Michigan Freedom of Information Act
How to Request Internal Affairs Records in Michigan
You can ask a Michigan police department for records of closed internal affairs and professional standards investigations under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following). Response timeline: The agency must respond within 5 business days, and may issue one notice extending that by up to 10 business days (MCL 15.235(2)). An emailed request counts as received 1 business day after it is sent. No response by the deadline counts as a denial you can appeal or take to court.. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: MCL 15.231 and following (opens in a new tab).
Write your Michigan request
Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get internal affairs records from a Michigan police department?
- You can request records of closed internal affairs and professional standards investigations under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following). Some records may be withheld or redacted under exemptions in the law, for example for open investigations or privacy.
- What should I include in a request for internal affairs records?
- Name the department, describe the records as precisely as you can (date, time, location, officer name or badge number, case number), ask for electronic copies, and ask for a fee estimate first.
- How long will it take?
- The response timeline under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following) is: The agency must respond within 5 business days, and may issue one notice extending that by up to 10 business days (MCL 15.235(2)). An emailed request counts as received 1 business day after it is sent. No response by the deadline counts as a denial you can appeal or take to court.. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.