Kalamazoo County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kalamazoo County
Arrest records in Kalamazoo County are considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231). This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Michigan FOIA presumes that all records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
It is important for citizens to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Michigan law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld pursuant to privacy exemptions under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.243, which outlines specific categories of information that may be exempt from disclosure.
Law enforcement agencies in Michigan follow the Michigan State Police records policy, which governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal justice information. This policy ensures compliance with state and federal regulations while balancing public access rights with privacy considerations.
What's in Kalamazoo County Arrest Records
Kalamazoo County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Height and weight
- Address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints (not included in public versions)
- State ID number or FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction)
- Charge severity (e.g., Class A felony, Class C misdemeanor)
- Charge descriptions
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information (limited in public versions)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to the case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility housing the individual
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Protection orders
- Vehicle information related to the arrest
- Victim information (typically redacted in public versions)
- Witness information (typically redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations as permitted under Michigan law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kalamazoo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kalamazoo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-8821
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
The process for requesting arrest records in person typically involves:
- Completing a records request form with the subject's full name and date of birth
- Providing government-issued photo identification
- Paying applicable fees (currently $5.00 per record search, with additional fees for copies)
- Specifying the purpose of the request
For written requests, individuals may submit a completed Michigan FOIA request form to:
Kalamazoo County FOIA Coordinator
201 West Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8998
Written requests must include:
- Requestor's complete name, address, and contact information
- A detailed description of the records sought
- The subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Signature of the requestor
- Date of request
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.235, the county must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary.
Requestors should note that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy exemptions under Michigan law. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld until the investigation is complete.
How To Find Kalamazoo County Arrest Records Online
Kalamazoo County provides digital access to certain arrest record information through several online platforms. These resources allow members of the public to conduct preliminary searches without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resource for arrest records in Kalamazoo County is the Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal. This database provides information about individuals currently in custody at the Kalamazoo County Jail or recently released. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Search" option from the menu
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or subject number)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Name and age
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Custody status
For court records related to arrests, the Michigan Courts Case Search system provides access to case information from participating courts throughout the state, including those in Kalamazoo County. This system allows users to:
- Search by name or case number
- View case status and scheduled hearings
- Access information about charges and dispositions
- Review court dates and locations
The Michigan State Police also maintains the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides criminal history record information for a fee of $10 per search. This system includes arrest data that resulted in fingerprinting and was submitted to the state repository.
Users of online systems should be aware that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or immediately updated
- Some records may be restricted from online access
- Positive identification cannot be established solely through online searches
- The information is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute an official record
For complete and certified arrest records, individuals are advised to submit formal requests through the methods outlined in the previous section.
How To Search Kalamazoo County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Kalamazoo County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and incarcerations within the county.
The most accessible free resource is the Kalamazoo County Jail Inmate Search portal. This online database allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released from the Kalamazoo County Jail. The system provides:
- Basic identifying information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Next court appearance (if scheduled)
To use this resource, individuals need only the name of the person they are searching for, though searches can be refined with additional information such as date of birth.
Another free option is to visit the Kalamazoo County Courthouse to access public terminals that provide access to court records related to arrests. These terminals are available at:
Kalamazoo County Courthouse
227 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8837
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Local public libraries in Kalamazoo County also offer free internet access that can be used to search public records databases. The main branch is located at:
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 South Rose Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 553-7800
Additionally, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains a daily jail population report that is available for public inspection at no cost. This report lists individuals currently in custody and basic information about their charges.
While these free resources provide valuable information, they have limitations:
- Information may not be as comprehensive as paid record searches
- Historical arrest records may not be included
- Some details may be omitted for privacy or security reasons
- Records may not be suitable for official purposes
For individuals seeking more detailed information or certified copies of arrest records, fees may apply as outlined in the county's fee schedule.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Kalamazoo County
Under Michigan law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621, which outlines eligibility requirements and procedures.
Expungement and sealing are distinct legal remedies:
- Expungement results in the physical destruction or return of fingerprints, arrest cards, and other identifying information from public records
- Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes
In Kalamazoo County, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted (found not guilty)
- The conviction was subsequently overturned
- The individual meets the criteria under Michigan's expanded expungement law (Clean Slate legislation)
To initiate the expungement process in Kalamazoo County, individuals must:
- Obtain a certified copy of their criminal record from the Michigan State Police
- Complete an Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
- Obtain fingerprints from an authorized agency
- File the application with the court where the case was handled
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $50)
- Serve copies of the application on the Michigan Attorney General, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor, and the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Attend a hearing before a judge who will determine whether to grant the expungement
The application must be filed with:
Kalamazoo County Circuit Court
227 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8837
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may also request removal of their information from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office records by submitting a written request with supporting documentation.
Under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, which expanded expungement eligibility in 2021, certain convictions may be automatically set aside after a waiting period without requiring an application. However, this automatic process does not apply to all types of offenses, and individuals should consult with legal counsel to determine their eligibility.
Legal assistance for expungement may be available through:
Legal Aid of Western Michigan
201 North Rose Street, Suite 300
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 344-8113
What Happens After Arrest in Kalamazoo County?
Following an arrest in Kalamazoo County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
-
Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Kalamazoo County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph (mugshot) and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
-
Initial Detention: Arrestees may be held for up to 72 hours before formal charges must be filed. During this period, law enforcement compiles reports and evidence for review by the prosecutor.
-
Charging Decision: The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office reviews the evidence and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may:
- File criminal charges
- Request additional investigation
- Decline to prosecute
- Refer the case for diversion programs
-
Arraignment: If charges are filed, the defendant appears before a judge at the 8th District Court for arraignment, typically within 24-48 hours of arrest. During arraignment:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Plea is entered (usually not guilty at this stage)
- Bond is set or denied
- Future court dates are scheduled
- Public defender is appointed if the defendant qualifies
-
Pretrial Proceedings: Following arraignment, several pretrial events occur:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss possible resolutions
- Motion hearings to address legal issues
- Preliminary examination (for felony cases) to determine if sufficient evidence exists
-
Case Resolution: Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion program completion
- Trial by judge or jury
-
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, both sides present evidence and arguments before a judge or jury, who then determines guilt or innocence.
-
Sentencing: If convicted, the defendant appears for sentencing, where the judge imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration in jail or prison
- Probation
- Fines and costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Restitution to victims
-
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may:
- Serve their sentence
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Apply for early release programs
- Eventually seek expungement under qualifying circumstances
Throughout this process, information is recorded in various databases maintained by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, courts, and state agencies, creating the arrest record that becomes part of the individual's criminal history.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kalamazoo County?
Arrest records in Kalamazoo County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Michigan law, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 18.1284-1292, which governs records management for public bodies. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important criminal justice information while balancing privacy considerations.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) Records Management Services has established the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office follows. Under this schedule:
- Arrest records for adults are typically maintained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of arrest
- Arrest records involving felonies are kept for a minimum of 20 years
- Records related to serious crimes (homicide, criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping) are maintained permanently
- Juvenile arrest records may be subject to different retention periods and sealing provisions
Different agencies within Kalamazoo County maintain separate records with varying retention requirements:
- The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest reports, and jail records
- The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office keeps case files related to prosecutions
- The 8th District and 9th Circuit Courts maintain court records related to criminal cases
- The Michigan State Police maintains the central repository of criminal history information
Digital records in modern systems may be maintained indefinitely, though access to older records may be restricted or require special requests. Fingerprint records and identifying information submitted to the Michigan State Police and FBI databases are typically maintained until the subject reaches 110 years of age, unless expunged by court order.
The retention of these records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Provides information for background checks authorized by law
- Maintains statistical data for crime analysis and reporting
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods may contact:
Kalamazoo County Records Management
201 West Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8840
How to Find Mugshots in Kalamazoo County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Kalamazoo County, these photographs are maintained as part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken under standardized conditions. These images capture the appearance of the arrested individual at the time of booking and may be accompanied by identifying information such as name, date of birth, booking number, and date of arrest.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Kalamazoo County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-8821
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
These photographs are stored in the jail management system and linked to the individual's booking record. They may also be shared with other law enforcement agencies through information-sharing networks.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots in Kalamazoo County, individuals may:
- Submit a records request to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
- Complete the required forms specifying the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees (currently $5 for the search plus reproduction costs)
- Provide proper identification and state the purpose of the request
Can They Be Found Online
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. While the inmate search function provides information about current inmates, it does not display booking photographs. This policy reflects growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on privacy and rehabilitation.
Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sources:
- May not be comprehensive or accurate
- Often charge fees for removal (a practice prohibited in some states)
- May not update their information when charges are dismissed or expunged
- Are not officially sanctioned by Kalamazoo County
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For legitimate purposes such as legal proceedings, individuals may obtain official copies of mugshots by:
- Submitting a specific FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office
- Working through an attorney who can file appropriate motions for discovery
- Requesting records through proper channels for background investigations
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records are generally not public unless the juvenile was charged as an adult
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available
- Ongoing investigations may temporarily limit access to certain booking photographs
- Privacy exemptions under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.243 may apply in specific cases
Law enforcement agencies and courts balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the presumption of innocence when determining access to mugshots.
Lookup Arrest Records in Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County inmate search
Sheriff's Office records division