Arrest records are public documents in Troy, Michigan, accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. This state legislation mandates that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by the Troy Police Department, must be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Michigan FOIA establishes the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within the City of Troy.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
The Troy Police Department Records Unit maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy protections mandated by state and federal laws.
The City of Troy provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest record information. Each method has specific requirements and processing timeframes as established by departmental procedures and state regulations:
Citizens may submit requests in person at:
Troy Police Department Records Section
500 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, Michigan 48084
Phone: 248-524-3300
Official Records Section
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
For in-person requests, requestors must:
The City of Troy has implemented a digital records request system accessible through the official municipal website. Online requestors must:
Processing times for online requests typically range from 5-10 business days, in accordance with Michigan FOIA response requirements.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to:
Troy Police Department FOIA Coordinator
500 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, Michigan 48084
Mail requests must include:
Arrest records maintained by the Troy Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are structured according to standardized protocols established by the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Center and contain the following categories of information:
Pursuant to the City of Troy Municipal Code, certain information may be redacted from arrest records prior to public release, including:
The management and dissemination of arrest records in Troy operates within a multi-tiered legal framework established by federal, state, and local authorities. This regulatory structure balances public access rights with privacy protections and law enforcement operational needs.
Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246 establishes the foundational right of access to public records, including arrest documentation. Key provisions applicable to Troy arrest records include:
The Troy City Attorney's Office provides oversight for FOIA compliance within all municipal departments, including the police records unit.
The dissemination of arrest record information is further governed by:
These regulations establish protocols for the secure handling, storage, and transmission of criminal history information between authorized agencies and to the public.
The Troy Municipal Code contains specific provisions regarding records management and public access that supplement state requirements, including:
Under Michigan law, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (setting aside) of certain arrest records maintained by the Troy Police Department and other criminal justice agencies. The expungement process is governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621 et seq., which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
As of 2025, individuals may qualify for expungement of Troy arrest records under the following circumstances:
Certain offenses remain ineligible for expungement, including most sexual offenses, traffic violations resulting in injury or death, and felonies carrying potential life imprisonment sentences.
The expungement process for Troy arrest records requires:
If granted, the expungement order directs all criminal justice agencies, including the Troy Police Department, to remove the record from public databases and seal physical records from public view. However, law enforcement agencies retain non-public access to expunged records for specific authorized purposes.
The Building Department and other city licensing authorities will no longer consider expunged arrests when evaluating permit applications or conducting background checks for municipal purposes.
The City of Troy Zoning Ordinance and related municipal regulations establish specific limitations on how arrest record information may be utilized by various entities within city jurisdiction. These limitations protect citizens from improper discrimination while allowing legitimate public safety considerations.
Under Michigan law and Troy municipal regulations:
Commercial entities obtaining Troy arrest records are subject to: