Routine Police Freedom Of Information Act

Police Freedom of Information Act FAQ

What is a Police FOIA?

FOIA is a Freedom of Information Acts Request.

All FOIA requests must be in writing and describe a public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record.  (MCL15.231 et seq.) 

How do I file Police FOIA?

You may download a copy of the City of Detroit FOIA or City of Detroit Police FOIA form to submit a FOIA request.

City of Detroit FOIA
City of Detroit Police FOIA

 

Where do I submit the Police FOIA?

Due to the volume of FOIA requests for police records, if you are seeking routine police records, please submit your written request to:

        City of Detroit Police Department Law Unit
        Coleman A. Young Municipal Building
        2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 500
        Detroit, Michigan 48226    

        Fax No.:        313-224-5505
        Email Address:     [email protected]

What type of information is needed for Police FOIA?

The following information is required to search for routine police records:

  • nature of the incident;
  • date of incident;
  • time of incident (if known);
  • address;
  • names of individuals involved in the matter

Without this information, your request may be denied as the Police Department requires such information in order to conduct a search for the record.

What kind of information can I receive?

Routine Police Records include:

  • 911 Audio Recordings
  • 911 CAD Reports
  • Police Dash-Cam Videos
  • Simple Arrest Reports
  • Mug Shots
  • Police Incident Reports concerning:
    • Domestic dispute matters
    • Simple assault and battery
    • Theft
    • Motor Vehicle Accident Reports.
  • Police records concerning the following matters are not routine:
    • Fatal accidents
    • Critical injury
    • Homicide
    • Narcotics
    • Gang related activities and incidents
    • Criminal sexual conduct
    Therefore, requests for these documents should be submitted to the FOIA Coordinator at the Law Department.

DOCUMENTS

City of Detroit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Guidelines

Information about City of Detroit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Guidelines

FORMS

EMS Division HIPAA Form ( Legal Representative)

EMS Division HIPAA Form ( Legal Representative)

EMS Division HIPAA Form (Personal Authorization)

EMS Division HIPAA Form (Personal Authorization)