Michigan Freedom of Information Act
How to Request Use of Force Reports in Michigan
You can ask a Michigan police department for use of force reports 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
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get use of force reports from a Michigan police department?
- You can request use of force reports 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 use of force reports?
- 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.