FOIA Friend

Jurisdiction-first help for public records requests.

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Michigan (MI)

Law: Michigan Freedom of Information Act (Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 15.231–15.246)

Notes: Requests must be in writing. Agencies have 5 business days to respond, and you can appeal a denial to the agency head.

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Jurisdiction Facts

Sourced from the jurisdiction registry. Not legal advice.

Best Practice

Requests must be in writing. Agencies have 5 business days to respond, and you can appeal a denial to the agency head.

Statutory Response Deadline

5 business days under MCL 15.235(2), extendable by 10 business days.

Observed Average Response

107 days (MuckRock observed average, not a statutory deadline).

Fee Waivers / Intake

Fee waivers available for indigent requesters or public interest requests.

Appeals

No administrative appeal; may file suit in circuit court. Punitive damages of $500–$1,000 for violations. Governor and legislature exempt.

Direct links to the governing statute, official requester guidance, and central portal for this jurisdiction.

Common Agencies

Detroit Police Department

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Detroit Police Department FOIA Coordinator 1301 3rd Avenue Detroit MI 48226

Fees & notes

The Detroit Police Department does not have a dedicated public portal. Requests must be submitted in writing via email or mail. The department is known for being responsive but may charge for search and duplication fees.

Reviewed 2026-04-27

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Michigan State Police

Portal: Submit online

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Michigan State Police Records Resource Section P.O. Box 30634 Lansing MI 48909

Fees & notes

The Michigan State Police uses a FOIA portal for public records requests. The agency is known for being the slowest department in the state averaging 17 days for a response and has been criticized for its weak FOIA law.

Source Reviewed 2026-04-27

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Wayne County Sheriff

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Wayne County Sheriff's Office 1231 St. Antoine Detroit MI 48226

Fees & notes

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office does not have a dedicated public portal. Requests must be submitted in writing via email or mail. The office is generally responsive but may charge for search and duplication fees.

Reviewed 2026-04-27

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