Records Unit
The Records Unit provides customer service, information resources and law enforcement records to members of the public and to local, state and federal government agencies.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request copies of or access to public police records.
Crime/Incident Report Request
The process for requesting GRPD crime/incident report depends on a few factors.
Certain reports, such as those involving a death, aggravated assault, or criminal sexual conduct (among others) must be requested through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process, regardless of who is named in the report. See the above section on how to submit a FOIA request.
Copies of reports which do not have to be requested through FOIA and where the requestor is named in the report may be obtained over-the-counter at the Records Unit desk. You must provide a current, government-issued photo ID (such as state ID or driver’s license). Report copies can only be obtained once the report/investigation has been completed/closed. See fee schedule for cost.
If you are not named in the report, you would need to file a FOIA request. See the above section on how to submit a FOIA request.
Contact us at (616) 456-4177 during normal business hours if you have questions about the appropriate way to submit your request based on the records you are seeking. We will guide you through the appropriate process.
Traffic Crash Report Request
The method for obtaining traffic crash reports depends on whether the report is created by GRPD (UD-10 crash report) or by an involved party who files a report online. For regular UD-10 traffic crash reports, an involved party may obtain a copy by coming to the department during the Records Unit’s normal business hours. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required to obtain a report over the counter. See fee schedule for cost.
You may also obtain a copy of your UD-10 crash report online through the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System.
If you filed the report online, you will receive an email once the report has been approved. The email will have a link to purchase an electronic copy of the report. Access is only available through the link you were sent. Alternatively, you may purchase a paper copy at the Records Unit counter. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required.
Fingerprinting Services
Individuals wanting to purchase or transfer a firearm (including pistols and long guns, such as a rifle or shotgun) from a private party and do not have a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) need to obtain a License to Purchase (LTP). LTPs are valid for 30 days from issuance for the purchase/transfer of one (1) firearm. If you have recently moved to Michigan with firearms purchased in a different state, you will need to obtain an LTP for each firearm. You must have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card to register your firearm(s) in Michigan.
If you are purchasing from a private party and you have a CPL, you may obtain a Pistol Sales Record (Form RI-060) from the Firearms & Background Records section of the Michigan State Police website. This website is also a great information resource for firearms, including CPL information, firearms forms and state and federal firearms laws.
If your street address is outside the city limits of Grand Rapids, we encourage you to check with your local law enforcement agency to obtain an LTP. If you are unsure whether you are within the city limits, you can check your address with the Kent County Parcel Lookup tool. If you reside outside of the Grand Rapids city limits, we will accept your application, but be advised that processing time may increase due to the need to request records from your residential jurisdiction.
To apply for a license to purchase a firearm, you must come in person to the Grand Rapids Police Department located at 1 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 between 8:00am and 4:45pm Monday-Friday. Once the notarized LTP application is filed in person at our office, we will start the background check process. We don’t process these while you wait. We process all applications in the order they are received. Once completed, we will mail approved LTPs to the applicant. We offer notary services for $5.00 per application.
Criminal History Records Check
Individuals wishing to search for a public criminal history record should use the Michigan State Police (MSP) Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Visit the MSP site for details and fees.
Contact Us
Hours of Operation
General Hours of Operation
8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday - Friday
Note: The Records Unit is closed on all holidays observed by the City of Grand Rapids
Fingerprinting Services
By appointment only; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday
License to Purchase a Firearm Processing
Available during the general hours of operation
Fee Schedule
| Accident Report | $5.00 |
| Incident Report | $10.00 |
| Local Public Arrest Check | $10.00 |
| Photos (on CD) | $10.00 |
| Fingerprint cards | $15.00/each |
| LiveScan fingerprints | $61.50 |
| LiveScan for CPL | $15.00 |
| License to Purchase a firearm | $5.00/each |
Fees associated with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request are determined based on the scope of the request and will be provided to the requestor in advance of fulfillment.
We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards, and money orders. Checks or credit/debit cards must be presented by the person named on the account, along with a government-issued photo ID.
