FOIA Request to Otsego County Sheriffs Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Great Lakes Wire to the Otsego County Sheriffs Office in Michigan. The request seeks comprehensive arrest records for the entire year of 2023. The requested data includes detailed information such as the arrestee’s name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, the request asks for booking IDs, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types and locations of crimes committed, and dates of those crimes.
The media organization has expressed a preference for receiving this information in an electronic format. This request is made under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., which allows citizens and organizations to access public records from governmental bodies.
Great Lakes Wire has also requested a fee waiver for this FOIA submission. As a media entity dedicated to providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable, they argue that access to these records is essential for their reporting duties. The organization highlights its affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit group that aids media companies in investigating government actions through FOIA requests.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
