Southgate Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Southgate, Michigan?
Arrest records are public documents in Southgate, Michigan, accessible to all members of the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This state legislation establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Southgate Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes. Pursuant to Michigan's public records laws, transparency in the criminal justice system allows citizens to monitor governmental activities and hold public officials accountable. The Michigan Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that public records should remain accessible to citizens except in specifically exempted circumstances as outlined in MCL 15.243.
Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions. The disclosure of arrest records is governed by both state law and local ordinances that balance public access with privacy considerations.
How to Look Up Southgate Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Southgate, Michigan. The following methods are available for record retrieval in accordance with Michigan FOIA provisions:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Southgate Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Requesters must complete a standard FOIA request form and may be required to present identification.
Online access is available through the Southgate Police Department's official records portal, which allows for electronic submission of FOIA requests and provides limited search capabilities for public records.
Written requests may be submitted via U.S. mail to the Records Division. All written requests must include the requester's complete contact information and specific details about the records being sought.
Wayne County Circuit Court maintains criminal case records that may include arrest information for cases prosecuted within the county jurisdiction.
Michigan State Police maintains the state's central criminal history repository, which includes arrest data reported by local agencies including Southgate Police Department.
The statutory response time for FOIA requests is five business days, with a possible ten-business-day extension as permitted under MCL 15.235(2)(d). Fees may be assessed for search, retrieval, and duplication of records in accordance with the department's established fee schedule pursuant to MCL 15.234.
Contents of a Southgate Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Southgate Police Department contain standardized information as required by Michigan law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include:
Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address of residence
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Michigan Compiled Laws citations
Arresting officer's name, badge number, and departmental affiliation
Booking information, including fingerprints and mugshot photographs
Property inventory detailing items in the arrestee's possession at the time of processing
Preliminary breath test results or other chemical test information, if applicable in cases involving suspected intoxication
Miranda rights acknowledgment documentation
Detention facility assignment information
Bail or bond determination details
The Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) regulations govern the dissemination of certain elements of arrest records, particularly those containing biometric data or information pertaining to protected classes of individuals. Pursuant to MCL 28.214, unauthorized disclosure of certain LEIN information may constitute a misdemeanor offense.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Southgate
The State of Michigan provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in MCL 780.621 et seq. The Clean Slate legislation, which took full effect in April 2023, has expanded eligibility criteria for record expungement in Southgate and throughout Michigan.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Certain convictions after prescribed waiting periods have elapsed
Qualifying misdemeanors and felonies under the automatic expungement provisions of the Clean Slate Act
The expungement process requires petitioners to file an application with the court of original jurisdiction. For Southgate arrests, this typically involves filing with the 28th District Court or Wayne County Circuit Court, depending on the severity of the original charges. The application must include certified record copies, fingerprint cards, and payment of statutory filing fees.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. Notice of the hearing is provided to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, which may contest the expungement request. The Michigan State Police and arresting agency also receive notification of the petition.
Judicial determination on expungement petitions considers factors including the petitioner's criminal history, rehabilitation evidence, and the public interest in maintaining or expunging the record. If granted, the court issues an order requiring all public agencies to remove the record from public access, though law enforcement agencies retain non-public access to the information for official purposes only.
The Michigan Department of State Police maintains administrative oversight of the expungement process and ensures compliance with court orders directing the removal of records from public databases. Pursuant to MCL 780.623, individuals who have successfully obtained an expungement may legally state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense on employment, housing, and other applications.
Search Arrest Records in Southgate
Southgate Police Department
14710 Reaume Parkway
Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: (734) 258-3060
Official Website
28th District Court
14720 Reaume Parkway
Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: (734) 258-3068
Official Website
Wayne County Clerk's Office
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 502
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 224-6262
Official Website
