Arrest records are public in Taylor, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. This statute establishes that all government records, unless specifically exempted under § 15.243, shall be accessible to the public. The law promotes transparency and accountability in governmental operations by allowing citizens to obtain information about arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the City of Taylor. Members of the public may request these records from the appropriate custodial agency, subject to certain privacy protections for sensitive information as outlined in state statutes.
The Michigan FOIA provides that public bodies must respond to requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension if necessary. Requestors may be charged reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication of records as permitted under § 15.234. The Taylor Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and departmental policies governing public information.
The City of Taylor has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records, with enhanced digital options available as of 2025. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:
Visit the Taylor Police Department Records Bureau in person at 23515 Goddard Road, 2nd Floor, Taylor, MI 48180. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Submit a written request through the Records Bureau by mail or in person. Pursuant to Michigan FOIA requirements, the department must respond within the statutory timeframe.
Access the Taylor Online Services portal for digital record requests. The system allows for secure submission of FOIA requests and payment of associated fees.
Contact the Records Bureau directly at (734) 374-1535 to inquire about obtaining copies of reports and specific documentation requirements.
Visit the 23rd District Court located at 23365 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI 48180 for records of arrests that have proceeded to court proceedings. The court maintains general information about accessing these records.
All requests must comply with identification verification requirements as mandated by Michigan law to protect privacy rights while maintaining public access to appropriate information.
Standard arrest records maintained by the Taylor Police Department contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include the following elements as required by Michigan law and departmental procedures:
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in Michigan FOIA § 15.243, including personal identifying information that could compromise privacy or ongoing investigations.
The disclosure of arrest records in Taylor is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public access rights with privacy protections. Michigan's FOIA (MCL § 15.231-15.246) establishes the foundational right of access, while several other statutes and regulations define specific limitations:
The Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Policy Council Act (MCL § 28.211-28.215) regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information.
The Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) policies restrict access to certain computerized criminal history data.
The Michigan Court Rules (specifically MCR 8.119) govern access to court records that may contain arrest information.
Federal regulations, including 28 CFR Part 20, establish guidelines for the interstate exchange of criminal history information.
The Taylor Police Department, as the primary custodian of arrest records within the city, has implemented departmental policies that comply with these legal requirements. These policies are available for review at the Police Department headquarters located at 23515 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI 48180.
Requestors should be aware that certain records may be exempt from disclosure if they pertain to ongoing investigations, contain confidential informant information, or would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if released.
Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement or setting aside of certain arrest records under specific conditions. Pursuant to the Michigan Set Aside Law (MCL § 780.621 et seq.), individuals may petition to have their arrest records removed from public access if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
The expungement process in Taylor requires:
Eligibility criteria generally include:
Upon successful expungement, the Taylor Police Records Bureau and other relevant agencies must remove the records from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement for limited purposes. The legal effect of expungement is that the arrest is deemed not to have occurred for most purposes, including employment and housing applications.
The City of Taylor has established a fee schedule for arrest record requests in accordance with Michigan FOIA provisions. These fees are designed to recover the actual costs of search, retrieval, review, and duplication of records:
Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards through the City of Taylor payment portal. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors who submit an affidavit of indigency.
Processing times for record requests typically follow these guidelines:
The Taylor Police Department processes approximately 2,500 record requests annually, with peak volumes occurring during summer months. Requestors are encouraged to submit specific information to facilitate efficient processing, including case numbers, dates, and names of involved parties when available.