Central Records - FOIA

Central Records

Central Records is located within the Sergeant Dennis W. Finch Law Enforcement Center at 851 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686 and can be contacted at (231) 995-5005.  Central Records is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, closed on all holidays.  

Central Records is responsible for processing all police reports, accident reports, and firearm registrations. 

  • Traffic Crash Reports
  • Firearm Permits
  • Bicycle Licenses
  • Police Reports

Traffic Crash Reports (UD-10)

To obtain a copy of an accident report handled by the Traverse City Police Department, please allow 72 hours after the accident has occurred to attempt to obtain the report. 

Online Options: 

https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ 

If the officer provided you with a report number you will need to search for the report number on the website.  An example of a Traverse City Police Department report number is 12345-15.  If you were given a complaint number with “781-“ as a prefix do not enter this portion as you search.  

https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/TCPS/login/welcome.jsp 

NOTE:  Accidents that have occurred on private property/parking lots are only available at Central Records, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays.  There is a $5.00 charge for a copy of all private property and parking lot accidents.

Any Fatal traffic crash reports, supplemental reports, attachments, and photographs pertaining to the traffic crash must be obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)


Firearm Permits

Firearm permits are available at Central Records, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm at no charge.

There will be a 24 to 48-hour time period before you will be issued a permit.  This is so a background check can be completed and approval obtained.  

Firearm permits are only required if you are purchasing a firearm from an individual.  FFL dealers are now able to perform background checks on subjects wanting to purchase a firearm direct from them. 


Bicycle Licenses

Bicycle licenses are available at Central Records, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm at no charge. 

The minimum information needed to register a bike is the make, model, and serial number.  Other helpful information would be color, wheel size, bike speed, and any special features.  


Police Reports/Digital Media/Record Checks (FOIA)

All police reports, fatal traffic crashes, supplemental traffic crash reports, and photographs are released through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  These requests are handled by the FOIA Coordinator.  Requests (FOIA Request Form) must be made in writing and are accepted in person, by mail, by email tcpdfoia@traversecitymi.gov, or by fax at (231) 929-0745. 

The Traverse City Police Department has five business days to provide a response. In cases when more time is needed to provide a complete response, a ten-business-day extension may be necessary.  Fees vary based on the amount of information requested and the time it takes to process the information. 

FOIA Request Form


Background/Record Checks 

These are available online at Michigan State Police IChat, www.//apps.michigan.gov/ichat/home.aspx 


Arrest Records Check 

Are conducted in person at the Law Enforcement Center during business hours.   You must present your ID.  To save time please fill out the form prior to arrival.  The form can be downloaded by clicking HERE.                               


Fingerprinting 

Fingerprinting is no longer conducted at the Grand Traverse County Jail. IdentoGO is a company that provides this service locally.  They are located at 10783 E Cherry Bend Rd, Studio 19, Traverse City, MI.  Their hours are Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am -12:30 pm & 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  https://www.identogo.com/services