File a Freedom of Information Act Request
FOIA requests are a powerful tool for transparency. Use these templates to request public records from the Sheriff’s Office.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
Mail to: St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office FOIA Coordinator 1170 Michigan Road Port Huron, MI 48060
Or submit online: Check county website for FOIA portal
Response deadline: The agency must respond within 5 business days under Michigan law.
Template 1: Text Message Records
Use this to request communications that may have been preserved or to document what has been deleted.
Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request — Text Message Records
Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act ( MCL 15.231 et seq. ), I am requesting copies of the following records:
Records Requested:
All text messages, SMS messages, and messaging app communications sent or received by Mat King , Matthew Pohl , and command staff related to the November 6, 2022 OWI incident involving Marc King .
Time period: November 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022
Including both work-issued devices AND personal devices used for public business
Legal Basis: Under Michigan law, text messages discussing public business are public records regardless of whether they are stored on personal or work devices.
Format: Electronic format (PDF or native format) preferred.
Fee Waiver: I request a waiver of fees as this information is in the public interest.
Template 2: Policies and Procedures
Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request — Policies
Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act ( MCL 15.231 et seq. ), I am requesting copies of the following records:
Records Requested:
Current policy regarding recusal and conflicts of interest for Sheriff’s Office personnel
Current policy regarding evidence retention and preservation
Current policy regarding litigation holds
Current policy regarding use of personal devices for official business
Any policies adopted or modified since January 1, 2023 regarding the above topics
Format: Electronic format preferred.
Template 3: Incident Records
Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request — Incident Records
Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act ( MCL 15.231 et seq. ), I am requesting copies of the following records:
Records Requested:
All incident reports, investigation files, and related documentation regarding the November 6, 2022 OWI arrest of Marc King
All communications regarding the decision to refer or not refer the matter to an external agency
Chain of custody documentation for any evidence collected
Any disciplinary records or internal affairs files related to this incident
Format: Electronic format preferred.
What to Expect
Records provided — Success! Review carefully and share with us.
Partial denial — Some records withheld. You can appeal the withheld portions.
Full denial — All records withheld. Review the exemptions cited and consider an appeal.
Fee estimate — They’re charging for search/copy time. You can negotiate or pay.
No responsive records — They claim nothing exists. Document this response—it’s valuable information.
If Your Request Is Denied
You have the right to appeal. Under Michigan FOIA:
- Administrative appeal — Write to the agency head within 180 days
- Circuit court action — File suit if administrative appeal fails
- Fee recovery — If you prevail in court, you may recover attorney fees
Tips
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Note the date you submitted your request
- Be specific but not so narrow you miss relevant records
- Share responses with us — even denials are valuable documentation