FOIA Request to Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
The Great Lakes Wire, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office. The request seeks comprehensive arrest records for the entire year of 2023. Specifically, the requested data includes arrestee names, sex, race, age, date of birth, citizenship status, booking ID numbers, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types and locations of crimes committed, and dates when these crimes occurred.
The request emphasizes the importance of accessing public records for journalistic purposes. It highlights the role of media in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. As part of this process, Great Lakes Wire has requested a fee waiver due to its status as a media organization.
The email also notes that the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. This non-profit organization assists news media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government agencies by utilizing Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
