About Watervliet
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Watervliet
Watervliet Police Department
Police Officer & Firefighter Survivor Tuition Act Go to Police Officer & Firefighter Survivor Tuition Act
https://www.michigan.gov/mcoles/additional-resources/jobs/mi-law-enforcement/2025/12/15/watervliet
Berrien County Sheriff's Office
Welcome to the Berrien County Sheriff's Office website. The Berrien County Sheriff's Office is a progressive, technologically advanced agency geared to meet the needs of the residents of Berrien County. As a leader in law enforcement and corrections programs, our members provide solid, proven service to the community.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Watervliet
MiCOURT Case Search
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🏠 Property & Public Records in Watervliet
Berrien County Register of Deeds
Property records for Watervliet, Michigan are maintained by the Berrien County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Berrien County, including Watervliet.
About Watervliet — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Individuals arrested anywhere in Berrien County are typically processed at the Berrien County Jail in St. Joseph, which is the primary detention facility for the region. The booking procedure includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal details. Residents can search for inmate information - including current charges and bond status - through the jail's online lookup system. Visitation follows specific protocols and requires advance scheduling under facility rules.
Arrest Records
The Berrien County Sheriff's Office and local police departments throughout Berrien County maintain arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), these records are available to the public upon request. Residents, attorneys, and others seeking arrest information must submit a FOIA request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. A typical arrest record from the county includes the arrestee'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 Berrien County Clerk's Office, St. Joseph, MI 49085, is responsible for maintaining vital records for Watervliet residents. This includes birth, marriage, and death certificates. Residents can request copies of these records by visiting the Clerk's Office, calling (269) 983-7111, or accessing the online portal at https://www.berriencounty.org/159/Clerk. The Watervliet City Clerk's Office can also assist with vital record requests.
Business & Licensing Records
The Watervliet Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and entrepreneurs from its location at 321 N Main St, Watervliet, MI 49098. The chamber maintains a directory of area businesses, organizes networking events, and advocates for economic development throughout the community. Business owners and residents can reach the chamber at (269) 463-7224 or visit their website at https://www.watervlietchamber.com/ for resources and information about the local business climate.
Economy & Demographics
Watervliet's economy is primarily driven by its manufacturing, agricultural, and service industries. Major employers in the city include Watervliet Paper Company, Lakeland Health, and various small businesses. The city's economic development efforts are overseen by the Watervliet Economic Development Corporation, which can be reached at (269) 463-6028 or through the city's website at https://www.watervlietmi.gov/government/economic-development/.
Elections & Voter Records
Residents of Watervliet participate in elections administered by the Berrien County Clerk & Elections Division, located at 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085. The county office handles voter registration, absentee ballot processing, and election results reporting for all communities in Berrien County. Voters can reach the office at 269-983-7111 ext. 8095 or visit www.berriencounty.org/179/County-Clerk.
Michigan residents can register online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, where they can also check registration status, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballot requests. The state offers same-day registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote in person at their city or township clerk's office through Election Day by providing proof of residency such as a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or current utility bill. As a municipal government, the city holds council elections in odd-numbered years. Information about local candidates, ballot proposals, and municipal election dates is available through the City Clerk at Watervliet City Hall (269-463-6243) and the County Elections office. Residents can find their assigned polling location by entering their address at www.michigan.gov/vote or by contacting the Berrien County Clerk. Michigan law makes numerous election records publicly accessible, including registered voter lists (available for purchase for election related purposes only), campaign finance disclosures for state and local candidates (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate filing information, precinct-level results, and absentee ballot statistics. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate race in 2026 (Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin's terms expire in different years). Any registered Michigan voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Applications are available through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by contacting the Watervliet City Clerk or County Clerk directly, or by downloading the application from www.michigan.gov/sos. Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day, though voters may request an absentee ballot in person at their clerk's office through 4:00 PM on the Monday before the election. Completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day, not simply postmarked. Michigan also offers no-reason early voting at designated early voting sites beginning nine days before Election Day.
Public Records Resources for Watervliet, Michigan
Official government websites for Watervliet, Michigan and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Michigan Business Entity SearchSearch for a business entity licensed to do business in Michigan.
- Michigan CourtsSearch for the appropriate county or district court in Michigan.
- Michigan Birth RecordsRequest birth records from the State of Michigan Vital Records Office.
- Michigan Archived Death Records SearchLookup Michigan death records from the 19th century by accessing the MI Genealogical Death Indexing System.
- Michigan Teacher LookupSearch for a teacher's credential status with the Michigan Department of Education.
- Michigan Marriage SearchFind a marriage record or request a copy of a marriage certificate issued in Michigan from the Vital Records office.
- Michigan State Foreclosed Real Property SearchSearch the state treasurer listings of State Foreclosed Land Auctions for Michigan.
- Michigan Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status from the office of the state treasurer.
Nearby Cities in Berrien County, Michigan
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Watervliet, Michigan?
To register to vote in Watervliet, Michigan, residents can register online through the Michigan Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Berrien County elections office. Michigan requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Michigan Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Watervliet, contact the Berrien County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Watervliet, Michigan?
Property records for Watervliet, Michigan are maintained by the City of Watervliet Assessor and the Berrien County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Berrien County, including parcels in Watervliet. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Berrien County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Michigan counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Berrien County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Watervliet, Michigan?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Watervliet, Michigan residents are available through both county and state offices. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Lansing, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Michigan. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Berrien County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Berrien County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.