Obtain Traffic Camera Footage: Burbank's Easy Process

Traffic camera footage can be crucial in the aftermath of a road accident, providing an impartial record of events that can be used to establish liability. However, obtaining this footage is not always straightforward, and the process can vary depending on location. In the City of Burbank, traffic video may be obtained by submitting a Public Records Request and paying a fee of $57.00 per disc requested, plus a 2% administrative fee for credit card transactions. This is in line with the general process for obtaining such footage, which usually involves contacting the relevant agency and submitting a formal request, often via a specific email address or PDF form. In some cases, a subpoena may be required. It is worth noting that license plate numbers are generally not legible in the footage, and the process can be time-consuming and complicated.

Submit a Public Records Request and pay $57 per disc

To obtain traffic camera footage in Burbank, you must submit a Public Records Request and pay $57 per disc. This process can be initiated by visiting the City of Burbank website and downloading the Public Records Request form as a PDF. Once you have filled out the form, you can email it back as an attachment or upload it to make a formal request.

The City of Burbank charges $57 per disc for traffic camera footage, and there is a 2% administrative fee for all credit card transactions. Most requests can be accommodated on a single disc, and you will be contacted to confirm the details before payment is requested. It is important to note that license plate numbers are generally not legible in the video footage.

The process of obtaining traffic camera footage can be complex and time-consuming, and it may be necessary to follow up with polite emails and phone calls to ensure your request is fulfilled. Additionally, the footage may not be stored indefinitely, so it is advisable to make your request as soon as possible.

When submitting a request for traffic camera footage, it is essential to provide specific details such as the date, time, and street names to facilitate the retrieval of the correct footage. In some cases, you may also need to fill out a privacy release form and provide assurance that the footage will only be used for personal purposes.

Identify the camera's location

To obtain traffic camera footage in Burbank, the first step is to identify the location of the camera. This is important because different agencies have jurisdiction over different areas of the city and are responsible for managing the cameras in their respective areas.

• Accident Location: If you are requesting footage related to a car accident, you likely remember where the incident occurred. This information can be used to identify the camera's location.
• Police Report: If you have a copy of the police report from the accident, it will include the location information, which can help identify the relevant camera.
• Local Police or Department of Transportation: Contacting the local police department or the Department of Transportation can also help you obtain the camera's location. They may provide details on the specific camera and the agency responsible for managing it.
• Take Pictures: Taking pictures of markers and other distinguishing features near the accident site can help identify the location at a later date. These visual references can be useful if you need to request footage after some time has passed.

Once you have identified the camera's location, you can determine the jurisdiction and the agency responsible for managing the camera. This information is crucial for contacting the right organization and requesting the footage.

Determine the jurisdiction

To obtain traffic camera footage in Burbank, it is important to first determine the jurisdiction of the camera in question. This is because different agencies have jurisdiction over different areas of the city and are responsible for managing and providing access to the footage.

In the case of Burbank, California, the relevant agencies may include the local police department, the Department of Transportation (DOT), or a private firm. The DOT, for instance, provides a live traffic camera feed that can be accessed online. Identifying the correct agency is crucial, as they will have the contact information and procedures in place to facilitate your request for footage.

To identify the jurisdiction, you should first determine the location of the traffic camera. This can be done by noting the specific intersection or street where the camera is located. Once you have this information, you can cross-reference it with the jurisdictions of the relevant agencies to identify which one oversees that particular location. This step is crucial, as it will determine who you need to contact to obtain the footage.

It is worth noting that not every intersection or roadway in Burbank will have a traffic camera. However, when available, this footage can be extremely valuable for various purposes, such as law enforcement or personal injury cases.

Contact the relevant agency

To obtain traffic camera footage in Burbank, you must contact the relevant agency. In this case, the relevant agency is the City of Burbank.

The City of Burbank manages traffic in the city, including maintaining and operating 200 traffic signals and 20,000 street signs. The city's Traffic Section is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people within the city. This includes investigating public requests, conducting traffic safety analyses, and providing traffic support to various departments.

To obtain traffic camera footage, you can submit a Public Records Request and pay a fee of $57 per disc requested, plus a 2% administrative fee for credit card transactions. You can contact the City of Burbank at the following coordinates:

Address: 150 N. Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Phone: (818) 238-3915

Email: publicworks@burbankca.gov

It is important to note that license plate numbers are generally not legible in the traffic camera footage provided by the City of Burbank. Additionally, most requests can be accommodated on a single disc, and the city will contact you to confirm before requesting payment.

When submitting your request, be sure to provide specific details such as the date, time, and location of the incident to help the agency locate the correct footage. You may also need to fill out a privacy release form and provide assurance that the footage will be used only for personal purposes.

For further information on obtaining traffic camera footage in Burbank, you can refer to the City of Burbank's website or contact them directly using the provided contact information.

Make a formal request

To make a formal request for traffic camera footage in Burbank, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Camera Location and Jurisdiction

First, identify the location of the traffic camera. This is crucial as different agencies have jurisdiction over different areas of the city. The jurisdiction is directly tied to the camera's location. For example, if the camera is in Burbank, the Los Angeles Police Department cannot obtain footage without help from the Burbank Police Department, which has jurisdiction over that area.

Step 2: Contact the Relevant Agency

Once you have identified the agency responsible for the traffic camera, you can reach out to their representatives. This can usually be done via an official phone number, email address, or through a specific web form. Contact details are typically available on the agency's website.

Step 3: Make the Formal Request

When making the formal request, you will likely need to provide specific details such as the date, time, and street name(s) where the incident occurred. This information helps the agency narrow down the relevant footage. You may also need to fill out a privacy release form and pay a small fee for the time and effort required to identify and create a copy of the footage.

It is worth noting that you may not need to make the request yourself. A lawyer or proxy can contact the agency on your behalf, which is often advisable as they are more familiar with the process and can increase your chances of success.

Step 4: Follow Up on Your Request

Organizations dealing with numerous requests daily may sometimes overlook or delay individual requests. Therefore, it is important to periodically follow up on your request through polite emails and phone calls to inquire about its status.

Step 5: Review the Footage

Once you receive the footage, review it to ensure it matches your request. If there are any discrepancies, contact the agency immediately to request a correction.

Additionally, keep in mind that traffic camera footage is typically only stored for a finite period, which varies by agency. Therefore, it is essential to make your request as soon as possible to avoid the footage being deleted.

Frequently asked questions