FOIA Request to Wexford County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Great Lakes Wire to the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan. The request seeks access to all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The information requested includes detailed data points 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 of crimes committed, locations and dates of crimes.
The request was made under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., with a preference for receiving the data in electronic format. As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, Great Lakes Wire emphasizes that access to these public records is crucial for their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency.
Great Lakes Wire also highlighted their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. They have requested a fee waiver based on their role as a media professional involved in disseminating information to the public.
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.
