Kalamazoo Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kalamazoo, Michigan?
Arrest records in Kalamazoo, Michigan are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This statute establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Michigan FOIA specifically mandates that all government records must be disclosed to the public upon request unless they fall under specific statutory exemptions outlined in MCL 15.243.
Public arrest records typically contain information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies operating within Kalamazoo County jurisdiction. These records serve multiple public interest functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public safety
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under MCL 15.243(1)(a) and other applicable statutes. Such protected information may include personal identifying information of victims, witnesses, or juveniles.
How to Look Up Kalamazoo Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kalamazoo have multiple official channels through which such information may be obtained. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in accordance with Michigan state law and departmental policies.
Individuals may access Kalamazoo arrest records through the following methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may be assessed in accordance with MCL 15.234.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety
150 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 337-8120
Official Website
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 383-8821
Official Website
Online Resources: The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search database that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests.
Written Requests: FOIA requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate agency's FOIA Coordinator. Pursuant to MCL 15.235, agencies must respond to such requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension under certain circumstances.
Court Records: The 8th District Court and 9th Circuit Court maintain records of criminal proceedings that may contain arrest information. These records can be accessed through the Michigan Courts Case Search or by visiting the courthouse.
8th District Court
150 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 383-8938
Official Website
Contents of a Kalamazoo Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Kalamazoo law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Michigan law enforcement protocols and the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Center. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in custodial arrest.
Standard components of a Kalamazoo arrest record include:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Michigan state law or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including statutory citations
- Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system (pending, dismissed, convicted, etc.)
- Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint records, and mugshot photographs
- Bail/Bond Information: Amount set, payment status, and conditions of release if applicable
- Court Information: Assigned court, docket number, and scheduled appearance dates
Pursuant to Michigan law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information. Additionally, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under MCL 712A.28.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kalamazoo
The State of Michigan provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (setting aside) of arrest and conviction records. The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which expanded expungement eligibility effective April 11, 2021, governs this process for Kalamazoo residents.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Kalamazoo County include:
- Waiting periods ranging from 3-7 years depending on offense severity, as specified in MCL 780.621
- Limitations on the number and type of offenses eligible for expungement
- Absence of pending criminal charges
- Completion of all terms of sentence, including probation, parole, and payment of fines
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File an Application to Set Aside Conviction with the court where the conviction occurred
- Submit fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for a criminal background check
- Serve copies of the application on the Michigan Attorney General, the prosecuting attorney who handled the case, and the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Attend a hearing before a judge who will determine whether granting the petition is consistent with the public welfare
Kalamazoo County Circuit Court - Criminal Division
227 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 383-8837
Official Website
Successful expungement results in the sealing of arrest records from public view, though law enforcement agencies retain access to these records for official purposes. Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks, facilitating improved access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
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