4 digits of account number only]. I am writing to request security camera footage related to a fraudulent transaction that occurred on my account on [date] at approximately [time].
According to my account statement, a withdrawal/transaction was made at your [specific location: e.g., “Main Street branch ATM,” “teller window at your downtown location”] in the amount of [$amount]. I did not make this transaction and have already reported this fraud to your customer service department [include reference number if available] and filed a police report [include report number if available].
The security camera footage from this location would provide valuable evidence for both the bank’s investigation and the police report. I understand that there are privacy and security protocols surrounding such footage and am willing to follow whatever procedures are necessary, including having law enforcement request the footage directly if required.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss how we can proceed with this request.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
11. Request to a School After a Bullying Incident
[Parent’s Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request to Review Security Camera Footage – Student Safety Incident
Dear Principal [Last Name],
I am the parent of [Student’s Name], who is currently in [grade/class] at [School Name]. I am writing to formally request a review of security camera footage following an incident that occurred on [date] at approximately [time] in the [specific location: e.g., “hallway near the gymnasium,” “school bus loading area,” etc.].
My child has reported [briefly describe the bullying/safety incident without naming other students]. I have already discussed this matter with [Teacher’s/Counselor’s Name] on [date], but I believe reviewing the security footage would provide clarity about what occurred.
I understand that student privacy is a primary concern, and I am not asking for copies of the footage or to view other students on camera. My request is simply that appropriate school administrators review the footage as part of their investigation into this incident to ensure all students’ safety and wellbeing.
Please contact me at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss this matter further and let me know how the school plans to address this situation.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter concerning my child’s safety at school.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
12. Request Through Insurance Company After Property Damage
[Insurance Company Letterhead]
[Date]
[Property Owner/Business Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request for Security Camera Footage – Claim #[Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing regarding an insurance claim filed by our policyholder, [Policyholder’s Name], for an incident that allegedly occurred on your property on [date] at approximately [time].
According to our policyholder, [briefly describe the incident: e.g., “their vehicle was damaged while parked in your parking lot,” “they slipped and fell near the entrance to your building,” etc.]. To properly assess this claim, we are requesting access to any security camera footage that may have captured this incident.
Please provide footage from [specific time range] showing [specific area where incident occurred]. This evidence will help us determine coverage and liability for this claim in a fair and accurate manner.
If you have concerns about privacy or the release of this footage, we can arrange for a representative to view the footage at your location, or you may provide the footage directly to our secure claims portal at [website] using the claim number referenced above.
Please respond to this request within [number] business days. If you do not have security cameras covering the area in question or if the footage is no longer available, please let us know as soon as possible.
You can contact our claims adjuster, [Adjuster’s Name], at [phone number] or [email address] with any questions or to arrange the transfer of footage.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Adjuster’s Signature]
[Adjuster’s Name]
[Insurance Company Name]
[Contact Information]
13. Request to a Restaurant After Food Poisoning
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Restaurant Owner/Manager]
[Restaurant Name]
[Restaurant Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Request to Review Kitchen Camera Footage – Food Safety Concern
Dear [Restaurant Owner/Manager],
On [date], I dined at your restaurant with [number of people] at approximately [time]. Our table ordered [list specific dishes if relevant]. Following our meal, [describe symptoms and timeline of illness].
I sought medical attention on [date] and my doctor has confirmed a case of food poisoning [include medical documentation reference if available]. I have also filed a report with the local health department [include reference number if available].
To help determine the source of this issue and prevent other customers from becoming ill, I am requesting that you review your kitchen camera footage from the time our food was being prepared. While I understand that customers typically do not have direct access to such footage, I ask that your management team review it to identify any potential food safety violations or cross-contamination that may have occurred.
I would appreciate a response detailing what steps you are taking to investigate this matter and prevent similar incidents in the future. Please contact me at [phone number] or [email address] to discuss this situation further.
Thank you for your attention to this serious health concern.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
14. Request for Footage to Support an Alibi
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Business/Property Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Urgent Request for Security Camera Footage – Legal Matter
Dear Manager/Property Owner,
I am writing to request security camera footage from your [type of establishment] on [date] between [specific time range]. During this time, I was at your location, and this footage would serve as important evidence to establish my whereabouts for a legal matter.
Specifically, I need footage showing the [specific area: e.g., “main entrance,” “checkout area,” “dining room”] where I was present. I am willing to provide identification to verify that I am the person appearing in the footage.
My attorney has advised me to gather this evidence as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about releasing this footage, my attorney [Attorney’s Name] can contact you directly at [Attorney’s phone number] to discuss the legal basis for this request.
Please note that security footage is often automatically deleted after a certain period, so your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. I understand there may be a fee associated with retrieving this footage, which I am willing to pay.
Please contact me at [phone number] or [email address] to let me know how we can proceed with this request.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance with this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
15. Request to a Government Agency Under Freedom of Information Laws
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Government Agency Name]
[FOIA/Public Records Officer]
[Agency Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Subject: Freedom of Information Request – Security Camera Footage
To Whom It May Concern,
Under the [specific law: e.g., “Freedom of Information Act,” “Public Records Act,” etc.], I am requesting copies of video surveillance footage from security cameras located at [specific government building/location] on [date] between the hours of [time range].
Specifically, I am requesting footage from cameras covering [specific area: e.g., “the main lobby,” “the parking lot entrance,” “the public meeting room”].
This request is not for commercial purposes but rather [briefly explain the purpose: e.g., “to gather evidence related to an incident in which I was involved,” “for research on public safety measures,” etc.].
I understand that you may need to redact or blur portions of the footage to protect the privacy of other individuals. I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with searching for and duplicating this footage, up to [amount]. If the fees will exceed this amount, please contact me before proceeding.
According to [cite specific state/federal law], you are required to respond to this request within [number of days specified by relevant law]. If you deny any part of this request, please cite the specific exemption you are claiming as justification.
You can reach me with any questions or to discuss this request at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (for printed letters)]
[Your Printed Name]
Wrapping Up: Sample Request Letters for CCTV Access
Getting access to CCTV footage requires a proper approach. The sample letters provided cover a range of situations from theft and accidents to workplace incidents and legal matters. Each letter follows standard format guidelines while addressing specific needs.
When sending your request, make sure to customize the letter to your situation. Add all relevant details such as dates, times, locations, and incident descriptions. Follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.
With the right approach and clear communication, you can boost your chances of gaining access to the CCTV footage you need to support your case or claim.