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Michigan Freedom of Information Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Michigan

In Michigan, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following). The law sets this 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.. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

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.

How to send your request

  1. Step 1

    Pick the records

    Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.

  2. Step 2

    Fill in the details

    Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.

  3. Step 3

    Send it to the records custodian

    Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.

  4. Step 4

    Follow up after the deadline

    If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Michigan?
Most public records laws, including the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Michigan agency have to respond?
Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following), the response timeline 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.. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Michigan?
Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Michigan police department denies my request?
Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 and following) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Public records law in MichiganPolice departments and incidents in Michigan