What Are Ann Arbor Public Records?
Ann Arbor public records are non-confidential documentary materials that contain information on government conduct and actions within the city. These refer to written, typewritten, digitally recorded, and computerized information gathered and preserved by different government bodies that are not under statutory restrictions. In compliance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, records are exempted from public disclosure if they contain:
- Information of a personal nature that disclosure may constitute a violation of the individual's privacy
- Law enforcement investigative records that may endanger the life of an individual or interfere with procedures
- Trade secrets, commercial, or financial information provided in confidence
- Records subject to attorney-client privilege, physician-patient privilege, and other privilege information
- Social security numbers and information on security measures
- Medical, counseling, or psychological evaluation reports
- Other records exempted by statute or court rule.
Ann Arbor Crime Statistics
According to the 2019 Michigan crime statistics, the Ann Arbor Police Department recorded 5,946 offenses in that year, 29.5% of the total offenses (20,175) recorded in Washtenaw County. The listed crimes revealed that there were two murders or non-negligent manslaughters, eight arsons, 46 robberies, 136 MVTs, 155 aggravated/felonious assaults, 198 burglaries, and 1,447 larceny-thefts.
Compared to the total offenses recorded in the county, Ann Arbor is the municipality with the highest offense rate. Out of the county total, they had 28.6% of the recorded murder, 32.6% of robberies, 19.9% of the aggravated assaults, 26.2% of burglaries, 34.4% larceny-thefts, 28.8% of MVTs, and 32% of arsons.
Are Ann Arbor Criminal Records Public?
Not all Ann Arbor criminal records are public. According to state laws, expunged criminal records, sealed juvenile records, charges that lead to non-conviction, and other exempted information are unavailable for public view or duplication. However, individuals may access local criminal records from the Ann Arbor Police Department by making requests in person with valid ID and fees or by mailing filled request forms to:
Ann Arbor Police Records Section
Justice Center
301 East Huron,
Second floor,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 794-6954
Email: a2policerecords@a2gov.org
The record cost $10 but is only available to the subject and limited to arrests that happen within the city. Individuals may obtain statewide records from the Michigan State Police through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), conviction details from the court, and county records from the Washtenaw County Sheriff.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Ann Arbor Police Department grants access to the citywide police reports through its Records Section. Usually, these records are not available to individuals who are not involved in the incident or mentioned in the document, so potential requesters should first contact the department at (734) 794-6954 or a2policerecords@a2gov.org to confirm document availability.
Persons may request Ann Arbor arrest records, crash reports, police records, and other records in person, via mail, or online, depending on the document. For arrest records on self, interested persons may take along $10 and valid identification to the second floor of the Justice Center at 301 East Huron, Ann Arbor, or mail the request for local criminal history with requirements to:
Ann Arbor Police Records Section
Justice Center
301 East Huron,
Second floor,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Similarly, individuals may obtain reports on crashes they were involved in by making requests onsite or by mailing the request form to the AAPD if the event happened within 30 days. For reports on uninvolved crashes, make requests online by filling and submitting the FOIA requests for police records form. Crash reports cost $5. Other Ann Arbor police reports may also be available using these methods, but the price may vary.
Note: Crash and incident reports are also available at the Washtenaw Sheriff’s Office
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Ann Arbor
The Records Section of the Ann Arbor Police Department is responsible for registering convicted sex offenders residing, schooling, or earning a living in the city. Individuals may obtain information on sex offenders by contacting the AAPD at:
Ann Arbor Police Records Section
Justice Center
301 East Huron,
Second floor,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 794-6954
Email: a2policerecords@a2gov.org
The registry is also available through the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry, where individuals may conduct offender search or register for email alerts. To get a listing of all offenders in Ann Arbor, users should conduct a city search or use the "in your area" search tool to narrow down the list by address and zip code. Interested persons may also search for known offenders by using the name search tool or view the list of non-compliant offenders.
After searching, results will provide a listing of possible matches, and clicking on an offender will lead to the public profile, including
- Identifying details like name, aliases, DOB, and race)
- Registration details including registration number, tier level, last verification date, etc.)
- Physical descriptions such as age, sex, hair, body markings, etc
- Address
- Offense, conviction, and release details
How to Find Ann Arbor Inmate Records?
The Washtenaw County Jail houses individuals incarcerated in Ann Arbor City and other municipalities within its jurisdiction. Family and friends who wish to obtain information on charges, visitation, or bonds may use the free automated information service by calling (734) 585-7247. For further information visit the inmate information page or contact the Sheriff’s Office at:
Service Center
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 971-8400
Fax: (734) 973-4624
Email: sheriffinfo@washtenaw.org
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Ann Arbor Jail?
Inmates in the Washtenaw County Jail may only receive video visits at the jail lobby located at 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor. Visits are on Tuesdays to Fridays, from 12:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, all visitors must be registered and visits pre-scheduled in the following steps:
- Register for visits online with a valid email address remotely or by using the PC terminal in the Sheriff's visitation lobby.
- Provide personal information and identification.
- Save visitor ID after confirmation and wait 16 hours after registration before scheduling.
- Schedule visits using the visitor ID, email address, inmate information, and available periods shown. Retain reservation number.
- The person making the appointment may add the details of the person who will be attending the weekly visit with the registered visitor. Only those two persons may visit.
- Arrive at the visitation lobby with valid identification at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time for the check-in procedure.
- Keep all video visitation rules.
Court Records
Ann Arbor court records refer to court-generated documents that provide information on the proceedings and actions that happen in courts located in the city, such as Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. These include electronic, digital, or paper documents that summarize or detail the criminal, civil, traffic, probate, and other matters files in the court. Examples are transcripts, dockets, case files, decrees, orders, and so on.
Location of Courts in Ann Arbor
Washtenaw County Trial Court (22nd Circuit Court)
Washtenaw County Courthouse
101 East Huron Street,
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
Phone: (734) 222-3270
Fax: (734) 222-3077
14A-1 District Court - Ann Arbor
Washtenaw County Service Center
4133 Washtenaw Avenue,
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: (734) 973-4545
Fax: (734) 973-4693
14A-2 District Court - Ypsilanti
415 West Michigan Avenue,
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: (734) 484-6690
Fax: (734) 484-6697
15th District Court - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Justice Center
301 East Huron Street,
P.O. Box 8650
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
Phone: (734) 794-6750
Fax: (734) 794-6753
Washtenaw County Probate Court
Washtenaw County Courthouse
101 East Huron Street,
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
Phone: (734) 222-3072
Fax: (734) 222-3019
Are Ann Arbor Court Records Public?
According to the Michigan Court Rule, records of all actions that take place in a court, excluding civil infractions, are publicly accessible unless restricted by statute, court rule, or order. Hence, individuals may view or get copies of a court file, paper, or record upon receipt of the proper requests and reasonable or actual cost of reproduction.
Can You Look Up Ann Arbor Court Cases Online?
Not all Ann Arbor court cases are available online, but individuals may view court docket, calendar, and case information online through the tools on the court’s website. The Michigan Judicial Information System provides these features are available on the websites of the 15th District Court, 14A-2 District Court, 14A-1 District Court, and Washtenaw County Trial Court. Individuals can carry out case searches according to the case number, year, and case type, or party name.
How to Obtain Ann Arbor Civil Court Case Records
Although online case search may provide civil case information for public viewing, not all court cases are available, and users cannot obtain copies of the document. This requires requests in person, via mail, online, or with other alternative means accepted by the Ann Arbor court where the proceedings took place. Printable or online request forms may also be available on the court website.
Usually, the requester will have to provide personal detail, civil case information, and the reasonable or actual cost of searching and duplicating the material before the request is processed. For non-public records, access is often limited to the parties involved and authorized agencies.
How to Obtain Ann Arbor Criminal Court Case Records
Although online case search may provide criminal case information for public viewing, not all court cases are available, and users cannot obtain copies of the document. This requires requests in person, via mail, online, or with other alternative means accepted by the Ann Arbor court where the proceedings took place. Printable or online request forms may also be available on the court website.
Usually, the requester will have to provide personal detail, criminal case information, and the reasonable or actual cost of searching and duplicating the document before the request is processed. For non-public records, access is often limited to the parties involved and authorized agencies.
What Are Ann Arbor Vital Records?
Ann Arbor vital records are government-issued documents recounting the life events that happen under the city’s jurisdiction, such as marriage, divorce, birth, and deaths. These records are generated, maintained, or issued by different public departments in the city, county, or state. For instance, Ann Arbor vital records may be available at the Vital Records Division of the Register of Deeds, and also at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Most of these records are also publicly available. However, a few vital records are not open to the public and require legal claims, authorizations, or legitimate interests. Record custodians also require requesters to provide event descriptions, processing fees and accepted means of identification.
Where and How to Obtain Ann Arbor Divorce Records
The Family Division of the 22nd Circuit Court maintains and issues records of divorces and annulments that happen in Ann Arbor City. As with other Ann Arbor court records, interested persons may obtain public divorce records from the court by visiting the Clerk of the Court in person or mailing the request form with information and fees to:
Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 East Huron Street,
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Phone: (734)222-3024
For statewide records, contact the MDHHS at 333 South Grand Avenue, 1st Floor, Lansing MI 48933, or call (517) 335-8656.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Ann Arbor
Located in the City of Ann Arbor, the Vital Records Division of the Register of Deeds maintains and issues confidential marriage licenses and copies of the records to eligible persons. The spouses, legal representatives, and persons with court orders can obtain certified copies of non-public Ann Arbor marriage records by sending completed application forms along with fees, valid ID, self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Lawrence Kestenbaum
County Clerk/Register of Deeds - Vital Records
200 North Main Street,
Suite 100
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Phone: (734) 222-6720
The clerk charges $15 for the first copy with an additional $5 each for additional copies requested at the same time. Individuals should only send money orders and checks with mailed requests, while in-person payments can be with cash, credit cards, money order, or checks. For statewide records, contact the MDHHS online, call (517) 335-8656, or visit 333 South Grand Avenue, 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933.
Where and How to Get Public Ann Arbor Marriage Records
Public Ann Arbor marriage records are available at the Vital Records Division of the Register of Deeds and issued following in-person or mailed requests. Individuals can obtain copies of these documents by sending completed application forms along with fees, valid ID, self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Lawrence Kestenbaum
County Clerk/Register of Deeds - Vital Records
200 North Main Street,
Suite 100
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Phone: (734) 222-6720
Individuals should pay $15 for the first copy of Ann Arbor marriage certificates, with an additional $5 each for additional copies requested at the same time. For statewide records, contact the MDHHS at 333 South Grand Avenue, 1st Floor, Lansing MI 48933, or call (517) 335-8656.
Where and How to Find Ann Arbor Birth Records
Ann Arbor birth records since 1867 are available at the Vital Records Division of the Register of Deeds and issued following in-person or mailed requests. Eligible requesters like the person mentioned in the document, parents, and legal guardian/representatives can obtain copies of these documents by sending completed application forms along with fees, valid ID, self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Lawrence Kestenbaum
County Clerk/Register of Deeds - Vital Records
200 North Main Street,
Suite 100
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Phone: (734) 222-6720
Individuals should pay $15 for the first copy of the record, with an additional $5 each for additional copies requested at the same time. Individuals should only send money orders and checks with mailed requests, while in-person payments can be with cash, credit cards, money order, or checks. Individuals may also obtain Ann Arbor birth certificates before October 1978 and adoption birth records before 1989 through the MDHHS at 333 South Grand Avenue, 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933. Call (517) 335-8656 or visit the website for further information.
Where and How to Find Ann Arbor Death Records
Ann Arbor death records since 1867 are publicly available at the Vital Records Division of the Register of Deeds and issued following in-person or mailed requests. Interested persons can obtain copies of these documents by sending completed application forms along with fees, valid ID, self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Lawrence Kestenbaum
County Clerk/Register of Deeds - Vital Records
200 North Main Street,
Suite 100
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Phone: (734) 222-6720
Individuals should pay $15 for the first copy of the Ann Arbor death certificate, with an additional $5 each for additional copies requested at the same time. Individuals should only send money orders and checks with mailed requests, while in-person payments can be with cash, credit cards, money order, or checks. For statewide records, contact the MDHHS at 333 South Grand Avenue, 1st Floor, Lansing MI 48933, or call (517) 335-8656.
