Grand Rapids Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Arrest records in Grand Rapids, Michigan are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. The Michigan FOIA establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. This legislative framework promotes governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records of law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Grand Rapids Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established protocols. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain elements may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as permitted under MCL 15.243. Members of the public seeking arrest records should note that while the information is public, specific procedures must be followed to obtain official documentation.
How to Look Up Grand Rapids Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Grand Rapids as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods in accordance with established governmental procedures:
Kent County Sheriff's Office Records Division 701 Ball Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: 616-632-6100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Kent County Sheriff's Office
Grand Rapids Police Department Records Unit 1 Monroe Center NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: 616-456-3400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Michigan State Police Central Records Division 7150 Harris Drive Dimondale, MI 48821 Phone: 517-241-0606 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors may employ the following methods to obtain arrest records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may appear at the appropriate agency during business hours and complete a records request form. Valid identification must be presented, and applicable fees paid at the time of request.
Online Portal Access: The Kent County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital records portal through which certain arrest records may be requested. Users must create an account and provide required identifying information pursuant to MCL 15.234.
Written FOIA Requests: Standard FOIA requests may be submitted via mail or email to the relevant agency's FOIA coordinator. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include contact information for the requestor.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions. However, the accuracy and completeness of such services cannot be guaranteed by governmental entities.
Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Standard requests typically require 5-10 business days for fulfillment, with complex requests potentially requiring the full statutory extension period under MCL 15.235(2)(d).
Contents of a Grand Rapids Arrest Record
Grand Rapids arrest records contain standardized information as required by Michigan law and local ordinance. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Michigan Compiled Laws or Grand Rapids City Ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation numbers and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony).
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, detention facility location, and court docket number if assigned.
Bail/Bond Information: Amount set, conditions imposed, and status of release or detention pending court proceedings.
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically front and profile views.
Disposition Status: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system (pending, adjudicated, dismissed).
Pursuant to the Michigan FOIA, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information protected under MCL 15.243(1)(a). Additionally, information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under exemption provisions of the statute.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Grand Rapids
The State of Michigan provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under the Michigan Clean Slate legislation, specifically MCL 780.621 et seq. Expungement (also referred to as "setting aside a conviction") removes eligible arrests and convictions from public view, though law enforcement agencies retain access to the information for official purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Grand Rapids include:
Waiting Period Requirements: Applicants must wait a specified period after completion of sentence, ranging from 3-7 years depending on offense severity.
Conviction Limitations: Individuals may petition for expungement of up to three felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors, with certain violent and sexual offenses permanently ineligible.
Automatic Expungement: As of April 2023, certain non-violent misdemeanors are automatically expunged after seven years, and eligible non-violent felonies after ten years, without requiring application.
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the court where the conviction occurred
- Submission of fingerprints to the Michigan State Police
- Payment of applicable filing fees
- Attendance at a hearing before the presiding judge
The 17th Circuit Court of Kent County processes expungement petitions for Grand Rapids cases at:
17th Circuit Court 180 Ottawa Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: 616-632-5220 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Successful expungement removes the record from public databases, including those maintained by the Michigan State Police and the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts for specific purposes authorized by statute.
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