Manistee County Michigan Sheriff's Department

What is FOIA?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows a person to gain access to information regarding the affairs of government so they may fully participate in the democratic process.  Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 750.491:  “All official books, papers, or records created by or received in any office of the State of Michigan or its political subdivisions, are declared to be public property, belonging to the people of the State of Michigan.” 

A FOIA request is a written request (letter, facsimile or email) to inspect, copy or receive copies of public records.  “Public record” means writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created. The request must describe the public record in question (name(s), date(s), or a specific complaint number).  Additionally, the request must be dated and signed by the requestor with complete address and phone number provided. 

Under FOIA, the agency has five business days to respond to a FOIA request.  The agency also has the option requesting an extension for up to ten business days if necessary. 

The FOIA Coordinator will respond in writing to all requests.  The request may be granted in its entirety, granted with partial or redacted information, or denied.  If a request is denied in whole or in part the FOIA Coordinator will give the reason in writing.  Some examples would include non-existence, separation or deletion, or exemption of records. 

Fee for FOIA Request: 

The individual making the FOIA request will be charged an assessed fee for the labor associated with the public record search, as well as the actual costs of copying and mailing.  In addition, all photographs requested will be put on a CD.  Each CD is $25.00. 

The Sheriff may request a deposit from a person requesting a record or may require payment prior to providing the requested records.

FOIA Request Form