Detroit Police Reports, Wayne County Jail and 36th Court Search
A Detroit arrest can create several records at once. Detroit Police keeps the incident and arrest report, the 36th District Court maintains Detroit misdemeanor cases and the opening stages of felony prosecutions, and the Wayne County Sheriff manages current county custody through the Adult Detention Facility at the Criminal Justice Center.
The fastest search depends on what happened next. A very recent arrest may still be with Detroit Police, a transferred inmate may appear in the Wayne County jail system, and a filed criminal case belongs in the 36th District Court until a felony is bound over to Wayne County Third Circuit Court.
ROUTED
What to do immediately after a Detroit arrest
If the arrest occurred only hours ago, do not assume the person is already searchable in the Wayne County inmate system. Detroit Police may still be completing identification, warrant checks, medical clearance, interviewing or arraignment preparation.
Call Detroit Police Telephone Crime Reporting
Call 313-267-4600. Detroit Police lists this number for non-emergency information, including information about someone in police custody.
Give exact identifying information
Provide the full legal name, date of birth, approximate arrest time, location and any known alias.
Ask which precinct or unit made the arrest
Detroit has multiple police precincts and specialized units. Knowing the arresting unit makes later report requests much easier.
Ask whether the person was released or transferred
Confirm whether the person remains in DPD custody, went to medical treatment, was released or entered Wayne County custody.
Search Wayne County after transfer
Use the official inmate-search page and save the current booking number.
Search the 36th District Court
Use the court case inquiry to verify the filed charge, arraignment, bond, attorney and next hearing.
Check every hold and case
A person can have multiple Detroit cases, probation holds or outside warrants. One paid bond may not authorize release.
Report medication or safety concerns
Give the current custodial facility concise information about medication, dangerous withdrawal, pregnancy, disability or self-harm concerns.
Identify legal representation
Check whether private counsel or appointed counsel has entered the case.
Recheck before paying or traveling
Transport, arraignment, bond and facility location can change quickly during the first day.
“I am trying to locate [full legal name], date of birth [date], who may have been arrested in Detroit on [date] around [time] near [location]. Can you confirm which precinct or unit handled the arrest and whether the person remains in Detroit Police custody, was released or was transferred to Wayne County?”
Find the correct Detroit Police precinct before requesting records
Detroit is not a one-station records system
The arresting precinct or specialized unit can help confirm the incident number, officer assignment and where the initial police file originated.
If you do not know the precinct, start with the official precinct directory and compare the incident location.
Use TCR first
Detroit Police Telephone Crime Reporting can help with non-emergency police matters and information about someone in police custody.
Telephone: 313-267-4600
Choose the Detroit record that answers your question
| What you need | Correct office | Best identifier | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate custody status | Detroit Police / Wayne County | Full name + DOB | Very recent transfers may not yet appear online. |
| Detroit Police report | DPD Records | 10-digit report or complaint number | Active or restricted information may be withheld or redacted. |
| Body-camera or video | Detroit Police FOIA | Report number + exact date/time | FOIA exemptions and redactions can apply. |
| Current Wayne County inmate | Wayne County Sheriff | Name + current booking number | The Sheriff directs users to the court for the most current charge and bond. |
| Detroit misdemeanor | 36th District Court | Court case number | Online images of filed documents are not provided in the case inquiry. |
| Detroit felony before bindover | 36th District Court | District-court case number | Later felony proceedings move to Third Circuit Court. |
| Felony after bindover | Wayne County Third Circuit Court | Circuit case number | Filed document images are not generally available through the public online search. |
| Michigan criminal history | Michigan State Police | Name-based ICHAT search | Not a live jail, warrant or complete court-document search. |
Get a Detroit Police arrest or crime report
Detroit Police Records / 3rd Precinct
2875 W. Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48202
Precinct: 313-596-1909
Police reports: 313-596-1908
Published report-counter hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Confirm hours before traveling, especially around city holidays.
Detroit crime-report copy steps
- Get the 10-digit report number or official complaint number when possible.
- If you do not know the report number, bring valid identification.
- Know the incident date, location and type of report.
- If obtaining a report for another person, bring written consent plus a photocopy of that person’s identification.
- Bring your own valid identification as the third-party requester.
- Confirm that the report is available before traveling.
- Bring the exact current report fee.
$10 crime report
Detroit’s current Records and Reports page lists a $10 fee for a crime report.
Cash or money order
The city currently instructs users to pay by cash or money order and warns that exact payment is required because change is not provided.
Consent required
A requester picking up another person’s report should bring written consent, the consenting person’s ID copy and their own valid identification.
Request body-camera video or other Detroit Police records
Use Police FOIA when a basic crime report does not provide what you need—for example body-camera video, in-car video, photographs, dispatch material, supplements or a more complex historical record request.
Detroit Police FOIA
Email: DPDFOIA@detroitmi.gov
Telephone: 313-224-5505
Build a searchable request
- Report number
- Full legal name
- Incident date
- Exact location
- Precinct or unit
- Video time range
- Specific photographs
- Maximum fee approval
“Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I request available nonexempt Detroit Police records concerning [full legal name] and report number [number] on [date] at [location], including the incident report, arrest report, dispatch log, body-camera footage, in-car video, photographs and property inventory. Please provide an itemized estimate before costs exceed $[amount].”
Search the Wayne County Jail inmate system
Official inmate-search micro-steps
- Search the full last name first.
- Add the first name if multiple matches appear.
- Try alternate spellings, aliases, maiden names and suffixes.
- Compare booking information before assuming a match.
- Save the current booking number.
- Save the listed charge and custody information.
- Use the 36th District Court for the most current Detroit charge, case and bond information.
Wayne County Adult Detention Facility
Criminal Justice Center
5301 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48211
Inmate information: 313-224-0797
Administration: 313-833-0864
What the jail search cannot settle
Wayne County specifically tells users to contact the court of jurisdiction for the most current specific charge, court case and bond type.
For a Detroit arrest that has not been bound over as a felony, start with the 36th District Court.
Why a Detroit arrest may not appear in Wayne County
| Possible reason | What may have happened | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Still with Detroit Police | Initial processing or arraignment preparation continues. | Call 313-267-4600. |
| County intake pending | Transport, fingerprinting or jail admission is not complete. | Call 313-224-0797 and search again later. |
| Released locally | The person may have been released before county admission. | Search the 36th District Court. |
| Medical treatment | The person may remain under law-enforcement authority outside the jail. | Ask DPD whether county transfer remains pending. |
| Name variation | Booking may use an alias, maiden name, suffix or alternate spelling. | Search fewer fields and verify DOB. |
| Different agency | Michigan State Police, a federal agency or another jurisdiction may have custody. | Ask which agency accepted the person. |
| MDOC transfer | An older county case resulted in Michigan prison custody. | Search MDOC OTIS. |
Search Detroit 36th District Court criminal cases
36th District Court
421 Madison Street
Detroit, MI 48226
Main: 313-965-2200
Traffic/Criminal records questions: 313-965-5113
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
What the Criminal Division handles
The 36th District Court has jurisdiction over Detroit misdemeanor cases.
For felonies, the district court handles arraignment, the probable-cause conference and preliminary examination before a case can move to Wayne County Third Circuit Court.
36th District Court case-search steps
- Open the court’s Case Inquiry System.
- Accept the court’s terms.
- Search by case number when known.
- Otherwise search the defendant’s full legal name.
- Open the matching Register of Actions.
- Verify the charge, arraignment and bond.
- Identify the attorney and next scheduled proceeding.
- For a felony, check whether the case was bound over to Third Circuit Court.
Permanent case history
The Register of Actions shows essential events recorded in a specific 36th District Court case.
Free public inquiry
The court currently states that there is no charge for using the online Case Inquiry System.
Request copies separately
The public case inquiry does not provide images of the actual complaint, order, judgment or other filed document.
Detroit misdemeanor and felony arraignment timing
9 a.m. weekday arraignments
The 36th District Court currently lists misdemeanor arraignments Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.
Video arraignment
Felony arraignments are currently conducted by video at 12 noon and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
The court states that a person arrested on a felony may be arraigned by video from a Detroit Police precinct or police headquarters.
Follow a Detroit felony from 36th District to Third Circuit Court
Felony arraignment at 36th District
The defendant is advised of the charge and the magistrate addresses bond.
Probable-cause conference
The prosecution and defense address issues before the preliminary examination.
Preliminary examination
The district court determines whether the case should advance under Michigan felony procedure.
Bindover
If the felony advances, the case moves out of the 36th District Court trial path.
Search Wayne County Third Circuit Court
Use Odyssey Public Access to follow the circuit-court case, hearings, plea, trial and sentencing.
Request official 36th District Court record copies
When you need more than the ROA
- Criminal complaint
- Bond order
- Judgment
- Sentencing order
- Dismissal order
- Probation order
- Other public filing
- Certified proof
Current copy price
The court’s current Request for Court Records form lists copies at $1.25 per page.
Traffic/Criminal record questions can be directed to 313-965-5113.
Record-copy steps
- Search the case online first.
- Write down the case number.
- Identify each document by title rather than requesting the entire file.
- Complete the court’s Request for Court Records form.
- Follow the current court instruction to submit the form in person.
- Ask whether certification is necessary for your purpose.
- Pay the assessed copy fee.
How to interpret Detroit arrest and court results
| Field | What it means | What to verify next |
|---|---|---|
| DPD report number | Detroit Police identifier for the incident. | Use it for report copies and Police FOIA. |
| Booking number | Wayne County identifier for the current detention record. | Use it for mail, commissary, property and other inmate services. |
| Booking charge | The allegation or warrant recorded during detention intake. | Compare with the filed criminal complaint. |
| 36th District case number | The Detroit district-court file number. | Use it in the Register of Actions. |
| Bond | Court-ordered release amount or type. | Check for other holds before payment. |
| Probable-cause conference | A felony-stage district-court proceeding before preliminary examination. | Check the preliminary-exam date. |
| Bound over | The felony advanced to Third Circuit Court. | Search Odyssey Public Access for the circuit case. |
| Disposition | The court’s recorded case outcome. | Request a certified judgment when authoritative proof is required. |
Verify Detroit bond before making payment
Personal recognizance
The defendant may be released subject to court-ordered conditions without an upfront money deposit.
Money bond
A court may require a specified cash amount before release.
Cashier / certified check
Wayne County accepts qualifying cashier’s and certified checks made payable to the Sheriff of Wayne County.
Bond agency
A qualifying surety bond may be used when authorized by the court.
Bond verification checklist
- Confirm the person’s current facility.
- Write down every court case number.
- Verify arraignment has occurred.
- Check the current bond amount and bond type with the 36th District Court.
- Ask whether any outside warrant or detainer prevents release.
- Confirm whether payment belongs at the court or Wayne County jail.
- Confirm the exact accepted payment method.
- Use separate payments when separate cases require it.
- Get a receipt tied to the defendant and case.
- Allow additional jail release-processing time.
What family should do after finding a Detroit inmate
Save the current booking number
Wayne County mail, commissary and other family services rely on the current booking identifier.
Save every court case number
One inmate may have more than one pending matter.
Verify the next court hearing
Use the 36th District Court Register of Actions or Third Circuit Court after bindover.
Identify the attorney
Use attorney contact for case strategy rather than discussing evidence on ordinary jail calls.
Verify bond and holds
Do this before sending money to any bond service.
Register for video visitation
Wayne County social visitation is conducted by video.
Use TouchPay for inmate funds
Use facility number 248211 and the current 10-digit booking number.
Use the Phoenix mail address
Ordinary family mail is processed offsite rather than delivered directly to the Russell Street jail.
Arrange property authorization
A third party can collect inmate property only after the inmate signs the required release form.
Prepare for release or transfer
Confirm transportation, medication, property, housing, court conditions and any transfer to another agency.
Wayne County inmate calls and video visitation
Inmate calling options
Wayne County’s inmate telephone system supports traditional collect calls, prepaid accounts and inmate-funded calls.
One video visit per week
Personal visitors age 17 or older with acceptable identification are currently allowed one non-contact video visit per week for up to 30 minutes.
Social visitation windows are currently listed as:
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
4 p.m.–9 p.m.
Housing-unit video windows
Current video visitation windows are:
- 8–10:30 a.m.
- 12:30–2 p.m.
- 6–9 p.m.
Public Visitation Suite
The public video-visitation suite is on the first floor of the Criminal Justice Center Administration Building.
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed holidays and weekends
Bring valid government-issued photo identification.
Send money and mail to a Wayne County inmate
Facility 248211
Use the inmate’s current 10-digit booking number and Wayne County facility number 248211.
Deposits can be made through the lobby kiosk, internet or telephone.
CJC deposit kiosk
Kiosks are located on the first floor of the Criminal Justice Center Administration Building near the Visitation Center.
Canteen services
Wayne County uses contracted commissary services for food, hygiene products, clothing and other approved items.
Personal family-mail format
Wayne County Adult Detention Facility, Detroit, MI
Inmate First and Last Name (Booking Number)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
All senders must include their full name and physical return address.
Attorney-client privileged mail
Wayne County Adult Detention Facility
Inmate First and Last Name (Booking Number)
5301 Russell St.
Detroit, MI 48211
Mail identified as qualifying attorney, public-official or government correspondence is handled separately and inspected in the inmate’s presence.
Recover Wayne County inmate property
Property release hours
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
The property office is closed on holidays and weekends.
Third-party pickup
- The inmate signs an official Property Release Form.
- The inmate identifies the authorized third party.
- The third party brings valid identification.
- Acceptable ID includes driver’s license, state ID or passport.
- Call ahead if release timing is important.
Get proof of Wayne County incarceration
What to include
- Inmate full name
- Inmate number
- Incarceration period
- Requester contact info
Current processing
Wayne County currently lists a $10 fee for proof of incarceration.
Requests are processed on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Medication, medical and immediate welfare concerns
Contact Detroit Police
If the person has not yet entered Wayne County custody, call 313-267-4600 and clearly explain the urgent health concern.
Use inmate information
Call 313-224-0797 and explain that you need to provide urgent medical or medication information for a current detainee.
Make the information actionable
- Full legal name
- Booking number
- Medication and dose
- Pharmacy
- Prescriber
- Allergy
- Withdrawal risk
- Self-harm statement
What happens after release or transfer?
Save the identifiers
Keep the DPD report number, booking number, court case number, bond receipt and next hearing date even after the inmate disappears from the active search.
Restart family services
A receiving jail may use a different booking number and different call, visitation, mail and commissary providers.
Switch to MDOC OTIS
After a prison transfer, use Michigan’s OTIS search and the assigned correctional facility’s rules.
Release-day checklist
- Confirm release is final
- Check remaining holds
- Confirm pickup location
- Arrange transportation
- Recover property
- Verify medication
- Read no-contact conditions
- Check monitoring rules
- Save next court date
- Keep bond receipt
Find an older Detroit arrest after release
Detroit Police Records
Request the crime report or use Police FOIA for available video, photographs and supplements.
36th District Court
Search the Register of Actions and request underlying court documents.
Third Circuit Court
Search Odyssey after the felony moves from district court.
Michigan ICHAT
Use Michigan State Police when you need broader public Michigan criminal-history information.
Correct inaccurate Detroit arrest information
| Problem | Contact | Useful proof |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong DPD report detail | Detroit Police Records / investigator | Report number, documents, photos, video or supplemental statement. |
| Wrong Wayne booking identity | Wayne County Sheriff | Government ID, DOB and booking information. |
| Wrong 36th District disposition | 36th District Court | Certified judgment, dismissal or amended order. |
| Wrong felony result | Third Circuit Court | Circuit judgment or amended disposition. |
| Wrong statewide history | Michigan State Police | Fingerprint-based personal record plus certified court proof. |
Detroit arrest, jail and court contact sheet
Detroit Police records, 36th Court and Wayne County Jail maps
Common Detroit arrest-record search mistakes
Searching Wayne County too soon
A very recent arrestee may still be with Detroit Police.
Not identifying the precinct
Knowing the arresting DPD precinct can speed up records questions.
Using the jail charge as the final charge
Check the 36th District Court complaint.
Searching only the 36th after bindover
A felony moves to Third Circuit Court after bindover.
Expecting document images online
The 36th District Court case inquiry provides case history but not document images.
Using an inmate search as a background check
A current jail result is not a complete criminal-history record.
Using an old booking number
Wayne County family services require the current booking identifier.
Mailing family letters to Russell Street
Ordinary personal mail uses the Phoenix, Maryland processing address.
Paying a caller who threatens arrest
Verify bond and payment information directly with the court or Sheriff.
10 essential answers about Detroit arrest records
These answers cover Detroit Police reports, Wayne County inmates, the 36th District Court, felony transfer, bond and family services.
1. How do I find someone recently arrested in Detroit?
2. How do I get a Detroit Police arrest report?
3. How do I request Detroit Police body-camera footage?
4. Where are Detroit inmates held after county transfer?
5. Which court handles Detroit criminal cases?
6. How do I search a Detroit criminal court case?
7. Where does a Detroit felony go after bindover?
8. How can I verify a Detroit bond?
9. How do I send money, mail or visit a Wayne County inmate?
10. How do I find an older Detroit arrest after release?
Official Detroit arrest-record resources
Detroit Police and court
- Detroit Police Department — official DPD services and precinct information.
- Detroit Police Crime Reporting — non-emergency reporting and custody-information telephone route.
- DPD Records and Reports — crime-report requirements, report number, ID rules and fee.
- Detroit Police FOIA — submit requests for police public records.
- 36th District Court — Detroit criminal court contacts and services.
- 36th District Court Case Inquiry — search the Register of Actions.
- 36th Court Record Requests — obtain filed public court documents.
Wayne County custody and felony records
- Wayne County Inmate Search — check current county custody.
- Wayne County Criminal Justice Center — mail, inmate funds, property, visitation and proof-of-incarceration guidance.
- Wayne County Bond Information — verify current jail bond procedures.
- Wayne County Inmate Visitation — current video-visit rules and hours.
- Wayne County Commissary — inmate-fund and commissary procedures.
- Wayne County Inmate Telephones — calling-account information.
- Wayne County Third Circuit Case Search — continue a felony case after bindover.