Phoenix is raising some police public-records fees and adding dozens of workers to confront a backlog of nearly 40,000 requests, with some residents waiting more than two years for body-camera footage.
The City Council approved the changes Sept. 23, ABC15 Arizona reported. The Police Public Records and Services Bureau expects nearly 140,000 requests this year, almost 30% more than in 2024. Traffic-crash reports can take up to six weeks, while video requiring review and redaction can take two years or longer.
Under the city’s staffing plan, Phoenix will add 10 permanent civilian positions, transfer six other permanent employees and deploy 19 temporary workers. Officials aim to eliminate the existing backlog within one year after the new employees are trained. Higher fees are expected to cover ongoing personnel costs, while one-time police budget savings will fund the temporary staff.
The new schedule takes effect Nov. 1. Electronic documents will remain free for noncommercial requests, while printed copies will rise from 24 to 25 cents per page. Commercial document requests will cost $10 plus 25 cents per page.
A first video released with a medium blur will be free. Additional footage requiring standard redactions will cost $23 for every 30 minutes reviewed. Arizona law permits local governments to charge up to $46 per video-hour reviewed.
The delays have created practical problems. Laveen resident Dwane Mixon told ABC15 he had waited weeks for a report needed to process an identity-theft claim. Attorney Steve Benedetto said his office recently received an invoice tied to a request filed in 2021 and criticized the system’s multiple report, request and invoice numbers as confusing.
Mayor Kate Gallego called the backlog “unacceptably long.” Arizona law requires custodians to promptly furnish public records, although it does not establish one universal deadline.
