Reporting Stalking to Michigan Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Michigan.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable Michigan guide
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Michigan resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Michigan's Personal Protection Order explicitly covers stalking behavior and starts at your County Clerk's Office.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Michigan State Police (find your local post)
Via michigan.gov/msp
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network (MCVNN)
Via michigan.gov
Free, automated notification if a stalker's custody status changes.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Michigan — Statewide Agencies
Michigan Crime Victim Services Commission
517-373-7373
320 South Walnut Street, Lansing, MI 48913 · covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses.
michigan.gov/mdhhs ↗Michigan Attorney General — Crime Victim Rights
Via michigan.gov/ag
Information on victims' rights under the Michigan Crime Victim Rights Act.
michigan.gov/ag ↗Michigan Dept. of Corrections — Victim Services
517-373-4467
Toll-free 877-866-5401 · notification and support for victims whose case involves someone in custody.
michigan.gov/corrections ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Michigan.
Your County Clerk's Office / Circuit Court
Find yours via courts.michigan.gov
File a Personal Protection Order (PPO), which explicitly covers stalking behavior.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Personal Protection Orders in Michigan
What it is: a court order that can restrain someone from entering your property, contacting you, or engaging in stalking behavior.
What it can stop: stalking behavior, removing your children outside a custody order, interfering with your personal liberty, or causing reasonable fear of violence.
If it's violated: you can go back to court for an order to show cause and a hearing, or ask police to arrest for a violation.
Where to start
Your County Clerk's Office, to begin a Personal Protection Order (PPO) petition at Circuit Court.
Victim advocates
Prosecutors' offices across Michigan have advocates who can help with the PPO process.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the statewide victim assistance program.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your County Clerk's Office and ask for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) petition.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition with the Circuit Court.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary order quickly, often without the other party present.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Michigan Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect
1-855-444-3911
24/7, statewide — one number covers both suspected child abuse/neglect and adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Michigan State Police (find your local post) | Via michigan.gov/msp | Emergency |
| Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network (MCVNN) | Via michigan.gov | Emergency |
| Michigan Crime Victim Services Commission | 517-373-7373 | Statewide |
| Michigan Attorney General — Crime Victim Rights | Via michigan.gov/ag | Statewide |
| Michigan Dept. of Corrections — Victim Services | 517-373-4467 | Statewide |
| Michigan Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect | 1-855-444-3911 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Michigan
How do I report stalking in Michigan?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Michigan?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Michigan?
What it is: a court order that can restrain someone from entering your property, contacting you, or engaging in stalking behavior. What it can stop: stalking behavior, removing your children outside a custody order, interfering with your personal liberty, or causing reasonable fear of violence. If it's violated: you can go back to court for an order to show cause and a hearing, or ask police to arrest for a violation.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Michigan?
Filing fees vary by court in Michigan, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Michigan?
Yes — Michigan has a crime victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. See the statewide agencies section of this guide for the contact.
What counts as stalking under Michigan law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Michigan, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Michigan if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Michigan?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Michigan?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Michigan reporting guide?
You can download the free Michigan reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Michigan-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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