Criminal Statistics
According to the 2016 crime index summary published by the Criminal Justice Information Services Division, the city of Grand Rapids recorded 5,661 reported index crimes, 76% of which were property crimes. Violent crimes/crimes against persons accounted for 24% of the total reported crimes. Larceny topped the charts as the most recurrent criminal activity with 3,208 reports. Burglaries accounted for 822 incidents while auto theft and arson reportedly occurred at least 304 and 60 times respectively. Assault was the most common violent crime with 854 reported incidents, while rape and robbery were the least occurring with 10 and 142 incidents respectively.
Criminal Records
The Grand Rapids City Police Department provides police services to city residents. It is primarily tasked with generating and maintaining crime-related records and reports relevant to the City. However, requests for criminal history records and background checks are directed to the State Police Department, which maintains a statewide repository of criminal history information.
How To Get Criminal Records
The Criminal Justice Information Center of the Michigan State Police Department responds to requests for criminal history information and background checks of persons resident in Michigan. Interested persons may access Grand Rapid City criminal records, including the history of arrests, misdemeanor convictions, and convictions from the department using either a name-based or fingerprint search.
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Name-Based Searches
Name-based criminal record checks can be conducted using the Internet Criminal History Access Tool(ICHAT) of the Criminal Justice Division. Requesters will be required to provide the name of the subject and will receive full criminal history information of the individual, excluding juvenile and traffic records. The requesting party will be charged a fee of $10 for each name search conducted. -
Fingerprint Searches
This method provides full access to all criminal record information, including traffic violations and minor misdemeanors. However, fingerprint-based requests may only be requested by authorized persons and agencies. Requests can be made by performing a livescan with any of the approved live scan vendors of the Michigan State Police Department. The form, along with a $30.00 processing fee should then be delivered to
Michigan State Police,
Cashier's Office,
P.O. Box 30266,
Lansing, MI 48909-7766
How To Find Sex Offender Information
All information regarding sex offenders in the city of Grand Rapids can be obtained on the Online Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Interested persons may search the registry by the name of the offender, county/address, and their proximity to specific vicinities and establishments. The registry may also be used to obtain information regarding the compliance status and conduct of offenders and report any concerns relating to their location or conduct.
How To Find Inmate And Jail Information
The Kent County Correctional Facility houses inmates and persons apprehended by the Grand Rapids City Police Department. The facility is primarily managed by the Kent County Sheriff's Department, which processes all queries relating to jail information, inmate welfare, primary charges, bail and bond conditions and so on. Interested persons may obtain inmate and jail related information by contacting the sheriff's office at:
701 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-6100
Fax: (616) 632-6122
Where and How to Get Court Records
The 61st District Court of the City of Grand Rapids attends to cases that arise within city boundaries. The court generates and manages court records resulting from its proceedings. Copies of these records can be made available to members of the public if the record in question is not confidential.
Interested parties may access records using the Courts Public Access Portal. Searches can be conducted by the name of the plaintiff/defendant/witness or the case file number.
Alternatively, requests can be made via mail or in person at:
61st District Court - Grand Rapids
Kent County Courthouse
180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-5700
Fax: (616) 632-5592
Vital Records
Grand Rapids vital records can be accessed at the county level and state level. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Vital Records Office maintains vital records of all persons resident in its jurisdiction from 1867 to date. The office processes requests to view and/or copy these records as provided by law. Similarly, the Kent County Clerk maintains vital records of persons born, deceased, married and divorced within county limits - including the city of Grand Rapids.
Where and How to Get Divorce Records
Interested persons may obtain copies of divorce records from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Interested persons may request these records via mail or in person. This will require completing and notarizing the application form, which should be sent (along with the fees indicated on the form) to:
Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909
Rush:
Vital Records RUSH
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing MI 48909
Where and How to Get Marriage Records
The office of the Kent County Clerk processes requests for marriage records and maintains an archive of records dating back to 1845. Marriage records are not confidential and can be obtained by interested members of the public. Interested persons may request a marriage record by completing a Certified Marriage License Request Form, which should be sent along with a $10 search fee to:
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2288
Phone: (616) 632-7640
Fax: (616) 632-7645
Where and How to Get Birth and Death Records
In compliance with state laws, the Kent County Clerk restricts access to birth records less than 100 years old. Only the registrants, their parents or legal representatives may request copies of birth or death records. However, eligible persons may request records via mail or in person.
In-person requests can be made by visiting the office during work hours while mail-in requests require that the requesting party complete a Birth Certificate Request Form or Death Certificate Request Form. Completed and notarized applications should be sent along with a payment of $10 to:
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2288
Phone: (616) 632-7640
Fax: (616) 632-7645
