Michigan Inmate Search

Thank you for checking out our page. We aim to give you the best help finding Michigan Inmate Records. This guide offers ways to look up these details.

To start your search for Michigan Inmate Records right now, you can use the tool available at https://michiganinmaterecords.com/. This site provides a way to look up people held in state or county facilities. It is a good spot to begin if you need fast access to public information about an inmate's status and location. The search helps you find the data you seek with ease.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Records

The Michigan Department of Corrections, or MDOC, runs the state's prisons. They keep track of people sent to prison. This means they watch over state prisoners. They also watch parolees and some probationers. MDOC makes sure state rules are met. They work hard to keep the public safe. They give care and control for those in state lock up. Finding Michigan Inmate Records often starts with MDOC.

MDOC is a main state department. The Governor picks the Director. The Director runs the whole department. This main office is in Lansing. They handle big plans and rules for all state prisons. Many staff work here. They help run the prisons day to day. They handle things like moving prisoners. They also decide where each prisoner should go. This helps keep the prisons safe and in good order.

MDOC Contact Information

You can reach the main MDOC office. This is good for general questions. It helps with finding Michigan Inmate Records.

• Address:

  • Grandview Plaza

  • 206 E. Michigan Ave.

  • P.O. Box 30003

  • Lansing, MI 48909

• Phone: 517-335-1426

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST

• Online Contact: Use the MDOC Department Contact Form for email questions. Choose "General/ Public Information" for most record needs.

Finding State Prison Inmate Records: OTIS

The main tool for state prison Michigan Inmate Records is OTIS. OTIS stands for Offender Tracking Information System. It is a free online tool. The public can use it. It is run by MDOC. This system has lots of facts. It covers people now under MDOC watch. It also lists some who left care in the past three years. This makes it a key resource.

What is OTIS?

OTIS is the official MDOC database. It tracks prisoners in state facilities. It tracks parolees under state watch. It tracks probationers linked to state sentences. It shows data for those still in the system. It also shows data for those let go. But only if let go less than three years ago. It helps find where someone is held. It shows their status. It lists key dates tied to their time. You can find the OTIS search page here: MDOC OTIS Search. Use this link to look up state offenders.

Information in OTIS

OTIS provides key details for Michigan Inmate Records. You can find:

• Offender Number (MDOC Number)

• Full Name and Any Known Aliases

• Date of Birth

• Race and Gender

• Current Location (Which prison or parole office)

• Offender Status (Prisoner, Parolee, Probationer, Escapee, Absconder, Discharged)

• Most Recent Admission/Sentencing Dates

• Earliest Release Date

• Parole Board Jurisdiction Date

• Maximum Sentence Discharge Date

• Date Paroled (if applicable)

• Supervision Conditions (for parolees/probationers)

• Photograph (if available)

This database holds much detail. It is the best first stop for state inmates. The info comes straight from MDOC files. This makes it a trusted source. Check OTIS often if tracking someone. Status and location can change fast. The system aims for current facts. But always check key info if needed.

What OTIS Does Not Include

OTIS is helpful but has limits. It does not contain all Michigan Inmate Records. You will not find:

• People let go from MDOC watch more than three years ago. For older criminal history, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT Tool.

• People held in county jails or city lockups. Jails are run by county sheriffs, not MDOC.

• People arrested and found guilty but not yet sentenced to state prison.

• Old photos for offenders who left the system before digital pictures were used. Some current inmates may lack photos too.

• Details protected by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.

• Federal inmate records.

• Records from other states.

How to Search OTIS

To search OTIS for Michigan Inmate Records:

1. Go to the MDOC OTIS Search Page.

2. You can search by:

   • MDOC Number (most exact way)

   • Last Name and First Name (can use partial names)

   • You can add Race, Gender, Age Range, or Status to narrow results.

3. Review the search results. Click a name for the full profile.

The data in OTIS comes from official MDOC files. But remember that info can change. It may not show the very latest move or status change right away. The site notes this. It says info should be checked with MDOC or courts if needed for legal acts. Fingerprints are the only sure way to confirm who someone is. This is because some may use false names.

Accessing Older MDOC Records

Need Michigan Inmate Records from before OTIS was fully digital? OTIS mainly has data back to about 1982. If you need info on inmates held by the state before then, you must look elsewhere. These older records are kept safe. They are held by the state archives. This place holds old state papers.

Records Before 1982

For state prison records older than 1982, contact the Archives of Michigan. They hold historical government records. This includes old MDOC files. These files might have inmate names, dates, crimes, and sentences. Access might need a specific request. You may need to visit or wait for research.

Contacting Michigan Archives

To ask about old prison records:

• Phone: 517-373-1408

• Email: [email address removed]

• Website: Archives of Michigan

Give them as much detail as you can. Include the person's name. Include rough dates they might have been in prison. This helps them find the right files.

Finding County Jail Inmate Records

MDOC handles state prisons. County Sheriffs handle county jails. Jails hold people for short terms. Usually less than one year. They also hold people waiting for trial. So, if someone is not in OTIS, they might be in a county jail. Finding these Michigan Inmate Records needs a different search. Each county runs its own jail. Each Sheriff's Office keeps its own records.

Many counties now offer online inmate search tools. These work like OTIS but just for that county's jail. You can often search by name. The info shown varies by county. It might list booking date, charges, and bond amount. Some small counties may not have online search. You might need to call the Sheriff's Office jail division directly. Remember, charges listed are just claims. The person is seen as not guilty until proven guilty in court.

How to Find County Jail Information

1. Check the County Sheriff's Office website. Look for links like "Inmate Lookup," "Jail Roster," or "Corrections."

2. If no online tool exists, call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. Ask for the jail or records division.

3. Be ready to give the person's full name and date of birth.

Examples of County Jail Lookups

Here are links and contacts for some Michigan counties:

• Kent County:

  • Search: Kent County Inmate Lookup

  • Jail Info Phone: 616-632-6300

  • Address: 703 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

• Wayne County:

  • Search: Wayne County Inmate Search

  • Note: Site says specific charge/case info must come from the court. Other info needs a written FOIA request.

• Oakland County:

  • Search: Oakland County Inmate Locator (See 'Inmate Locator' link on page)

  • Inmate Info Phone: 248-858-1800

  • Address: 1200 North Telegraph Road, Bldg 38E, Pontiac, MI 48341-1044

  • Mail/Messages: Uses Smart Communications system (www.smartinmate.com). Mail sent via vendor, not direct to jail except legal mail.

• Berrien County:

  • Search: Berrien County Inmate Search

  • Jail Phone: 269-983-7141, ext. 7777

  • Address: 919 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085

• Ottawa County:

  • Search: Ottawa County Inmate Lookup

• Allegan County:

  • Search: Allegan County Inmate Lookup

  • Phone: 269-673-0205

Data on county sites can change fast. It may not show the very latest booking or release. Always confirm identity carefully.

Public Access and FOIA

Michigan law allows public access to many government records. This includes Michigan Inmate Records. The law is called the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It applies to state agencies like MDOC. It also applies to local bodies like County Sheriff Offices. This law helps keep government open.

Are Michigan Inmate Records Public?

Yes, most inmate records are public under FOIA. This means you have a right to ask for them. You can ask to see them. You can ask for copies. But, some parts of records might be kept private. FOIA lists things that do not have to be shared. This might include some health info. It might include details that risk safety. Or info that invades privacy too much. Records compiled for law enforcement might be limited if release would harm a case or reveal secret methods.

Who Can Request Records?

FOIA states that "all persons" can request public records. There is one main exception. People held in state or local correctional facilities cannot make FOIA requests. Anyone else, living in Michigan or not, can make a request. You must describe the records you want clearly. This helps the agency find them. You might have to pay a fee. This covers the cost of search, review, and copying.

Making a FOIA Request

• Requests must be in writing. Email or mailed letters are common. Some agencies have online forms.

• Describe the records you need. Be specific. Give names, date ranges, or case numbers if you know them. For Michigan Inmate Records, provide the inmate's name and ideally MDOC number or DOB.

• Send the request to the FOIA Coordinator of the agency holding the records (MDOC or the specific County Sheriff).

• The agency usually has 5 business days to respond. They can extend this by 10 more business days if needed. They will tell you if they have the records, if fees apply, or if records are exempt.

MDOC FOIA information can be found through their main contact channels. For county jails, check the Sheriff's website or call their office for FOIA contact details. Often, specific inmate data beyond the online search needs a formal FOIA request. You can find the general Michigan FOIA law here: Michigan Legislature - FOIA Act 442 of 1976.

Other Related Records

Sometimes the search for Michigan Inmate Records overlaps with other searches. These might be for criminal pasts or victims' rights.

Criminal History Checks

If OTIS or county searches do not find someone, or if you need older conviction data, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT tool. ICHAT stands for Internet Criminal History Access Tool. It provides public Michigan criminal history info. This is based on arrests and court results sent to MSP. There is a fee per search ($10 as of recent checks). Access it here: MSP ICHAT.

Federal Inmate Records

MDOC and county jails hold state and local offenders. People convicted of federal crimes go to federal prisons. These are run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). To find someone in federal custody, use the BOP Inmate Locator: BOP Inmate Locator. This search covers inmates from 1982 to present.

Victim Notification

Crime victims have rights in Michigan. One right is to know an offender's custody status. VINELink helps with this. VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It lets victims register. They get alerts by phone or email. Alerts come when an inmate is moved, released, or escapes. Use the Michigan VINE system here: Michigan VINELink or call 800-770-7657. This service covers both MDOC inmates and many county jails.

Helpful Resources

Louisiana Public Records | Michigan Public Records | Kent County Jail