Kalamazoo County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

What Are Kalamazoo County Public Records?

Kalamazoo County public records refer to any writing prepared, owned, maintained, or used by a public body in the county concerning official business or performance of duties. According to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, public records are separated into documents exempted from disclosure and those that are publicly available. Exempted records under this act include:

Information of a personal nature
Law enforcement investigative records
Records specifically exempted by statute
Financial or commercial information and trade secrets submitted in confidence
Information subject to attorney-client privilege, physician-client privilege, and other privileges
Real property appraisals until three years pass or an agreement is entered into
Examination instruments or data like test questions, transcripts, answers, and scoring keys used for academic, licensing, or employment purposes
An individual’s medical, psychological, or counseling evaluations or facts
Law enforcement communication codes, plans, or information on the deployment of agents
Information concerning the location of archaeological sites
Campaign committee records
Law enforcement information identifying undercover agents, informants, active/retired officers, and their contact details
Information on a public body’s security measures
Social security numbers

Records custodians provide non-exempt materials and can separate confidential information from copies given to members of the public.

Kalamazoo County Crime Statistics

According to the crime data and analysis provided by the Michigan State Police, there were 28,633 offenses and 6,707 arrests recorded in Kalamazoo County in 2019. The incident-based report showed that offenses consisted of 22 listed crime categories, including 11 murders or non-negligent manslaughter, 221 sex crimes, 259 robberies, and 904 aggravated/felonious assaults. There were also 1,478 burglaries, 2,224 larceny thefts, 737 motor vehicle thefts, and 61 reports of arson.

However, indexed arrests for the same period reveal that arrests for murder/non-negligent manslaughter, sex crimes, robberies, and aggravated/felonious assaults were four, 18, 77, and 402, respectively. Other arrest categories included 111 burglaries, 66 larceny thefts, 62 MVTs, and nine arsons.

Are Kalamazoo County Criminal Records Public?

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is the primary custodian of statewide criminal record history. It grants public access to these records according to the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. An interested party may request a resident's criminal history records by querying the MSP Criminal Justice Information Center or any available online tools.

However, Kalamazoo County criminal records are not entirely public. For instance, the Michigan State Police does not issue expunged criminal records, juvenile records, traffic records, and information about local misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of 93 days imprisonment.

The Criminal Justice Information Division of the Michigan State Police Department responds to requests for criminal history records of persons within the state of Michigan. Criminal history records typically include the history of arrests, misdemeanor convictions, and convictions. These are obtainable by requesting or conducting name-based or fingerprint-based searches.

Name-based Search Requests

Interested parties may access public criminal history record information by utilizing the Criminal Justice Divisions Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). A search for a record will require the name of the subject, and results will provide a full, printable criminal history record of the individual. Each search will require a credit card payment of $10.

Fingerprint-based Requests

Fingerprint-based criminal record searches provide full access to all criminal history information, including misdemeanors. These are only available to persons with an executive or court order, as provided by state and federal statutes. Eligible persons may request finger-print searches by obtaining live scan forms from the licensing agency or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and proceeding to complete a live scan with any approved live scan vendor and delivering all the above information along with a $30.00 processing fee to:

Michigan State Police,
Cashier's Office,
P.O. Box 30266,
Lansing, MI 48909-7766

For records of local misdemeanors, supplicants may send a Request for Public Records query to the Office of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff online or via mail to:

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont Street,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

How to Obtain Kalamazoo County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

The Records Division of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office manages and issues Kalamazoo County arrest records and police reports. Interested parties may contact the Records Division on (269) 385-6191 to verify if the report of interest is available. When confirmed, supplicants can access police reports by visiting in person or sending a written request using the Divisions FOIA form. Requests must be accompanied by a deposit of at least $50 and sent via mail, fax or email to:

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Records Section
1500 Lamont Street,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Fax: (269) 385-6162

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Kalamazoo County

In Michigan, all sex offender information is pooled from County Sheriff Offices and managed by the Michigan State Police Department. Interested persons may access information about sex offenders residing, schooling, or working within Kalamazoo County on the Online Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Users can search the database by name or county/address.

On the other hand, the Office of The Kalamazoo County Sheriff registers sex offenders residing within the county's jurisdiction. Offenders working or living within Kalamazoo for seven or more consecutive days are required to report to the Records Department of the Sheriff's Office at:

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 385-6190

How to Find Kalamazoo County Inmate Records

The Jail Division of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains all information regarding inmates booked into the county jail. Individuals may obtain information about current and recently booked inmates with the Kalamazoo County Public Access Jail Registry. Individuals may get a listing of inmates booked that day, view the roster according to last name initials, or search for inmates by name, booking date, and inmate number. Each inmate’s profile contains:

Inmate mugshot
Full name
Gender, age, nationality, and race
Physical descriptions like height, weight, eye color, etc
Booking details like booking number, date, and time
Charge details like the case number, arrest date, offense date/time, and violated code
Bond type and amount

For additional information regarding inmate commissary or bail or bonds, contact the Jail Division at:

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont Street,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Kalamazoo County Jail?

Inmates’ visitation privileges in the Kalamazoo County Jail depend on their classification and status. For instance, individuals in the high maximum security cannot receive social visits, while those categorized as high security or medium/minimum security get one or two free weekly visits, respectively. Prospective visitors to the Kalamazoo County Jail may call inmates or (269) 385-6048 to confirm the inmate’s availability before proceeding with the visitation process.

Family and friends may have on-site visits at 1421 Healy Street, Kalamazoo, or paid remote visits through the approved visitation vendor site. All visitors must register online or at the visitation center using valid photo identification. Visitors must also schedule visits by 10:00 p.m. the day before the visit. However, appointments are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Video visits cost $0.25 per minute, and each session may last up to 30 minutes. Visitors should also read and keep the jail’s visitation rules on conduct, dress code, and other restrictions.

Court Records

Kalamazoo County court records are court-generated documents that contain information on hearings, trials, and administrative actions that occur in courts located in the county. These include transcripts, decrees, affidavits, dockets, and filed materials on civil, traffic, criminal, or probate matters. Listed below are the locations of all the courts in Kalamazoo County:

9th Circuit Court - Kalamazoo - Family Division
Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 385-6000

9th Circuit Court - Kalamazoo - Trial Division - Civil
Crosstown Center
150 East Crosstown Parkway,
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: (269) 383-8898

9th Circuit Court - Kalamazoo - Trial Division - Criminal
Michigan Avenue Courthouse
227 West Michigan Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8898

8th District Court - Kalamazoo - Civil and Traffic Division
Crosstown Center
150 East Crosstown Parkway,
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: (269) 384-8171
Fax: (269) 383-8899

8th District Court - Kalamazoo - Criminal Division
Michigan Avenue Courthouse
227 West Michigan Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 384-8171
Fax: (269) 384-8047

Kalamazoo County Probate Court
Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-8666
Fax: (269) 383-8685

Are Kalamazoo County Court Records Public?

Kalamazoo County court records are publicly available unless exempted by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, state/federal law, statute, or court order. Example of court records with restricted access include:

Information subject to attorney-client privilege, physician-client privilege, and other privileges
Personal information that may constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual's privacy if disclosed
Social security numbers
An individual’s medical, psychological, or counseling evaluations or facts
Records of civil actions in which the public body and the requesting party are parties
Sealed or confidential court files
Case information when the need for privacy outweighs public interests in disclosure.

How to Obtain Kalamazoo County Civil Court Case Records

The Kalamazoo County Office of County Clerk and Register of Deeds is the central repository of court and property records for the county. Interested persons may access civil court records by sending a written request along with relevant record information to the appropriate division of Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register Office at:

Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register
Clerk Division, Register of Deeds, or Circuit Court (As applies to the record of interest)
201 West Kalamazoo Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Clerk Division: (269) 383-8840
Register of Deeds Division: (269) 383-8970
Circuit Court Division: (269) 383-8837

Alternatively, individuals may court record requests to the court which handles or hears related cases within the county. Send requests for records of all civil cases with small claims of no more than $25,000 to the 8th District Court of Kalamazoo County. Submit the 8th District Court Record/Copy Request form in person or via mail to:

8th District Court's Clerk's Office,
Michigan Avenue Courthouse,
227 West Michigan Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI

Records of civil cases or family law matters with claims of more than $25,000 in damages are available at the County Clerk and Register of Deeds Office on behalf of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Kalamazoo County.

Furthermore, records related to minors and guardian supervision, mental health, estate execution, and related cases may be obtainable by utilizing the Probate Court’s Index of Court Cases available for public use. This will require searching records by case number, date filed, or attorney name. Alternatively, supplicants may send a written request to:

Kalamazoo County Probate Court
1536 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: (269) 383-8666
Fax: (269) 383-8685
Email: KalamazooProbate@Kalcounty.com

How to Obtain Kalamazoo County Criminal Court Records

Individuals can get Kalamazoo criminal court records from the Office of County Clerk and Register of Deeds. To request copies of these documents, send a written request along with relevant record information to the Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register Office at:

Additionally, criminal court records may be available at the court that handles or hears related cases within the county. Send requests for records of all misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic violations cases with small claims of no more than $25,000 to the 8th District Court of Kalamazoo County. Use the 8th District Court Court Record/Copy Request form or sent via mail to:

8th District Court's Clerk's Office,
Michigan Avenue Courthouse,
227 West Michigan Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI

Lastly, the Office of County Clerk and Register of Deeds manages records of felony criminal matters and juvenile delinquency cases on behalf of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Kalamazoo County.

Where to Get Bankruptcy Records

The Western District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court maintains and issues copies of bankruptcy records filed within its jurisdiction. Interested persons may request copies of Kalamazoo county bankruptcy records by querying the Clerk of Courts.

For online access, supplicants may use the national PACER index, provided they meet eligibility requirements. Alternatively, requests may be via mail, email, or fax using the Courts Copy Request Form, which should be sent along with a fee of $0.5 (per page of copy requested) to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Western District of Michigan
One Division Avenue, North, Room 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 456-2693
Fax: (616) 456-2083

What Are Kalamazoo County Vital Records?

Kalamazoo County vital records are official documents that provide information on the life events that happen to persons in the county. These government-generated records include events such as marriages, deaths, births, and divorces that occurred in the county. Kalamazoo vital records are available at the different state or county-run departments.

Generally, the Vital Records Office of the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services maintains vital records of all persons born, deceased, married, or divorced from 1867 till date, within its jurisdiction. The office processes requests to view and/or copy these records within the provisions of state laws. Similarly, the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office serves as a local custodian for vital records and makes certified copies available to eligible and interested persons.

Where and How to Obtain Kalamazoo County Divorce Records

Interested persons may obtain copies of divorce records from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or the Kalamazoo Circuit Court that granted the divorce. For statewide records, eligible parties may request a search for certified divorce records by completing an application form and sending it (along with the fees indicated on the form) to:

Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909

Send rush requests to:

Vital Records RUSH
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909

Alternatively, supplicants may submit/send a written request with divorce details along with a $15 check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Circuit Court Family Division
Gull Road Justice Complex
1536 Gull Road,
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register
Clerk Division,
201 West Kalamazoo Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8840

Where and How to Get Public Kalamazoo County Marriage Records

Kalamazoo County marriage records from 1831 till date are available at the Office of the Kalamazoo County Clerk. To obtain a copy of a marriage license or certificate, complete the clerk's application for a certified copy of marriage records and submit same, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 West Kalamazoo Avenue,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8840

Alternatively, requests can be directed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services using the department's application for a certified copy - Michigan marriage record form. However, only records of marriage on or after 1867 are available at the state level. Completed forms must be accompanied by any applicable fees stated on the form and sent to:

Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909

Where and How to Find Kalamazoo County Birth Records

The County Clerk’s Office is the primary custodian of the Kalamazoo County birth records and responsible for issuing certified copies according to the provisions of Michigan state laws. Copies of birth certificates are confidential records and are only accessible by eligible persons, including the registrant, their parent or legal guardian, law enforcement agencies and personnel, as well as any court-approved persons.

For copies of Kalamazoo County birth certificates, eligible persons should send a written request containing the registrant's full name, birth date, and parents' full names. Requesters must also provide valid photo IDs, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, as well as any applicable fees by cheque or money order made payable to the county clerk. Otherwise, requestors may apply by submitting or sending a filled application for certified copies of birth certificate and other requirements livered in person or via mail to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 West Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8840

Where and How to Find Kalamazoo County Death Records

Kalamazoo County death certificates are available at the Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office. Interested persons may request these records by sending the application for a certified copy of death certificates, fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 West Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8840

Are Property Records Open to the Public in Kalamazoo County?

The U.S. state of Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) makes all property records in Kalamazoo County open to inspection and copying. Requesters can obtain Kalamazoo County property records from the office of the County Clerk/Register of Deeds in person, online, by fax, or email.

Where and How to Find Property Records in Kalamazoo County

The office of the Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds is responsible for keeping land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and many other property instruments for the county. Some of the property records maintained by the county date back to 1831. People can request these property documents by contacting the County Clerk/Register at:

West Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8970
Fax: (269) 384-8143
Email: Deeds@kalcounty.com

The office of the County Clerk/Register of Deeds is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

How to Look Up Kalamazoo County Property Records

The office of the Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds provides an online database of properties within the county. Requesters can find documents starting June 1, 1985, images beginning July 1, 1993, and images of Land Corners commencing July 16, 1971, on the portal. People can also search the Parcel Search tool maintained by the county for Kalamazoo County land information. Below is the contact of the County Clerk/Register:

West Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 383-8970
Fax: (269) 384-8143
Email: Deeds@kalcounty.com

Location of Kalamazoo County Township Property Assessors

Alamo Township
North 6th Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: (269) 382-3366
Fax: (269) 552-4733

Brady Township
Phone: (269) 655-1144
P.O. Box 20
Vicksburg , MI 49097
Phone: (269) 649-1813
Fax: (269) 649-4309

Charleston Township
P.O. Box 336
Galesburg , MI 49053
Phone :(269) 655-1144
(269) 665-7805
Fax: (269) 484-8035

Climax Township
P.O. Box 369
Climax, MI 49034
Phone: (269) 655-1144
(269) 746-4103
Fax: (269) 746-4114

Comstock Township
P.O. Box 449
Comstock, MI 49041
Phone: (269) 381-2360
Fax: (269) 381-4328

Cooper Township
West D Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: (269) 382-0223
Fax: (269) -3812 06

Kalamazoo Township
Riverview Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Phone: (269) 381-8080
Fax-(269) 8794 05

Oshtemo Township
West Main
Fax: (269) 375-7180

Pavilion Township
East Q Avenue
Scotts, MI 49088
Phone: (269) 327-0462
Fax: (269) 327-0098

Prairie Ronde Township
P.O. Box 794
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
Phone: (269) 655-1144
Fax: (269) -679-5968

Richland Township
North 32nd Street
Richland, MI 49083
Phone: (269) 629-4921
Fax: (269) 629-5993

Ross Township
Richland, MI 49083
Phone: (269) 731-4888
Fax: (269) 731-5551

Schoolcraft Township
East VW Avenue
Vicksburg, MI 49097
Phone: (269) 649-1276
Fax(269) 649-2232

Texas Township
West Q Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: (269) 375-1591
Fax: (269) 375-0791

Wakeshma Township
South 42nd Street
Fulton, MI 49052
Phone: (269) 655-1144
Fax: (269) 778-3220