Kent County Jail

Thank you for coming to this page for information. We want to help you learn about the Kent County Jail. We will do our best to share key facts. This page has lots of details for you.

If you need to find someone booked into the jail right now, you can use an online tool. Go to https://www.kentcountyjails.org to start your Kent County Jail search right away. This site is made to help you look up who is in jail. It can give you fast results. Use it if you need quick info on a person in custody.

Finding an Inmate at Kent County Jail

It is key to know how to find someone in the Kent County Jail. The county gives ways to look up inmate data. You can check online or make a call. This helps friends and family stay informed. Knowing where someone is can ease stress. The jail staff works hard to keep data up to date. But things can change fast. Always check for the latest info.

Online Inmate Search Tools

Kent County provides an online Web Jail Viewer. This tool shows public data about inmates. It lists people booked at the Kent County Correctional Facility. The info comes from the jail system. It might show names, mugshots, and charges. Please note that data can change fast. It may not show the very latest status. True ID needs fingerprint checks. Do not use this posted info for legal acts. The county updates this tool often. It is a good first place to look. You can find it on the Kent County Sheriff's site. Look for the "Inmate Lookup" section.

Phone Inmate Information

You can also call for inmate information. The Kent County Correctional Facility has a line for this. The number is 616−632−6300. Call this number for questions about inmates. This might include custody status or other details. Be ready to give the inmate's full name. You might need their date of birth too. Phone lines may be busy at times. Please be patient when you call. Staff will help as best they can. There is also a service called VINE Link. Victims of crime can use it. Call 800−770−7657 for VINE. It gives custody status updates.

Kent County Jail Location and Contact

Knowing where the jail is helps. It helps for visits or posting bond. Knowing phone numbers is key too. You might need to call for info. The main jail and Sheriff's Office are close. They are on Ball Avenue in Grand Rapids.

Facility Address

The Kent County Correctional Facility address is: 703 Ball Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This is the main jail building. Use this address for mail. Use it for finding the location too. Check maps for the best route there. Parking areas are near the site.

Main Phone Numbers

Here are key phone numbers for the jail:

• General Information: 616−632−6400

• Inmate Information: 616−632−6300

Use these numbers for your jail questions. Call during business hours if you can. Some lines may work at all times. Check the Kent County site for more details. Keep these numbers handy for quick use.

Sheriff's Office Contact

The Kent County Sheriff's Office is next to the jail. Address: 701 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Main Phone: 616−632−6100 Fax: 616−632−6122

The Sheriff's Office handles law work for the county. Their Administration lobby is open weekdays. Hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Records Services at the front desk have set hours. They are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Note that Records may have limited hours on some days. Call 616−632−6200 to check records service hours first. This is wise on Wednesdays or special days. The Sheriff's Office website has more details. You can find links to many services there. Visit the official Kent County Michigan website for the Sheriff's section (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/Sheriff).

Visiting an Inmate

Seeing an inmate can mean a lot. Kent County Jail allows visits. But there are rules you must follow. There are set times for visits. The type of visit matters too. Some visits are on site using video. Others are off site using your own device. Know the rules before you go. This makes the visit smooth for all. Check the jail's site for updates. Rules can change sometimes. Always have valid photo ID.

Visitation Types (On-site, Off-site Video)

Kent County Jail uses video visits. This applies for personal visits. There are two main types. First is on-site video visits. You go to the jail's visiting area. You use their video system there. Inmates get one free on-site visit each week. Each runs up to 30 minutes. You can buy more on-site visits. These cost $0.12 per minute. Second is off-site video visits. You can visit from home. You use a computer or mobile device. These visits must be set up ahead of time. Off-site visits cost $7.50 for 25 minutes. The public can buy and have many off-site visits. These visits connect families far away. They offer more flex time too. Read all rules for both types. Find them on the Kent County visitation page (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/963/Inmate-Visitation).

Visitation Hours and Schedule

Visitation hours vary by day. On site video visits have set times. Monday through Friday:

• 8 am to 11 am

• 1 pm to 5 pm

• 7 pm to 10 pm Saturday and Sunday:

• 8 am to 11 am

• 1 pm to 5 pm

Lockdown times block visits. These are 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm on week days. Off-site video visits run more hours. They are open 8 am to 10 pm, seven days a week. But they also pause during jail lockdown times. Inmates in general population can visit seven days a week. Trustee inmates visit during these hours too. Working trustees get three free on-site visits per week. These visits must be outside their work times. Schedules can change due to jail needs. Lockdowns or other issues might delay or stop visits. Check the jail's current status if unsure.

Visitation Rules

You must follow all visit rules. Visitors need valid government photo ID. Dress codes apply. Do not wear revealing clothes. Do not wear items with rude words or images. Staff can deny visits for rule breaks. Do not bring cell phones or cameras. Leave items like purses and keys in your car. Lockers might be there for small items. All visitors may be searched. Bringing drugs or weapons is a crime. Act proper at all times. Loud talk or bad acts can end your visit. Kids must be watched by an adult. Follow all staff directions fast. These rules keep the jail safe. Check the full list of rules online.

Professional Visits (Attorneys, Clergy)

Special rules apply to professional visitors. This includes lawyers, clergy, and others. They must be approved first. They need to read a handbook. They must sign forms. They need PREA training too. Get these forms from the jail site. Professional visits do not count against inmate weekly limits. Lawyers can plan video visits same day. They need two hours notice. These visits last up to 55 minutes. Other pros must plan visits 24 hours ahead. Their video visits last up to 25 minutes. On-site pro visits can happen during open hours. They cannot occur during meal lockdowns. Approved pros must show valid photo ID. They must check in properly. Special rules apply to items brought in. Briefcases will be searched. Pastors need proof of ordination if not pre-approved. Find full rules on the Kent County visitation page.

Restrictive Housing Unit Visitation

Inmates in special housing have fewer visits. This includes disciplinary or administrative units. If not on cell restriction, they get one personal visit per week. Visit times are Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 8 am to 9 am. Inmates on cell restriction get no personal visits for up to 15 days. If held longer, they get one visit every 16 days if they ask. They still get professional visits. These follow the normal pro visit rules and times. Check with the jail for rules on these units. The rules aim for safety and order.

Communicating with Inmates

Staying in touch is key for inmates. It helps their mood and well being. Kent County Jail allows mail and phone use. Tablets might also be used. Rules apply to all forms of contact. Make sure you follow them close. This ensures your message gets through. It also keeps the jail secure.

Mail Rules and Procedures

Inmates can send and get mail. There is no limit on mail amount. All mail must follow U.S. Postal rules. It must also meet jail rules. All incoming mail must have the sender's full name and address. Address mail to the inmate like this: Inmate Full Name Kent County Correctional Facility 703 Ball Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Mail must not have items stuck to it. No glue, tape, or stickers allowed. Polaroids and large photos are not allowed. Photos must be $4$x$6$ inches or smaller. No more than four photos per envelope. Oversize cards are not okay. Do not send perfumed letters. Staff open and check all mail for contraband. The only exception is legal mail. Legal mail is opened with the inmate there. Do not send items like pens, paper, or food. These items must be bought through commissary. Mail is a good way to share news. Follow the rules so mail gets delivered. Full mail rules are on the Kent County website (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/972/Programs-Services).

Phone Calls and Tablets

Inmates can make phone calls. Calls are usually collect calls. Or they can use funds from their account. The person getting the call pays for collect calls. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Staff will not pass messages unless it is a proven emergency. Phone calls are recorded and may be monitored. Keep talk proper. Phone privileges can be lost for misuse. Some jails use tablets for calls and messages. Check with Kent County Jail for current tablet use policies. Tablets may offer email like messages. They may also have games or education apps. Fees often apply for tablet use and messaging. These systems help inmates stay linked to family.

Sending Money and Care Packages

Inmates need money for items. They buy things from the jail store (commissary). This includes snacks, hygiene items, and paper. You can send money to an inmate's account. You can also order care packages sometimes. Knowing how helps support an inmate.

Depositing Funds (Mail, Kiosk, Phone, Online)

There are several ways to add funds. The max deposit per time is $1,500.

• By Mail: Send a cashier's check or money order. Make it payable to the inmate. Mail it to the jail address. Staff process these. Funds go to the inmate's account. Do not send cash by mail.

• In-Person: Use the electronic kiosks. These are in the visitor lobby. They are also in the processing lobby. Kiosks take cash or cards. Follow the steps on screen.

• By Phone: Call 866−232−1899. This service lets you deposit funds using a card. Listen to the voice prompts.

• Online: Use the TouchPay service online. You will need the inmate's name and number. This allows card deposits over the web.

Check the Kent County site for links and details. Fees may apply for kiosk, phone, or online deposits. Funds are usually available soon after deposit.

Commissary and Care Packages

Inmates use funds in their accounts for commissary. They can order items once or twice a week. The jail provides a list of items sold. Prices are set by the vendor. Items are delivered to the inmate's housing area. Sometimes, family can order care packages. These are pre-set packs of items. They might include snacks or clothes. Kent County partners with vendors for this. You can order care packs online. Check the jail website for links. Customer support for care packs is at 877−615−3296. They can help daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Note that if an inmate owes money to the jail, commissary options may be limited. They might only get basic hygiene packs.

Indigent Inmate Support

Some inmates have no money. These are called indigent inmates. If an inmate has $5.00 or less for two weeks, they can ask for help. They can get an indigent package. This is also called a welfare package. Two kits are offered. Kit One is given first. It is given every four weeks after that. It has toiletries, paper, and envelopes. Kit Two is given every two weeks. It has toiletries only. This program ensures basic needs are met. It helps inmates with no outside support.

Bail and Bond Information

When someone is arrested, they may get bail. Bail lets them leave jail before trial. They must promise to come back to court. Bond is money paid to ensure they return. Knowing how bail works in Michigan helps.

Understanding Bail vs. Bond in Michigan

Bail is the amount set by the court. It allows release from jail. Bond is the promise or funds given to the court. It ensures the person shows up later. In Michigan, the right to bail is protected. See the Michigan Constitution, Article 1, Section 15 (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(lqcq2145f4b5514555145v55))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-Constitution-of-MI-1963-Article-I-Section-15). Bail might be denied for serious crimes. Like murder, if proof is strong. Bail amount depends on many things. Risk of fleeing is one factor. Past criminal record matters too. Ties to the community can help lower bail.

Posting Bond at Kent County Jail

To post bond, find out the amount. You can ask the inmate or call the jail. Bond can often be paid at the jail. Or it might be paid at the court handling the case. Kent County Jail likely accepts bond payments. Check their hours for bonding. You may need cash for the full amount. Or you might use a bail bond company. Ask jail staff about the process. They can guide you on where and how to pay. Bring exact cash if needed. Credit cards might be okay sometimes. Ask first.

Types of Bonds (Cash, Surety)

There are different bond types.

• Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash. This can be paid by the accused. Or family or friends can pay it. If the person attends all court dates, the cash is returned. Court fees might be taken out first.

• Surety Bond: A bail bond company pays the bail. The defendant pays the company a fee. This fee is usually about 10 of the bail. This fee is not returned. The company promises the court the person will show up. If they do not show, the company owes the full bail. The company can then seek the person. They may use a bounty hunter. This is a common way to post bond. Kent County provides a list of approved bail bondsmen on their court website (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/165/Courts). Look under resources.

Inmate Programs and Services

Kent County Jail offers programs for inmates. These aim to help reduce future crime. They support personal growth too. Programs cover education, life skills, and faith needs. Community groups help provide some services.

Educational and Rehabilitative Programs

The jail works with groups like Arbor Circle. They offer substance use treatment. They also offer mental health help. These address co-occurring issues. Group and individual therapy may be offered. Programs help build skills for life after jail. This includes cognitive skills. It may include job skills too. Kent County Office of Community Corrections supports these efforts (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1040/Community-Corrections). Their goal is to reduce returns to jail or prison. They use evidence based programs. The jail has reentry pods too. These house inmates nearing release. They get focused help for transition.

Religious Services

The jail provides access to religious services. A Religious Coordinator manages this. Volunteer church workers lead services. Bible study classes are held. Maximum numbers apply for volunteers per service. Volunteers must follow strict rules. They cannot pass items or mail for inmates. Bibles are available through the Coordinator. Inmates can request one. This respects inmates' rights to practice faith.

Community Corrections and Re-entry Support

Kent County focuses on community options. They aim for jail and probation over prison. This applies when safe and fitting. Community Corrections funds many programs. These include treatment and supervision. Arbor Circle helps with re-entry services (https://arborcircle.org/programs-services/kent-county-correctional-services/). They offer case management for inmates. This is for those with substance use and mental health needs. Peer recovery coaches also help. The goal is a smooth return to the community. This helps lower repeat offenses. It makes the public safer too.

Requesting Records (FOIA)

You can ask for public records from Kent County. This is done through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Michigan law gives people this right. It promotes open government.

How to Submit a FOIA Request

You can submit a FOIA request online. You can also mail, fax, or hand deliver it. A request form is helpful but not required. Your request must describe the record well. Give details like names, dates, and the department. This helps staff find the record. Submit requests to the department holding the record. Kent County has an online portal for FOIA requests (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1051/FOIA-Requests). You can track status there too. You can also print a form from some county sites. Mail it to the correct address. A specific form exists for Levy Court records in Kent County, DE, not MI. Use the Michigan Kent County process.

FOIA Process and Timeframes

Kent County must respond within 5 business days. They may take a 10 business day extension. They will tell you if they need more time. They will grant the request, deny it, or grant part of it. Some records are exempt by law. Exempt parts may be blacked out. The county will explain any denial. Fees may apply for searching or copying records. You can ask for fee details. You can inspect records in person too. Arrange this with the FOIA coordinator. FOIA aims for open access to public information.

Court Information

Jail stays are often linked to court cases. Knowing about Kent County courts helps. You may need court records or schedules. The main courthouse is downtown.

Relevant Kent County Courts

Several courts serve Kent County.

• 17th Circuit Court: Handles serious criminal cases (felonies). Also handles major civil cases and family law. Find it at the Kent County Courthouse. Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: 616−632−5220.

• 63rd District Court: Handles misdemeanors. Also handles traffic violations and small claims. Address: 1950 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Phone: 616−632−7770.

• Probate Court: Handles wills, estates, guardianships. Located at the courthouse: 180 Ottawa Ave NW.

• Juvenile Court: Part of the Circuit Court Family Division. Handles delinquency and neglect cases.

Find more details on the Kent County Courts page (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/165/Courts).

Accessing Court Records and Schedules

You can search court records online. Kent County provides tools for this. Look for "Search Court Records" on the county site (https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1036/Search-Court-Records). You can often search by name or case number. Hearing schedules are also often online. This shows upcoming court dates. You can request certified court records. Fees apply for copies. The Clerk of the Court keeps Circuit Court records. Contact the specific court for records help. The courthouse is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Helpful Resources

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