Alabama § 36-21-212 - Disclosure of Recordings.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 36-21-212 — Disclosure of Recordings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-21-212. Disclosure of Recordings.
(a) Recordings in the custody of a law enforcement agency shall be disclosed to an individual or personal representative only as provided by this article. This article does not apply to the exchange of recordings between law enforcement or prosecuting agencies. An individual requesting disclosure of a recording must make a written request to the head of the custodial law enforcement agency that states the date and approximate time of the activity captured in the recording or otherwise identifies the activity with reasonable particularity sufficient to identify the recording to which the request refers.
(b) Nothing in this article shall limit or restrict the application of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure as they may be applied to the custodial law enforcement agency, including, but not limited to Rule 45, nor Chapter 21 of Title 12.
(c) A custodial law enforcement agency may only disclose a recording to the following:
(1) An individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.
(2) A personal representative of an adult individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording if the adult individual has consented to the disclosure.
(3) A personal representative of a minor whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.
(4) A personal representative of an adult individual under lawful guardianship whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.
(5) A personal representative of an adult individual who is incapacitated and unable to provide consent to disclosure whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.
(6) A personal representative of a deceased individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.
(d) When disclosing a recording, the custodial law enforcement agency shall disclose only those portions of the recording that are relevant to the individual’s request.
(e) An individual who receives disclosure pursuant to this section shall not record or copy the recording.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 36-21-212
What does Code of Alabama § 36-21-212 cover?
Section 36-21-212 ("Disclosure of Recordings.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 36-21-212?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 36-21-212" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 36-21-212 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.