Ann Arbor Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
Arrest records in Ann Arbor, Michigan are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq., which establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies. The Ann Arbor Police Department maintains these records as part of their official duties and must provide reasonable access to them upon proper request.
Public access to arrest records serves several important governmental functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Ensuring accountability of public officials
- Allowing citizens to monitor the activities of their government
- Supporting public safety through awareness of criminal activity
Certain portions of arrest records may be exempt from disclosure under FOIA § 15.243, particularly information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or that might compromise an ongoing investigation. The Ann Arbor Police Department reviews each request to determine if any exemptions apply before releasing records.
How to Look Up Ann Arbor Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ann Arbor have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The Ann Arbor Police Department maintains these records and has established specific procedures for their release in accordance with Michigan FOIA requirements.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Ann Arbor Police Department Records Unit
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 794-6920
Ann Arbor Police Department
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the above address or electronically through the following methods:
- Email: FOIA requests may be sent to a2police@a2gov.org with "FOIA Request" in the subject line
- Online portal: The city maintains an electronic FOIA request system accessible through the official Ann Arbor website
- Fax: Requests may be transmitted to (734) 994-1414
Pursuant to Michigan FOIA § 15.235, the department must respond to requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary. Requestors should include specific information such as the name of the arrested individual, date of arrest, and case number (if known) to facilitate record retrieval.
Fees may be assessed for the search, retrieval, and duplication of records in accordance with § 15.234 of the Michigan FOIA. The fee schedule is established by the Ann Arbor City Council and is available on the city's website.
Contents of an Ann Arbor Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Ann Arbor Police Department contain specific categories of information as required by Michigan law and departmental policy. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Address at time of arrest
- Identification numbers (state ID, FBI number if applicable)
Arrest information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting officer(s) and badge number(s)
- Agency case number
- Statutory charges filed
- Michigan Compiled Laws citations for alleged violations
Processing details:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Detention location
- Bond information and conditions of release
Procedural information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Case disposition (if resolved)
The Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) maintains electronic records of arrests that are accessible to authorized law enforcement personnel throughout the state. However, public access to LEIN is restricted by Michigan Administrative Code R 28.5208 and is not available through standard FOIA requests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ann Arbor
Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement (setting aside) of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which includes Public Acts 187-193 of 2020, has significantly expanded expungement eligibility.
Individuals seeking expungement must file an application with the court where the case was adjudicated. For arrests in Ann Arbor, this is typically:
15th District Court
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 794-6750
15th District Court
For felony cases:
Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 222-3001
Washtenaw County Trial Court
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Waiting periods ranging from 3-7 years depending on offense severity
- Limitations on the number and type of convictions
- Restrictions on expunging certain offenses (such as sexual assaults, traffic offenses involving injury or death)
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621, individuals may apply to have up to three felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors set aside, with certain restrictions. Additionally, the Clean Slate legislation established an automatic expungement process for eligible non-violent misdemeanors after 7 years and eligible non-violent felonies after 10 years, which began implementation in April 2023.
Upon successful expungement, records are removed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes. Expunged records are legally considered non-existent for most purposes, including employment and housing applications.
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office offers expungement assistance through their Conviction Integrity & Expungement Unit:
Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 222-6620
Washtenaw County Prosecutor
Search Arrest Records in Ann Arbor
