FOIL/Public Records Researcher – Source Unreleased Bodycam Footage
Worldwide
I run a YouTube channel focused on real bodycam footage reactions and I'm looking for a researcher to help source original, not-yet-public bodycam or dashcam footage through Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) / public records requests to police departments, sheriff's offices, and other relevant agencies. What I'm looking for: Footage that has NOT already been uploaded to YouTube or widely circulated online Non-violent incidents only — examples include: Shoplifting / retail theft Public intoxication / drunk & disorderly conduct Child neglect (footage only, no case files or personal info beyond what's in the public record) Refusal to pay for services (dine-and-dash, disputes with vendors, etc.) No footage involving physical violence, weapons, serious injury, or fatalities Responsibilities: Identify jurisdictions and incidents likely to have available bodycam/dashcam footage matching the above categories Draft and submit FOIL / public records requests to the appropriate agencies Track request status and follow up as needed to keep things moving Download, organize, and deliver approved footage with clear labeling (date, location, agency, incident type) Flag any legal restrictions on redistribution or required redactions before delivery Pay: $30 per approved/delivered video (footage must meet the criteria above and be usable — not paid per request submitted) Ideal candidate: Experience with FOIL, FOIA, or public records requests (paralegal, journalism research, or similar background a plus) Strong written communication for drafting formal requests Comfortable navigating different state/local records laws and response timelines Organized and able to manage multiple pending requests at once Understands basic content licensing/rights considerations for footage obtained this way To apply, please include: Any past experience with FOIA/FOIL requests or public records research How you'd approach identifying agencies likely to have this type of footage Your estimated turnaround time per video at this rate
$750.00
Fixed-price- IntermediateExperience Level
- Remote Job
- Ongoing projectProject Type
Skills and Expertise
Activity on this job
- Proposals:Less than 5
- Last viewed by client:yesterday
- Interviewing:0
- Invites sent:0
- Unanswered invites:0
About the client
- USALewiston10:19 AM
- $105 total spent5 hires, 3 active
Explore similar jobs on Upwork
How it works
Create your free profileHighlight your skills and experience, show your portfolio, and set your ideal pay rate.
Work the way you wantApply for jobs, create easy-to-by projects, or access exclusive opportunities that come to you.
Get paid securelyFrom contract to payment, we help you work safely and get paid securely.
About Upwork
- 4.9/5(Average rating of clients by professionals)
- G2 2021#1 freelance platform
- 49,000+Signed contract every week
- $2.3BFreelancers earned on Upwork in 2020
Find the best freelance jobs
Growing your career is as easy as creating a free profile and finding work like this that fits your skills.
Trusted by