Dearborn Heights Police, Wayne County Jail and 20th Court Search
A Dearborn Heights arrest can create separate police, jail and court records. Dearborn Heights Police maintains the incident or arrest report, the 20th District Court maintains the local criminal case, and Wayne County Sheriff provides county-jail information after a person is transferred to the Criminal Justice Center.
This guide shows how to locate a recently arrested person, request the police file, search the court case, verify charges and bond, and handle urgent family needs involving medication, legal representation, calls, visitation, commissary, mail, property, release or transfer.
VERIFIED
What to do immediately after a Dearborn Heights arrest
A newly arrested person may remain in Dearborn Heights Police jail processing while officers complete identification, fingerprinting, warrant review, interview, medical clearance, bond or transfer paperwork.
Call Dearborn Heights Police
Call the department at 313-277-6770. Provide the person’s complete legal name, date of birth, approximate arrest time and incident location.
Ask for the current custody stage
Ask whether the person remains in local jail processing, was released, was taken for medical treatment or was transferred to Wayne County or another agency.
Search Wayne County after transfer
Use Wayne County’s official inmate search once transport and county booking are complete. A recent transfer may not appear immediately.
Save the current 10-digit booking number
Wayne County deposits, mail and family services commonly require the current booking number. Do not reuse a number from an older arrest.
Check the 20th District Court
Confirm whether a criminal complaint was filed, whether arraignment occurred and whether the court changed the charge or bond.
Record every case and hold
One booking may include several cases, warrants, probation holds or outside detainers. A payment on one charge may not authorize release.
Report medication and safety concerns
Contact the current custodial facility immediately for dangerous withdrawal, self-harm risk, pregnancy, disability, essential medication or another serious condition.
Identify legal representation
Ask whether private counsel appeared or whether appointed representation is being arranged. Avoid discussing evidence on ordinary inmate calls.
Verify the next hearing
Check MiCOURT and call the 20th District Court when the case is too new or the online entry is incomplete.
Recheck before paying or traveling
Custody, bond, housing and court information can change after arraignment, medical clearance or transport.
“I am trying to locate [full legal name], date of birth [date], who may have been arrested in Dearborn Heights on [date and approximate time]. Can you confirm whether the person remains in local custody, was released, was taken for medical care or was transferred to Wayne County?”
Choose the office that holds the record you need
| Information needed | Correct office | What it can provide | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate local custody | Dearborn Heights Police | Whether the person remains locally held, was released or was transferred. | Police jail staff may not have the prosecutor’s final filed charge. |
| Incident or arrest report | Dearborn Heights Police Records Bureau | Available incident reports, crash reports, background checks, FOIA records and discovery material. | Active, private or legally protected information may be withheld or redacted. |
| Current Wayne County inmate | Wayne County Sheriff | Current booking, custody and inmate-service information. | The sheriff directs users to the court for the latest charge, case and bond type. |
| Filed Dearborn Heights case | 20th District Court | Case number, complaint, arraignment, bond, attorney and hearing information. | The court does not maintain the police investigative file. |
| Felony after bindover | Wayne County Third Judicial Circuit Court | Later felony hearings, pleas, trial, sentencing and judgment. | The circuit-court case may use a different case number. |
| Historical Wayne jail file | Wayne County Sheriff FOIA | Available booking, incarceration, release and sheriff-created records. | It does not replace the Dearborn Heights police report or court judgment. |
| Statewide Michigan history | Michigan State Police ICHAT | Publicly available reportable Michigan criminal-history information. | ICHAT is not a live jail, warrant or complete court-record search. |
Request a Dearborn Heights police or arrest report
Dearborn Heights Police Department
25637 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Police: 313-277-6770
Records: 313-277-7471
Records fax: 313-274-8456
Emergency: 911
Records Bureau hours
The Records Bureau is on the second floor of the Dearborn Heights Justice Center.
Monday–Thursday
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Call before traveling to confirm that the requested report is complete, releasable and ready.
Incident-report request steps
- Locate the police case number when possible.
- Call Records at 313-277-7471.
- Provide the incident date, approximate time, address and involved person.
- Ask whether the report is complete and available for public release.
- Ask whether photo identification or written authorization is required.
- Choose in-person pickup or a mailed request.
- Include the correct fee and payment form.
- Review the copy for omitted supplements, photographs or redacted pages.
$10 copy fee
The city currently publishes a $10 fee for an incident-report copy obtained in person or by mail.
$10 or online CLEMIS
Traffic-crash reports may be obtained through Records for $10 or searched through the official CLEMIS payment system.
$10 city background check
The Records Bureau can conduct a local check limited to incidents involving the Dearborn Heights Police Department.
Mailing a report request
Dearborn Heights Police Department
Records Bureau
25637 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Include enough information to identify the report and a check or money order payable to City of Dearborn Heights for the correct fee.
Use CLEMIS carefully for crime and crash information
Public crime search
Dearborn Heights partners with CLEMIS to provide basic online information about current police activity in the community.
The map can help identify a date, location or incident category, but it does not provide the complete police narrative or prove that an arrest occurred.
Crash-report purchase
Use the CLEMIS payment portal when you need an available Dearborn Heights traffic-accident report rather than a criminal incident report.
Submit a Dearborn Heights Police FOIA request
Use a written FOIA request when the normal report-copy process does not cover the material you need or when you are requesting video, audio, photographs, dispatch records, evidence inventories or a group of historical records.
Public-safety FOIA route
- Identify the incident by police case number when known.
- Provide the full name, date of birth, incident date, time and location.
- List each requested record separately.
- Request electronic delivery when practical.
- Use a narrow video or audio time window.
- State a maximum fee amount requiring additional approval.
- Keep proof of email, fax, mail or in-person delivery.
Police FOIA submission
Dearborn Heights Police Records Bureau
25637 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Email: records@dearbornheightsmi.gov
Telephone: 313-277-7471
Fax: 313-274-8456
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Published police FOIA fees
The Records Bureau currently lists processing charges of $6 for each 15 minutes of FOIA work and $10 per DVD or CD.
A narrowly written request can reduce search, review, redaction and duplication time.
“Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I request available nonexempt records concerning the arrest or incident involving [full name and date of birth] on [date] at [location], including the incident report, arrest report, dispatch log, body-camera footage, dash-camera footage, photographs and property inventory. The case number is [number]. Please provide an itemized fee estimate before costs exceed $[amount].”
Search Wayne County Jail after a Dearborn Heights arrest
Wayne County inmate-search steps
- Search the complete last name first.
- Add the first name only when several matches appear.
- Try a maiden name, hyphenated name, suffix, alias or alternate spelling.
- Compare the age, middle name, photograph and booking date.
- Save the current 10-digit booking number.
- Record the originating agency, charge, court and custody information.
- Contact the 20th District Court for the latest charge and bond type.
Wayne County Criminal Justice Center
5301 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48211
Inmate information: 313-224-0797
Administration: 313-833-0864
Why the court must be checked
Wayne County directs users to the court of jurisdiction for the most current charge, court case and bond type.
The booking allegation may differ from the complaint authorized by the prosecutor or the charges later accepted by the court.
Why the Wayne County inmate search may show no result
| Possible reason | What may have happened | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Still at Dearborn Heights Police | Identification, interview, warrant review or local processing continues. | Call 313-277-6770. |
| County booking is pending | Transport, fingerprinting, screening or system entry is incomplete. | Call Wayne inmate information and search again later. |
| Released locally | The person received a citation, posted bond or was released before county admission. | Search the 20th District Court for a filed case. |
| Medical treatment | The person may remain under police authority outside the jail. | Ask whether transfer is pending after medical clearance. |
| Name variation | The booking uses a maiden name, alias, suffix or different spelling. | Search fewer fields and compare date-of-birth information. |
| Another agency accepted custody | An outside warrant, federal matter or probation hold changed the receiving facility. | Ask Dearborn Heights Police which agency accepted the person. |
| Transferred to MDOC | An older county booking ended after a Michigan prison sentence. | Search MDOC OTIS. |
| Federal custody | The person is held by a federal authority rather than Wayne County. | Search the federal inmate locator. |
Search Dearborn Heights 20th District Court records
20th District Court
25637 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Court: 313-277-7480
Call before traveling to verify the criminal counter schedule, hearing format and document availability.
What the court handles
The 20th District Court handles cases arising within Dearborn Heights, including criminal misdemeanors and the initial district-court proceedings in felony matters.
A felony case generally moves to Wayne County Third Circuit Court after a district-court bindover.
MiCOURT case-search steps
- Select the 20th District Court.
- Choose the criminal case category.
- Enter the court case number when known.
- Otherwise search the defendant’s full legal booking name.
- Open the matching case and register of actions.
- Confirm the filed charge, arraignment, bond, attorney and next hearing.
- Call the court when a recent case is not yet displayed.
Arraignment
The court advises the defendant of the charge, addresses counsel and sets release or bond conditions.
Misdemeanor path
A misdemeanor generally remains in district court through pretrial proceedings, plea, trial and sentencing.
Felony path
The district court handles the first felony proceedings before possible transfer to Wayne County Third Circuit Court.
How to interpret police, jail and court results
| Record field | What it means | What to verify next |
|---|---|---|
| Police case number | Dearborn Heights Police identifier for the incident. | Use it with Records, detectives, FOIA and property staff. |
| Booking number | Wayne County’s identifier for the current jail admission. | Use the current 10-digit number for deposits, mail and family services. |
| Court case number | The judicial file number for the prosecution. | Use it in MiCOURT and when contacting the court clerk. |
| Originating agency | The agency connected to the booking or charge. | Request the incident report from that agency. |
| Booking charge | The allegation or warrant entered during jail admission. | Compare it with the prosecutor’s filed complaint. |
| Bond amount | The release amount or type connected to a case. | Confirm the current order, payment location and all separate holds. |
| Hold or detainer | Another court, county, probation office or authority may require continued custody. | Ask whether it blocks release after local bond payment. |
| Register of actions | The chronological list of court events. | Request the underlying complaint, order or judgment when needed. |
| Released | The person left the listed jail custody. | Determine whether release was to the community, another jail or MDOC. |
Verify bond before making a payment
Personal recognizance
The defendant may be released on a promise to appear and comply with all court conditions.
Unsecured bond
No upfront money may be required, but the stated amount can become due after a violation.
Cash or percentage
The order may require the full amount or allow a stated percentage deposit.
Bond agent
An authorized bail agent may execute the bond when surety is permitted.
Bond verification checklist
- Confirm the person’s current facility.
- Copy every court case number and listed hold.
- Ask whether arraignment is complete.
- Confirm the current amount and bond type.
- Ask whether another warrant or detainer prevents release.
- Confirm whether payment must be made at the court or Wayne County Jail.
- Ask which payment forms are accepted.
- Confirm the correct payee for a certified or cashier’s check.
- Request a receipt identifying the defendant and case.
- Expect additional release-processing time after payment.
Wayne County bond timing and payment rules
Wayne County accepts bonds around the clock except that weekday court-hour payments may need to be made at the court of jurisdiction. Call the 20th District Court and Wayne County Jail before traveling.
Wayne County’s published methods include qualifying cash denominations, certified or cashier’s checks payable to the Sheriff of Wayne County, and major credit cards subject to a processing fee. Separate checks may be required for separate charges.
What family should do after locating the inmate
Save all identifiers
Keep the police case number, booking number, court case number, booking date and facility in one secure note.
Confirm the next court date
Check MiCOURT and call the 20th District Court when the online entry is incomplete.
Identify the attorney
Ask whether retained counsel appeared or whether appointed representation is being arranged.
Report medical information
Give the current facility medication names, doses, pharmacy, prescriber and urgent safety information.
Set up the correct telephone account
Use the official Wayne County telephone page and assume ordinary inmate calls may be monitored or recorded.
Register for video visitation
Use the Wayne County registration route, provide acceptable identification and confirm current housing-unit availability.
Deposit into the correct inmate account
Use TouchPay facility number 248211 and the current 10-digit booking number.
Follow the digital-mail rules
Personal mail is sent to Wayne County’s approved offsite address and delivered digitally through inmate tablets.
Handle property and vehicle issues
Ask Wayne County about an inmate-signed property release and contact Dearborn Heights Police about a towed vehicle or evidence item.
Prepare for release or transfer
Confirm transportation, housing, medication, no-contact orders, testing, tether and any new receiving agency.
Wayne County calls, visits, money, mail and property
| Family task | Official route | Key detail | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inmate calls | Wayne inmate telephone information | Use the county-approved telephone service and current booking information. | Assuming an ordinary call is private. |
| Social visitation | Wayne inmate visitation | Eligible visitors age 17 or older may receive one non-contact video visit per week for up to 30 minutes. | Traveling without checking registration, custody and current availability. |
| Onsite video suite | First floor of the CJC Administration Building | The published public-suite schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding holidays and weekends. | Bringing a prohibited phone or electronic device into the secure area. |
| Commissary deposit | Wayne jail commissary | Use TouchPay facility number 248211 and the current 10-digit booking number. | Using an old or incomplete booking number. |
| Telephone deposit help | 866-204-1603 | Verify the displayed inmate identity before approving payment. | Using a payment link supplied by an unknown caller. |
| Personal mail | CJC mail instructions | Personal mail goes to the approved Maryland address and is delivered digitally. | Mailing a family letter directly to 5301 Russell Street. |
| Property release | Wayne County property office | A third party needs an inmate-signed authorization and valid identification. | Arriving before the release form is completed. |
| Proof of incarceration | Wayne County Criminal Justice Center | The request must include the inmate name, number and incarceration period; the published fee is $10. | Requesting proof without the booking information or date range. |
Wayne County personal-mail format
Wayne County Adult Detention Facility, Detroit, MI
Inmate First and Last Name (10-Digit Booking Number)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Wayne County states that personal mail sent directly to the detention facility will be returned. Books, packages, checks and money orders are not accepted through the personal-mail route.
Property-release timing
The published Wayne County property-office schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding holidays and weekends.
Unclaimed property or clothing remaining 90 days after release may be destroyed or handled through the county’s escheatment process.
Medical, medication and inmate safety concerns
Information to prepare
- Full legal name
- Current booking number
- Medication and dose
- Pharmacy
- Prescribing clinician
- Recent hospitalization
- Withdrawal risk
- Self-harm statements
- Pregnancy or disability
- Immediate assault concern
Who to contact
- Call Dearborn Heights Police if the person remains locally held.
- Call Wayne County inmate information after transfer.
- Ask for the shift supervisor, medical unit or mental-health response.
- Give concise and specific information.
- Document the date, time and staff member contacted.
Recover police evidence, jail property or a towed vehicle
Dearborn Heights police property
Property and evidence telephone: 313-277-7474
- Obtain the police case number.
- Ask whether the item remains evidence or is eligible for release.
- Ask whether the owner or another authorized person must appear.
- Confirm identification and proof-of-ownership requirements.
- Schedule pickup before traveling.
Wayne County inmate property
- Ask whether the inmate must sign a property-release form.
- Confirm which items may be released.
- Bring a driver’s license, state ID or passport.
- Visit during property-office hours.
- Do not travel until authorization is confirmed.
What happens after release or transfer?
The inmate result may change
Save the booking information before release. Use the police, court or sheriff records process for later verification.
Accounts may not transfer
A new facility may issue a different inmate number and use different call, visit, mail and commissary providers.
Switch to MDOC OTIS
After an MDOC prison transfer, use OTIS and the assigned correctional facility’s family-service rules.
Release-day checklist
- Confirm release is final
- Ask about other holds
- Confirm pickup location
- Expect processing time
- Arrange transportation
- Bring suitable clothing
- Confirm medication return
- Read no-contact conditions
- Check tether or testing rules
- Save the next court date
Find an older Dearborn Heights arrest after release
Dearborn Heights Police
Request the incident report from Records or submit a police FOIA request for additional material.
Wayne County Sheriff
Request available booking, incarceration or release records through Wayne County Sheriff FOIA.
20th District or Third Circuit
Request the complaint, register of actions, bond order, judgment and final disposition.
Michigan ICHAT
Use ICHAT when publicly available statewide Michigan criminal-history information is needed.
Wayne County Sheriff FOIA
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
5301 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48211
FOIA: 313-833-0562
Email: cgolson@waynecountymi.gov
Historical booking-request language
“Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I request available nonexempt booking and incarceration records for [full name and date of birth], including the booking sheet, admission date, release date, listed charges and transfer information for [date range]. Please provide an itemized fee estimate before costs exceed $[amount].”
Correct or update inaccurate arrest information
| Problem | Office to contact | Helpful proof |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong police-report detail | Dearborn Heights Police Records or assigned detective | Documents, photographs, video or a written supplemental statement. |
| Wrong booking identity | Wayne County Sheriff | Government identification, date of birth, fingerprints and booking information. |
| Wrong court disposition | 20th District or Third Circuit Court | Dismissal, judgment, amended order or certified register of actions. |
| Wrong state history | Michigan State Police | Fingerprint-based personal record and certified court documents. |
| Eligible conviction | Sentencing court or Michigan Clean Slate process | Eligibility analysis, application documents and sentence-completion information. |
| Stale commercial report | Consumer-reporting company | Dismissal, acquittal, set-aside order or corrected official record. |
Dearborn Heights arrest, court and jail contacts
Dearborn Heights Police
25637 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Police: 313-277-6770
Records: 313-277-7471
Wayne County Jail
5301 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48211
Inmate information: 313-224-0797
Administration: 313-833-0864
DHPD Property and Evidence
Telephone: 313-277-7474
Police Records FOIA
Email: records@dearbornheightsmi.gov
Fax: 313-274-8456
Wayne Sheriff FOIA
Telephone: 313-833-0562
Email: cgolson@waynecountymi.gov
Dearborn Heights Justice Center and Wayne County Jail maps
Common Dearborn Heights arrest-search mistakes
Confusing Dearborn with Dearborn Heights
Dearborn uses a different police department and the 19th District Court. Dearborn Heights uses DHPD and the 20th District Court.
Searching Wayne County too soon
The person may still be in Dearborn Heights Police processing or awaiting transfer.
Calling the court for a police report
The incident and arrest narrative belongs to Dearborn Heights Police Records.
Treating the booking charge as final
The prosecutor’s complaint may contain different charges or fewer counts.
Using an old booking number
Wayne County services require the current 10-digit booking number.
Paying without checking holds
Another warrant, probation hold or detainer may prevent release.
Mailing directly to Wayne County Jail
Personal mail must use the approved Phoenix, Maryland processing address.
Discussing evidence on calls
Ordinary inmate calls and family video visits may be monitored or recorded.
Using OTIS for a recent arrest
MDOC OTIS does not list people held only in a city or county jail.
10 essential answers about Dearborn Heights arrest records
These title-specific answers cover Dearborn Heights Police reports, Wayne County inmates, the 20th District Court, bond and urgent family actions.
1. How do I find someone arrested in Dearborn Heights?
2. Where are Dearborn Heights inmates held?
3. How do I obtain a Dearborn Heights arrest report?
4. How do I submit a Dearborn Heights Police FOIA request?
5. Which court handles Dearborn Heights criminal cases?
6. How do I search a Dearborn Heights court case?
7. Why is a recent arrest missing from Wayne County’s inmate search?
8. How can family verify bond?
9. How do I send money, mail or arrange a Wayne County visit?
10. How do I find an older Dearborn Heights arrest after release?
Official Dearborn Heights arrest-record resources
Dearborn Heights police and court
- Dearborn Heights Police Department — verify the police address and main telephone number.
- Dearborn Heights Records Bureau — review report, background-check, FOIA and fingerprint fees.
- Dearborn Heights FOIA — obtain official police and city request instructions.
- CLEMIS Public Crime Search — review basic local police activity.
- 20th District Court — confirm court contacts, services and payment options.
- MiCOURT Case Search — search available district and circuit criminal cases.
Wayne County custody and family services
- Wayne County Inmate Search — locate current county-jail inmates.
- Wayne County Bond Information — confirm payment times, methods and identification rules.
- Wayne County Visitation — review identification, schedules and video-visit requirements.
- Wayne County Commissary — use TouchPay with the correct facility and booking numbers.
- Criminal Justice Center Information — review mail, property and proof-of-incarceration procedures.
- Wayne County Sheriff FOIA — request records not displayed through the inmate portal.