Wayne County Public Records / Wayne County Arrest Records

Wayne County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wayne County in 2026

WayneCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Wayne County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and case disposition records. Information presented reflects publicly accessible data and may not represent complete criminal histories or final case outcomes.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Wayne County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office publishes inmate information including name, charges, booking date, and bond status. The roster is updated on a continuous basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed. Members of the public may search by name to locate individuals currently in custody or recently booked.

2. Local Police Departments

Wayne County encompasses multiple municipalities, each maintaining its own police department with arrest log records. The Detroit Police Department publishes press releases containing arrest information for significant cases. Members of the public may submit public records requests to individual departments for arrest logs. The Detroit Police Department maintains records for arrests occurring within the City of Detroit, which constitutes the largest jurisdiction within Wayne County.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Wayne County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and case status. The court case search reflects proceedings initiated following arrest and booking.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The current fee for a public ICHAT search is $10.00 per name searched. The database includes arrests from all Michigan jurisdictions that have reported to the state repository.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Wayne County Sheriff's Office 45330 Institution Drive Northville, MI 48168 Phone: (734) 727-4000 Wayne County Sheriff's Office

Records Division hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Requestors should bring valid government-issued photo identification
Specific arrest date, booking number, or full legal name of the subject assists in locating records
Copy fees apply per page as described in the fee section below

Police Departments:

Detroit Police Department – Records and Identification Section 1300 Beaubien Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 596-2200 Detroit Police Department

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Public records requests may be submitted in person or by mail
Standard copy fees apply

Clerk of Court:

Wayne County Third Circuit Court – Criminal Division 1441 St. Antoine Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5261 Wayne County Third Circuit Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files available for public inspection
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies; $5.00 for certified copies

By Mail:

Written requests submitted to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Wayne County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5 to 10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

Wayne County Sheriff's Office: (734) 727-4000
Inmate information line: (734) 727-4523
Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by telephone; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, discovery under the Michigan Court Rules governs the exchange of arrest-related materials between prosecution and defense.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (which city or agency made the arrest)

Are Arrest Records Public in Wayne County

Arrest records in Wayne County are public records subject to disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. Members of the public, media organizations, researchers, and other interested parties may request arrest records from law enforcement agencies and courts operating within the county. The public access policy reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability in the exercise of law enforcement authority.

Arrest records are maintained as public documents for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Public safety awareness within communities
Support for journalism and investigative reporting
Academic and policy research
Background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
Use in legal proceedings by attorneys and parties

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Michigan law and applicable court orders:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted pursuant to the Michigan Juvenile Code
Expunged arrest records removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Michigan Constitution and the state's FOIA framework establish the legal foundation for public access to arrest records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have recognized that transparency in the arrest process serves the public interest while acknowledging that the right of privacy requires careful balancing, particularly where charges are not ultimately prosecuted.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers conducting background screening, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Michigan employers and landlords must comply with applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws when considering arrest records. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt, and reliance on arrest records without conviction may give rise to legal liability in certain contexts.

What's in Wayne County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain cases)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Michigan State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Michigan statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arraignment
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrest history within Wayne County may appear in booking records where the arresting agency has documented previous contacts. Historical charges and prior booking numbers may be included. This information is not uniformly included in all public arrest record releases.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted pursuant to state and federal law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Wayne County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Wayne County varies by agency and record type. Under Michigan's FOIA framework at MCL § 15.234, agencies may charge fees for the labor and material costs associated with responding to public records requests. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 to $0.25 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$5.00 per document
Electronic copies	May be provided at reduced cost or no charge
Search fee (labor)	Actual cost of staff time for requests requiring extensive search
ICHAT criminal history search (state)	$10.00 per name

Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
Agencies may charge for the actual cost of labor when a request requires more than a minimal search effort
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
Accepted payment methods at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Online ICHAT searches through the Michigan State Police require payment by credit card at the time of the search
Booking records and jail roster information available through the Sheriff's online portal are accessible at no charge

How To Delete Arrest Records in Wayne County

Michigan law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the setting aside of a conviction or arrest record, and sealing, which restricts access to a record without destroying it. The distinction is significant. Expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act results in the setting aside of eligible convictions and arrests, effectively removing them from public view. Sealed records remain in existence but are accessible only to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement in Michigan:

Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, effective under MCL § 780.621, expanded eligibility for expungement significantly. The following circumstances may qualify an arrest record for expungement:

Arrests that did not result in conviction, including cases where charges were dismissed or not filed
Acquittals at trial
Convictions for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period of three years from the date of sentencing or release from custody
Convictions for certain felonies after a waiting period of five years
Marijuana-related convictions that would not be offenses under current Michigan law
Automatic expungement for certain offenses after applicable waiting periods under the Clean Slate Act

Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:

Criminal sexual conduct offenses
Child abuse offenses
Offenses involving a minor as a victim
Certain serious felonies including crimes punishable by life imprisonment
Traffic offenses, including operating while intoxicated convictions

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Wayne County Clerk of Court
Complete the Application to Set Aside Conviction (form MC 227), available through the Michigan Courts website
File the completed application with the court in which the conviction or arrest was processed
Serve copies of the application on the Michigan Attorney General's Office and the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing at which the court will consider the petition
If granted, the court issues an order directing all agencies to update their records accordingly

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Wayne County Third Circuit Court – Criminal Division 1441 St. Antoine Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5261 Wayne County Third Circuit Court

Wayne County Prosecutor's Office 1441 St. Antoine Street, 11th Floor Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5777 Wayne County Prosecutor's Office

State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) – Expungement Assistance 3300 Penobscot Building, 645 Griswold Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 256-9833 State Appellate Defender Office

Following a court order granting expungement, the Michigan State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and the record is removed from public access through ICHAT. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the court's expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Wayne County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Wayne County Jail for booking and processing.

Wayne County Jail 570 Clinton Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5780 Wayne County Sheriff's Office

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the arresting agency. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Wayne County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately two to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded in the jail management system
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted for criminal history and warrant checks
Outstanding warrants are identified through state and federal database queries
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening is conducted
Brief mental health screening is administered
Housing classification is determined based on charges and history

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Michigan law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for arraignment within a reasonable time following arrest, with 48 hours serving as the constitutional benchmark established by the United States Supreme Court. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

Arraignments in Wayne County may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. The 36th District Court handles arraignments for offenses occurring within the City of Detroit.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the arraigning judge or magistrate based on the bond schedule and individual circumstances

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant or family pays a non-refundable premium, customarily ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at the time of release may include:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders protecting named individuals
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting requirements

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours following payment
Personal property is returned
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending case resolution
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants in Wayne County are represented by the Wayne County Public Defender's Office.

Wayne County Public Defender's Office 645 Griswold Street, Suite 1900 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 967-5800 Wayne County Public Defender's Office

Eligibility is determined based on income at the time of arraignment. The application process is initiated at the first court appearance.

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Wayne County Jail during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case. The prosecutor may:

File formal charges by way of a criminal information
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute and dismiss the matter
File different or additional charges beyond those identified at arrest

Grand Jury:

For certain serious felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to support an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters an initial plea. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all rights pending further proceedings. Court dates for subsequent hearings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions addressing discovery compliance. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial conferences bring attorneys and the judge together to assess case status, discuss resolution, and address trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor to resolve the case through a guilty or no contest plea to reduced charges or with a recommended sentence.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal occurs when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.

Diversion programs available in Wayne County include pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges.

Plea agreement resolves the case through a guilty or no contest plea with an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation, waiving the right to trial.

Trial proceeds before a jury or, by agreement, before the judge alone. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate discharge.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge imposes a sentence that may include:

Incarceration in a state correctional facility or county jail
Probation with conditions
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory treatment programs
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied against any sentence of incarceration. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
Felony cases: resolved within six months to over one year in complex matters
The right to a speedy trial under the Michigan Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution applies throughout

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against compelled self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Wayne County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 570 Clinton Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5780 Inmate information: (313) 224-5780 Wayne County Sheriff's Office

Wayne County Third Circuit Court – Clerk of Court 1441 St. Antoine Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5261 Wayne County Clerk of Court

Wayne County Prosecutor's Office 1441 St. Antoine Street, 11th Floor Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5777 Wayne County Prosecutor's Office

Wayne County Public Defender's Office 645 Griswold Street, Suite 1900 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 967-5800 Wayne County Public Defender's Office

Wayne County Pretrial Services 1441 St. Antoine Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 224-5261 Wayne County Courts

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or trusted individuals to assist with bail arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or pretrial release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wayne County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Wayne County is governed by Michigan law and the records retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Under the Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on record type and case disposition. The retention framework reflects the state's interest in preserving accurate criminal history information while recognizing that records of arrests not resulting in conviction warrant different treatment.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention is permanent across all maintaining agencies
Records are maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Michigan State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of several years, with many agencies maintaining records permanently in electronic systems
Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained for a minimum of five years following case closure, with electronic records often maintained permanently
The Michigan State Police criminal history repository retains misdemeanor conviction records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of two to five years
Court records may be retained permanently in electronic case management systems
Records remain accessible unless expunged by court order

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of two to five years
Court records are often retained permanently
Acquittal records may be eligible for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of two years
These records are among the most readily eligible for expungement

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of two years
Records are eligible for expungement and may be removed from public access upon court order

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: minimum two to five years depending on disposition
Fingerprint cards: retained in accordance with state and FBI retention requirements
Photographs: retained for the duration of the associated record's retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: minimum two years
Records management system entries: often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: often retained permanently in the court's case management system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records when expungements are granted. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but enforcement of update obligations requires individual action by affected persons.

Retention by Agency:

Wayne County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: minimum two to five years based on disposition
Arrest reports: minimum two to five years
Investigative files: minimum five years for felony matters
Contact: (313) 224-5780

Detroit Police Department:

Arrest records: minimum two to five years
Incident reports: minimum two to five years
Retention may vary for major crimes and open investigations
Contact: (313) 596-2200

Wayne County Third Circuit Court – Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: minimum five years following case closure
Electronic records: permanent in the court's case management system

Michigan State Police – Criminal Justice Information Center:

The Michigan State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository
Retention policy: permanent for convictions; records of arrests without conviction remain until expunged
Includes arrests reported by all Michigan law enforcement agencies

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is permanent for most entries
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all maintaining databases
Constitutes part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Reported on background checks without time limitation under federal law, subject to state-specific restrictions

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Local retention varies by agency

Expungement:

Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level following a court order
The Michigan State Police updates the state repository to reflect the expungement
The FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
Removal from state systems occurs within a reasonable time following the court order
Third-party commercial databases require separate action

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period applies
Booking records may be purged after two years in some agencies
Immediate expungement may be available in certain circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster and court case search systems
Updated on a real-time or daily basis

Older Arrests (Five or More Years Ago):

May require an in-person public records request
Records may be stored in archives or off-site storage
A retrieval fee and extended processing time may apply

Very Old Arrests (Fifteen or More Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Paper records in archives may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Records Division of the relevant agency for availability: Wayne County Sheriff's Office (313) 224-5780

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order granting expungement, or in accordance with the agency's records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Michigan law does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting non-conviction arrest records, though the use of such records in employment decisions is subject to anti-discrimination requirements. Individuals should be aware that arrests without conviction do not establish guilt and that legal protections exist against certain uses of non-conviction records in employment and housing contexts.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (313) 224-5780 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under Michigan's FOIA may be required to obtain confirmation of whether a specific record exists and its current status. Applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.