FAQs

FAQs about 911 calls.

Are 911 calls public record?

The Freedom of Information Act generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. Individual states have different regulations on the distribution of 911 audio recordings, and different jurisdictions within the state may handle requests differently.

Are 911 calls public record in my state?

Laws vary from state to state and the laws can change at any time. Jurisdictions (cities or counties) within each state have their own specific regulations and rules.

Where can I find my recorded 911 call?

There are over 7,000 nine-one-one call centers in the united states. Each jurisdiction within each state handles the record-keeping, rules and regulations differently. Finding a 911 call can be a daunting task for the layperson. That’s where our research team comes in to save you the time, expense, and frustration involved with finding and acquiring your 911 audio recording or transcript.

How long are 911 call recordings kept on record?

Every jurisdiction in each state has a different time period for keeping 911 call recordings on file. For instance, Wake County, North Carolina purges their 911 call recordings after only 60 days, while Lakewood, Colorado, keeps their recordings for 2+ years. Get911Calls.com’s research team will find your call if it is available.

Are all 911 calls recorded?

While all 911 calls are recorded, the length of time they are archived depends on each individual jurisdiction within its state.

How long will it take for me to get my 911 call recording?

Once Get911Calls.com receives your order and deposit, our research team will begin working on your request within 24-48 hours. The typical turn-around time varies from 2 -8 weeks, however some jurisdictions are operating on a much longer time frame. The wait time is out of our control.

There is no one agency that houses all 911 calls. The files are maintained by multiple Custodians of Records in jurisdictions across the United States, each with their own retention period. We assist in finding and obtaining your records.

What will it cost for me to get my 911 call recording?

In most cases, our service fee will be a total of $100, payable in two steps:

  1. $20 — This research fee starts the process for us to ascertain if your 911 call recording or transcript is available. (Non-refundable)
  2. $80 — After Get911Calls.com has determined that your 911 call recording is available, we will invoice you for the balance due (typically $80). Once final payment is received, you will be sent a link to download your digital files.

In some cases, when obtaining the audio, there are mandatory surcharges beyond our control. However, you will be given an opportunity to accept or decline these surcharges before we obtain it for you.

What happens if Get911Calls.com finds that my 911 call recording is not available?

Sometimes 911 audio recordings are not available or have been purged from the system. In some cases, other information is still available. This information may include call notes or an actual transcript from the recorded call.

If no audio or information is available, G9C staff will contact you with our findings and no more money will be due. If call notes and transcripts are available, our G9C staff will request your permission to invoice you the $80 balance due for this data.

Note: It is important to order your 911 call recording quickly as all jurisdictions purge their audio after a designated period of time. If you wait too long to order, your audio may be forever unavailable. Depending on where the call was placed, the jurisdiction may only keep the recordings for only 60 days from the date the 911 call was placed.

When should I order my 911 call recording?

As soon as possible.

It is important to order your 911 call recording quickly as all jurisdictions purge their audio after a designated period of time. If you wait too long to order, your audio may be forever unavailable. Depending on where the call was placed, the jurisdiction may only keep the recordings for only 60 days from the date the 911 call was placed.

Can I get my 911 call recording without using Get911Calls.com?

Yes, but G9C makes it very convenient and cost effective for you.

If you hired a lawyer and a private investigator to try to find your 911 audio, you could expect to pay $300 to $400 per hour, for several hours. But our expert G9C staff does this all day — every day. Our experienced team can help you find your 911 audio easier, for a fraction of the cost. G9C cuts through the red tape to get your 911 audio to you as soon as possible.*

 

* Most orders take from 2 to 8 weeks from order date to fulfill.