Southfield Arrest Records Search

Southfield arrest records are generated by the Southfield Police Department and filed through the 46th District Court, both located at 26000 Evergreen Rd. These records are public under Michigan law, and residents can search them through city, county, and state sources. This guide covers each access point so you know where to look, what to expect, and how to get the information you need without wasting time on dead ends.

Southfield Police Department Records

The Southfield Police Department is the first place to go for local arrest records. The department handles all arrests made within city limits, and their records unit can provide copies of police reports and arrest logs. They are based at 26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076. You can reach them at 248-796-5500 for non-emergency questions about records requests.

To get a copy of a police report, you will generally need to submit a written request. The department follows Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, which means most arrest and incident records are available to the public unless they are tied to an open investigation or otherwise exempt. Bring or include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the incident if you know it. Processing times vary, but most routine requests are handled within a few business days.

Walk-in requests are accepted at the front desk during business hours. Mail and email requests may also be an option depending on the type of record. Call ahead to confirm the current process and any fees that may apply before you go.

46th District Court Case Search

Arrests made in Southfield often lead to court filings at the 46th District Court, which shares the building with the police department at 26000 Evergreen Rd. You can reach the court by phone at 248-796-5800. The court handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for felony charges originating in Southfield.

Michigan's statewide court case search tool covers the 46th District Court. The Michigan Court Case Search portal lets you look up cases by name or case number. You can see charges, case status, hearing dates, and dispositions. This is a free tool and does not need an account to use. Not all case details are shown online, but it is a good starting point before contacting the court directly.

If you need certified copies of court records, you will have to go through the clerk's office at the 46th District Court. Certified records carry a fee and must be requested in person or by mail. The clerk can tell you what they have on file and what forms you may need to fill out.

Oakland County Inmate Lookup

If a person was arrested in Southfield and held in custody, they would be booked into the Oakland County Jail. Oakland County uses the CLEMIS system to track inmate information. The CLEMIS Inmate Locator shows current inmates held in Oakland County. It is free to use and updates regularly.

The CLEMIS lookup lists inmate names, booking dates, and charges. It does not show historical records of past bookings, only those who are currently in custody. If the person you are searching for was already released, you will need to contact the Oakland County Sheriff's office directly or use one of the state-level tools described below.

For general questions about the jail or a specific inmate, the Oakland County Sheriff's office handles inquiries. They can confirm booking details and tell you about bond status or release dates.

Michigan Statewide Criminal History Tools

Michigan offers several state-level tools for looking up arrest and criminal history information. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing which one to use can save you time.

The Internet Criminal History Access Tool, known as ICHAT, is the official Michigan background check system. It is run by the Michigan State Police and searches the state's criminal history database. A search costs $10 per person and returns felony and misdemeanor convictions, plus certain arrest records. You access it through the Michigan.gov apps portal. ICHAT is governed by MCL 28.241 and covers records statewide, including those from Southfield and Oakland County.

The Offender Tracking Information System, called OTIS, is free and covers people who are currently or were previously under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections. If someone served prison time or is on parole or probation in Michigan, they are likely in OTIS. The screenshot below shows the OTIS search interface.

Michigan OTIS Offender Search is the direct link to the database. You can search by name or MDOC number.

Results show offense details, supervision status, and facility information for those currently incarcerated.

The Public Sex Offender Registry, or PSOR, is another free state tool. It lists people required to register as sex offenders in Michigan. You can search it at mspsor.com. This is separate from ICHAT and OTIS and focuses only on registered sex offenses.

Michigan FOIA Requests for Arrest Records

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq., gives the public the right to request government records, including arrest records and police reports. Both the Southfield Police Department and the 46th District Court are subject to FOIA. A FOIA request should be in writing and describe the records you want as clearly as possible.

For records held by the Michigan State Police, including trooper reports or state-level criminal justice files, you can submit a FOIA request through the MSP FOIA portal. The portal lets you submit requests online and track their status. The screenshot below shows the MSP FOIA submission page.

Once submitted, agencies typically have five business days to respond, though they may request an extension for complex searches.

Government agencies can charge fees to cover the cost of finding, copying, and mailing records. If your request will cost more than a set amount, the agency must give you an estimate before proceeding. You have the right to appeal a denial or an excessive fee estimate. Local legal aid organizations in Oakland County can help if you run into problems with a FOIA request.

Michigan Clean Slate and Record Clearing

Michigan's Clean Slate law, MCL 780.621g, allows some people to have arrest records and convictions set aside. This means the record is not deleted but is restricted from public view. Qualifying offenses include many misdemeanors and certain felonies, depending on the time elapsed and the person's overall record.

If a person's record was set aside under Clean Slate, it will not show up in most public searches, including ICHAT results. However, law enforcement agencies still retain access to sealed records. The law expanded eligibility in recent years, so people who were not eligible before may qualify now. Anyone seeking to clear a Southfield arrest or conviction should contact an attorney or a legal aid office to review their specific situation.

Legal aid resources in Oakland County can help low-income residents understand their options. The Michigan Legal Help website at michiganlegalhelp.org has guides and forms related to expungement and record clearing.

• Misdemeanors may be eligible for set-aside after three years
• Certain felonies may qualify after five to seven years
• Serious violent offenses are generally not eligible
• Multiple felony convictions may affect eligibility
• Automatic expungement applies to some offenses under Clean Slate

What Southfield Arrest Records Contain

A Southfield arrest record typically includes the person's full name, date of birth, address at the time of arrest, the arresting officer, the date and location of the arrest, and the charges filed. Some records also include booking photos, though Michigan law limits when mugshots can be shared publicly.

Arrest records are not the same as conviction records. An arrest shows that police took someone into custody and filed charges. It does not mean the person was found guilty. Charges may be dropped, reduced, or result in an acquittal. If you are searching for someone's criminal history, you should look at both arrest data and court disposition records to get a full picture.

Records go back decades in some cases. Older paper records may not be in online databases, and you may need to contact the clerk's office or records unit directly for historical information.

County and Nearby Cities

Southfield is in Oakland County. Other Oakland County cities include Troy. Nearby communities also served by Oakland County resources include Warren in neighboring Macomb County.