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.