Find Ann Arbor Recent Arrests
Ann Arbor recent arrests are managed by the Ann Arbor Police Department and processed through Washtenaw County courts. Home to the University of Michigan, the city has a mix of campus-related and general crime activity. The police department publishes a daily blotter that covers recent arrests and incidents. You can also search for Ann Arbor arrest records using the Washtenaw County jail lookup, state databases like ICHAT, and FOIA requests. This page explains the best ways to find and access Ann Arbor arrest information.
Ann Arbor Overview
Ann Arbor Police Department
The Ann Arbor Police Department is located at 100 North Fifth Avenue. The main phone number is (734) 794-6920. The department covers the city and handles all arrests within city limits. Ann Arbor Police publishes a regular police blotter that lists recent arrests and calls for service. This blotter is one of the easiest ways to see what arrests have happened in the city over the past few days.
To get detailed arrest reports, you file a Freedom of Information Act request under MCL § 15.231. Ann Arbor Police accepts FOIA requests by mail, email, or in person. Include the name of the arrested person and the approximate date. The department has five business days to respond. Copies cost roughly $1 per page. If you can show financial hardship, the first $20 in copy fees may be waived. Arrests in Ann Arbor get reported to the state under MCL § 28.242, feeding into statewide criminal databases within 72 hours.
Ann Arbor Police Department
| Address | 100 N. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
| Phone | (734) 794-6920 |
Washtenaw County Jail and Bookings
The Washtenaw County Sheriff operates the county jail where Ann Arbor arrests are booked. People arrested on felony charges or held on bond end up at the county jail. The sheriff's office has an online inmate search that shows who is currently in custody. You can search by name and see booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. The system updates regularly as new people are booked and released.
For older booking records, file a request with the Washtenaw County Sheriff. The online tool only shows current inmates. Once released, a person may not appear in the system anymore. For full county-level arrest resources, see the Washtenaw County recent arrests page.
Ann Arbor Court Records
Criminal cases from Ann Arbor arrests are heard at the 15th District Court. It is located at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, 4133 Washtenaw Avenue. The court handles misdemeanors, arraignments, and preliminary exams for felonies. Felony cases that pass through the preliminary exam stage move to the Washtenaw County Circuit Court, located at 101 East Huron Street in Ann Arbor. Both courts maintain public records under MCL § 600.1420.
The MiCOURT portal lets you search Ann Arbor court cases for free. Enter a name or case number to find case status, hearing dates, and party names. Full case documents may need a visit to the clerk's office. The Michigan Courts website has more information on both the 15th District and the Washtenaw Circuit Court.
Note: Ann Arbor court records involving University of Michigan students may have additional privacy protections under federal education law.
Search Ann Arbor Arrests Online
ICHAT from the Michigan State Police is the statewide criminal history tool. It costs $10 per search. You need a name and date of birth to run a check. Ann Arbor arrests show up in ICHAT once they are reported. The system covers felonies and serious misdemeanors from all Michigan courts and agencies.
OTIS from the Michigan Department of Corrections is free. It tracks people in state prison or on parole. If someone arrested in Ann Arbor was sentenced to state time, OTIS will show their info. You can search by name or MDOC number. The database also covers people discharged within the last three years.
The Michigan Courts website at courts.michigan.gov has links to courts statewide and case search tools.
From the Michigan Courts site you can access the MiCOURT search tool, find court forms, and look up contact information for the 15th District Court serving Ann Arbor.
VINELink is a free tool for custody alerts. Register to receive notifications when someone in the Washtenaw County Jail or state prison is released, transferred, or escapes. The service is available to anyone.
Clearing Ann Arbor Arrest Records
Michigan's Clean Slate law under MCL § 780.621 allows people to petition for expungement of old convictions. Up to two felonies can be set aside after 10 years and four misdemeanors after seven years. The petition goes to the Washtenaw County Circuit Court. The filing fee is $50 with waivers available for those who cannot afford it.
Under MCL § 28.243, arrest records that did not lead to a conviction may be destroyed after a set period. Michigan Legal Help has free tools to check eligibility. MCL § 445.1883 prevents websites from charging to remove mugshot photos. Once expunged, Ann Arbor arrest records are removed from ICHAT and other databases. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is a separate state database that tracks registered sex offenders by location.
Washtenaw County Arrest Records
Ann Arbor sits in Washtenaw County. The county sheriff handles jail operations and booking records for the area. For full county-level arrest records and resources, visit the Washtenaw County page.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Ann Arbor. Click any to search their recent arrest records.