Gogebic County Police Records
Gogebic County police records include incident reports, arrest records, crash reports, jail data, warrant records, and other law enforcement documents held by the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office. Gogebic County is in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, bordering Wisconsin. The sheriff's office also provides law enforcement for the Cities of Bessemer and Wakefield. This page explains how to request Gogebic County police records through the Michigan FOIA process, what contacts to use, and what statewide tools are available to help your search.
Gogebic County Records at a Glance
Gogebic County Sheriff's Office
The Gogebic County Sheriff's Office is at 100 W. Iron Street, Bessemer, MI 49911. Sheriff Jorge H. Cruz leads the department. Undersheriff Jessie L. Yesney assists with administration. The main phone line and jail number is (906) 667-0203. The fax number is (906) 663-4090. The county website at gogebic.gov is the central hub for county services, department contacts, and records information.
The sheriff's office page at gogebic.gov/government/county_offices/sheriff_s_office.php covers department services, contacts, and the records request process. The Gogebic County Sheriff provides law enforcement for the Cities of Bessemer and Wakefield in addition to the county's townships and unincorporated areas. This means most police records for incidents in those cities also go through the sheriff's office, not a separate city department.
The Gogebic County website at gogebic.gov links to the sheriff's office, FOIA page, and county departments. Start there to find the right contact and process for requesting police records in Gogebic County.
Sheriff's Office Programs and Services
The Gogebic County Sheriff's Office runs several specialized programs that generate records you may need to request. The G.I.A.N.T. (Gogebic Interagency Narcotics Team) handles drug investigations in the county. Records from these investigations are part of the sheriff's files. Once a case closes, those records are available through FOIA. Active investigation files are withheld under MCL § 15.243 until the case is resolved.
The department also runs a Project Lifesaver Program for residents with cognitive disorders who may wander. A K9 program supports search operations. The Search and Rescue Team handles wilderness and water rescues in this remote Upper Peninsula county. Animal control is managed through a contract with the HOPE Animal Shelter. Records from these operations, including incident and rescue reports, may be available through a FOIA request to the sheriff's office.
The Gogebic County Sheriff's Office page at gogebic.gov lists all department programs, law enforcement services, and the contact information for records requests and FOIA submissions.
How to Request Gogebic County Police Records
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, codified at MCL § 15.231 et seq., gives everyone the right to request public records from the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office. You do not need a reason. No residency requirement applies. This right covers incident reports, arrest records, crash reports, jail records, warrant data, and drug investigation files once cases are closed.
The FOIA page at gogebic.gov/i_want_to/apply_for/foia.php provides FOIA request forms in both fillable and blank versions for download. Complete the form and submit it in person, by mail to 100 W. Iron Street, Bessemer, MI 49911, by email, or by fax to (906) 663-4090. Include your name, contact information, the type of record, date or date range, any names involved, and a case number if available.
Under MCL § 15.235, the sheriff's office must respond within 5 business days of receiving your request. They may extend by up to 10 additional business days with written notice. Under MCL § 15.243, active investigation files, personal privacy data, informant identities, and law enforcement techniques are exempt from disclosure. If your request is denied, ask for the specific exemption in writing and appeal within 180 days if needed.
Note: Gogebic County provides both fillable and blank FOIA request forms on their website. Using the fillable PDF version makes it easier to submit a complete, legible request and can speed up processing time.
Fees for Gogebic County Police Records
Under MCL § 15.234, standard paper copies cost $0.10 per page. Labor is billed at the rate of the lowest-paid employee who can process the request, in 15-minute increments. No labor charge applies to searches under 15 minutes. For requests over $50, a 50% deposit may be required before work begins. This deposit is valid for 45 days from the date of the fee estimate.
Indigent requesters can apply for a fee waiver covering the first $20 by submitting an affidavit with their FOIA request. This waiver is available up to twice per calendar year. Electronic records may be available at actual media cost. Contact the sheriff's office at (906) 667-0203 or through the county website for a fee estimate before submitting any large or complex records request.
Statewide Resources for Gogebic County Records
ICHAT, operated by the Michigan State Police, provides criminal history records for all 83 Michigan counties including Gogebic. The fee is $10 per search at michigan.gov/msp/services/ichat. It covers felonies and serious misdemeanors but not juvenile records, traffic infractions, or out-of-state records. It is the right tool for a general criminal background check.
The Michigan Courts Case Search is free to use and covers Gogebic County district and circuit court records. Search by name or case number to find charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at mipsor.state.mi.us is free and searchable by name, county, or address. For state prison and parole records, OTIS at mdocweb.state.mi.us covers the Michigan Department of Corrections system. County jail records must be requested from the Gogebic County Sheriff directly at (906) 667-0203.
Nearby Counties
Gogebic County is in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula and borders several other UP counties and Wisconsin.