About New Buffalo Town

Law enforcement in New Buffalo is provided by the New Buffalo Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the city limits. If you need to obtain criminal records, the process typically begins at the local level. Individuals can request arrest records and mugshots directly from the New Buffalo Police Department, where a dedicated records unit can assist with inquiries. The Michigan State Police Bureau of Investigation provides access to a statewide criminal repository; requests can be made through their official website or via mail. An online lookup portal is available for those who prefer to conduct searches electronically. Various fees may apply depending on the type of records requested, and individuals should expect to provide relevant information such as names and dates of birth to help with the search. The Berrien County Circuit Court is the primary judicial authority for New Buffalo, handling a range of civil and criminal cases. Individuals seeking court records can access these documents through the court's online portal or visit the clerk's office in person. The online portal offers a user-friendly interface to search for case information and obtain copies of court documents. For vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can contact the Berrien County Clerk-Recorder's Office or use the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' vital records services. Property records are also managed by the county assessor and recorder, with online access available for those who wish to research property related documents. Public records requests can be made under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows individuals to access a variety of government documents and information. Typical response times for such requests range from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that residents can obtain the information they require in a timely manner.

The City of New Buffalo operates a public records portal through its official website at http://www.cityofnewbuffalo.org/. This online resource provides municipal documents ranging from city council meeting minutes to ordinances and various city reports. The New Buffalo Michigan City Clerk's office, accessible at http://www.cityofnewbuffalo.org/clerk.asp, is the main hub for public records and handles requests from residents seeking information.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in New Buffalo Town

New Buffalo Town Police Department

New Buffalo Township has a contract with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department.

https://newbuffalotownship.org/departments/new-buffalo-township-police-department

Courts & Case Records in New Buffalo Town

New Buffalo Town Courts

New Buffalo Township Offices are located just north of the City limits, 17425 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

https://www.newbuffalo.com/local-government/

Property & Public Records in New Buffalo Town

New Buffalo Town City Clerk

New Buffalo Township offices are located at 17425 Red Arrow Highway, New Buffalo, MI 49117. We are open Mon - Friday, 9-4 EST.

https://newbuffalotownship.org/

About New Buffalo Town — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

Anyone arrested in Berrien County is processed through the Berrien County Jail in St. Joseph. The booking procedure includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details. Residents can search for inmate information, charges, bond status, and more, using the jail's online lookup tool. Visitation requires advance scheduling and compliance with facility rules. Michigan's bond system allows release through cash bonds, surety bonds, or property bonds, depending on what the court orders.

Arrest Records

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office and local police departments keep arrest records for their jurisdictions. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, these records are available to the public. Residents and attorneys can submit a FOIA request to the appropriate agency to obtain them. A typical arrest record from the county includes the person's name, arrest date, charges filed, and booking information.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Berrien County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks by requesting records from these agencies or through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provided by the state.

Vital Records

The New Buffalo Michigan vital records system is managed by the Berrien County Clerk's Office, which can be accessed at https://www.berriencounty.org/156/Clerk. Residents can obtain copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates through this office. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains a statewide vital records database that can be searched through their website at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71551_4645---,00.html.

Business & Licensing Records

New Buffalo supports local commerce through economic development programs and resources. Business owners can research licensing, permits, and regulatory requirements on the city's website at http://www.cityofnewbuffalo.org/business.asp. The New Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, accessible at http://newbuffalo.org/, provides another avenue for businesses seeking guidance and connections in the area.

Economy & Demographics

New Buffalo's economy is heavily influenced by its status as a popular tourist destination. The city's vibrant hospitality and recreation industries, including hotels, restaurants, and marinas, contribute significantly to the local economy. Employment data and other economic indicators for the New Buffalo area can be found on the Berrien County Economic Development Corporation's website at https://www.bcedcorp.com/. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides statewide economic data and resources at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/.

Elections & Voter Records

The Berrien County Clerk's Office - Elections Division at 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 administers all elections for New Buffalo voters. Residents can reach the office at 269-983-7111, extension 8095, or visit www.berriencounty.org/clerk. This division manages federal, state, county, and local contests, maintains voter rolls, handles absentee ballots, and certifies results. Michigan residents holding a valid driver's license or state ID can register online through the Secretary of State at www.michigan.gov/vote.
Registration remains open through Election Day itself - voters can register online or at their county clerk's office up to 15 days before an election, then in person with proof of residency right through Election Day at their local clerk's office. The city elects a mayor and six council members in municipal contests typically scheduled for odd-numbered years, most recently in November 2023. Residents can locate their polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth. Michigan makes various election records publicly accessible: voter registration lists (purchasable for election purposes), campaign finance reports via the Secretary of State's system at www.michigan.gov/campaignfinance, candidate filings with ballot language, and precinct-level results. Michigan allows no-reason absentee voting for any registered voter. Requests can be submitted through the Michigan Voter Information Center online, by mail, or in person at a local clerk's office. New Buffalo voters should contact the New Buffalo City Clerk at City Hall (269-469-1500) or the Berrien County Clerk for applications, which must reach the clerk by 4 PM the Friday before Election Day. Voters may also request and submit an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office through 8 PM on Election Day.
City Info
StateMichigan
County
Population1,362