Traverse Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Traverse, Michigan?
Arrest records are public documents in Traverse, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Michigan FOIA operates under the principle that all persons are entitled to complete information regarding governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees.
The Traverse City Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law. Members of the public may request access to arrest records through formal FOIA requests or through designated public access terminals at the department's Central Records Division. Certain information may be redacted from these records in accordance with privacy exemptions outlined in MCL § 15.243, such as information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or that would compromise an ongoing investigation.
Traverse City Police Department
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-5150
Official Website
How to Look Up Traverse Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Traverse City as of 2025. The Michigan FOIA provides the legal framework for these access points, with several official channels available to the public:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Traverse City Police Department's Central Records Division. Requestors must complete a standard FOIA form and may be required to present identification. The department maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Online requests can be submitted through the City of Traverse City's official portal. The electronic system allows for submission of FOIA requests and provides tracking capabilities for pending requests. Processing times typically range from 5-15 business days, depending on the complexity of the request.
Michigan State Police ICHAT system (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) provides statewide criminal history information for a nominal fee. This resource is particularly useful for comprehensive background checks that extend beyond Traverse City limits.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office maintains records for arrests made in unincorporated areas of the county and provides public access to these records in accordance with state law.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-5000
Official Website
Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, fees may be assessed for the search, retrieval, and duplication of records. Fee schedules are established by each agency and must reflect actual costs incurred in fulfilling the request.
Contents of a Traverse Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Traverse City typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard elements included in these records are as follows:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest
- Arrest details including date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Offense information detailing the Michigan Compiled Laws allegedly violated and the classification of the offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Arresting agency information including the department, officer name and badge number
- Booking data such as fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and unique identification numbers
- Case disposition information if available, including court appearances, bail determinations, and case outcomes
- Prior criminal history references that may be accessible through linked databases
The 86th District Court maintains records of subsequent court proceedings related to arrests made in Traverse City. These records may include arraignment information, plea entries, trial proceedings, and sentencing determinations.
86th District Court
280 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4580
Official Website
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with privacy protections established under Michigan law, particularly information related to juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, and ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Traverse
The State of Michigan provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through a process formally known as "setting aside a conviction." Pursuant to Michigan's Clean Slate legislation (Public Acts 187-193 of 2020), eligibility criteria and procedures for expungement have been significantly expanded.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Traverse City must meet specific statutory requirements:
- For arrests that did not result in conviction, individuals may petition for expungement after a waiting period of one year from the date of arrest
- For misdemeanor convictions, individuals must generally wait five years from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later
- For certain felony convictions, individuals must wait seven years from the date of sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later
- Individuals with multiple convictions face additional restrictions and longer waiting periods
The Community Policing Program in Grand Traverse County provides informational resources regarding expungement eligibility and procedures. The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court of record, payment of applicable fees, and submission to fingerprinting for a criminal background check.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. Notice of the hearing will be provided to the Michigan Attorney General and the prosecuting attorney who prosecuted the crime. The victim of the crime may also be notified and given an opportunity to appear at the hearing.
If the court grants the petition for expungement, the arrest record will be removed from public access. Law enforcement agencies will retain non-public records of the arrest and conviction for limited purposes, including consideration in sentencing for subsequent offenses and determining eligibility for certain employment positions.
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor's Office
328 Washington Street, Suite 300
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4600
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Traverse
