Detroit Crime Statistics
The Detroit Police Department (DPD) records and provides citywide statistics of crime incidents. According to data released in 2016, the city experienced a total annual decline in crime, with reports of violent offenses dropping by 5.3% and total cases of property crimes dipping by 5%. Robberies dropped by 17.4% while reports of carjacking slid by 39%. Conversely, incidences of auto theft, rape and homicide increased by 5.8%, 4.8%, and 2.3% respectively.
In total, the city recorded 44,692 cases, marking a 5.10% drop compared to 2015 and a 10.9% and 23.3% drop compared to 2014 and 2013 respectively. Larceny remained the most common crime for all four years, but experienced a 30% drop across the period, with 14,747 cases recorded in 2016 compared to 18,622 recorded in 2013.
Detroit Police Reports and Statistics
The DPD provides access to different types of reports to eligible requestors, including crash reports and crime report. Police reports may be obtained in person at the 4th precinct, 4700 W. Fort Street, 48209. The office opens from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
How to Obtain a Detroit Crime Report
To obtain a crime report from the DDP, interested parties need the official complaint number or the 10-digit CRISNET number. Requestors must provide a valid photo ID, featuring their name, picture, and address. Crime reports are only released to named individuals. When obtaining the report for someone else, written authorization from the subject is needed. The department charges $10.00 for crime reports, payable by money order or cash (No change. Exact amount).
Obtaining Crash Reports
Requests for crash reports will require related information such as the exact date of the accident and the location or cross streets where the accident occurred. Requestors must also provide a valid ID. The DPD charges $10 for crash reports, payable by money order or cash (Exact figure. No change provided).
How to Obtain Detroit Sex Offender Information
The Michigan State Police (MSP) provides public access to an online registry for registered sex offenders in the state. The registry contains different information such as the registrant’s name (or any known alias), offense, photo, physical description, and reported last address. It also lists whether the offender is currently enrolled at a higher institution.
Note: Registered individuals convicted of a single Tier 1 offense may not be included on the public list.
How to Locate Inmates in Detroit
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) provides public access to an online Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which contains information on inmates, parolees and recently discharged probationers. Users can find updates on a specific inmate using his/her assigned MDOC number. Search fields can also be further refined by gender, offender’s age, and race.
Court Records
Records for Civil and Domestic cases can be ordered from the Records Division of the Wayne County Clerk. Requests can be in person or by mail. Mailed requests should be sent with a copy of a valid ID and payment to the:
Wayne County Clerk - Records Division
2 Woodward Ave, Room LL-61
Detroit, MI 48226
The Clerk charges $10.00 for authenticated copies and $2.00 per page. The 36th District Court also provides online access to transcripts and court records for different types of cases, including traffic, criminal and civil. To request court records online, The requestor must provide a first and last name, city, state and phone number. Requestors must also specify the type of case, the title of the requested document, and select a preferred method of delivery. The court also requires that individuals provide a specific file number. Copies of court records are charged $10.00 per page for certified copies and $1.25 per page for non-certified copies.
How to Find Divorce Records in Detroit
The Wayne County Clerk manages records of divorces that have occurred in courts within its jurisdiction from 1942 till present. Affected individuals can make requests for divorce records, in person or by mail. To obtain divorce records by mail, download and complete a divorce decree application. Requestors must provide the full name of the spouses and year of divorce. Note that interested parties must indicate whether they want a certified or uncertified copy.
The country clerk charges $10.00 for authenticated copies with a seal and $2.00 for uncertified copies. Mail-in requests must include a money order for $40.00, payable to the Wayne County Clerk (refunds are provided if payment exceeds eventual cost). Completed application forms should be sent to:
Records Division,
Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave,
Room LL-61
Detroit, MI 48226
Requests can also be made in person at the office.
How to Obtain Birth and Death Certificates in Detroit
The Birth & Death Division of the Wayne County Clerk’s Offices manages birth and death records for townships and cities in the county. Residents of Detroit can obtain certified copies of birth certificates in person or by mail. To make a request by mail, complete the birth request form or death request form and send it to the:
Wayne County Clerk's Office
c/o City of Detroit Birth & Death Records Division
400 Monroe Street, Suite 605
Detroit, MI 48226
In addition to a money order, requests must include a copy of a valid ID, such as a State I.D or driver’s license. The office receives direct requests between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday. A valid ID is also required for in-person requests. In the absence of a driver’s license or State ID, the office may accept two pieces of any other I.D, such as a passport; work I.D, voter registration card or social security card. The county charges $24 for a certified copy of a birth certificate and $7 for every other copy. It also charges $24.00 for a certified death record and $7.00 for additional copies.
Note: The office charges $2 for certified copies belonging to senior citizens (older than 65 years). This discount only applies to senior citizens who are purchasing their own certificate.
