>Kalamazoo County Arrest Records Online

Kalamazoo County, Michigan Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kalamazoo County, Michigan?

Arrest records in Kalamazoo County, Michigan are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Michigan FOIA specifically designates arrest information as part of the public record, ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and governmental accountability.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law and makes them available through established protocols. Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate records custodian. Under MCL 15.233(1), a public body must furnish a requesting person with a reasonable opportunity to inspect and examine public records during usual business hours.

Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest information as outlined in MCL 15.243, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. However, the presumption under Michigan law favors disclosure rather than secrecy of government records.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Kalamazoo County?

Kalamazoo County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate search database that allows the public to access information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This service operates in compliance with Michigan's public records laws and supports the county's commitment to governmental transparency.

Additionally, the Michigan Department of Corrections offers the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which provides information about offenders who are or were under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections. This system includes data on individuals who have been processed through the Kalamazoo County criminal justice system and subsequently entered state custody.

The 8th District Court of Kalamazoo County also maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests, which may be accessed through the Michigan Courts Case Search system. These online resources facilitate public oversight of the criminal justice system while adhering to statutory requirements regarding public access to government information.

How to Look Up Kalamazoo County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Kalamazoo County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act:

Submit a formal records request to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office located at 1500 Lamont Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Telephone: (269) 383-8821. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visit the Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office at 201 West Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Telephone: (269) 383-8840. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Access the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Inmate Search for information on current inmates and recent bookings.
Utilize the Michigan Courts Case Search to locate court records related to arrests processed through the judicial system.
Check the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records for comprehensive criminal history information, which includes arrest data from Kalamazoo County law enforcement agencies.

Pursuant to MCL 15.234, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of requested records. Fee schedules are established by each agency and must reflect actual costs incurred in fulfilling the request.

Contents of a Kalamazoo County Arrest Record

Kalamazoo County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Michigan law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers
Case or incident number assigned by the law enforcement agency
Custody status information
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Court docket number for associated judicial proceedings

The Kalamazoo County Criminal Division maintains records of all criminal cases processed through the county's judicial system. For felony cases, additional information regarding the court proceedings may be found through the Kalamazoo County Felony Case Records.

It should be noted that pursuant to MCL 15.243, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal privacy in specific circumstances as defined by statute.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Kalamazoo County

Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Kalamazoo County under the Michigan Clean Slate legislation (2020 PA 193-195) and MCL 780.621 et seq. Individuals seeking expungement must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow prescribed procedures to petition for the setting aside of criminal records.

The expungement process in Kalamazoo County requires:

Filing a petition with the 8th District Court or Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, depending on the nature of the offense
Payment of the required filing fee (currently $50, subject to change)
Submission of fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for a background check
Attendance at a hearing before a judge who will determine whether granting the petition is consistent with the public welfare

Effective April 11, 2021, Michigan's Clean Slate legislation established an automatic expungement process for certain non-violent misdemeanors after seven years and eligible felonies after ten years, provided there are no subsequent convictions. This automated system is being implemented in phases through 2025.

The Michigan Courts Self-Help Center provides standardized forms for expungement petitions. Individuals may also seek assistance from the Kalamazoo County Legal Aid office located at 315 S. Rose Street, Suite 300, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Telephone: (269) 344-8113.

Search Arrest Records in Kalamazoo County

Cities

Kalamazoo