Allegan County Inmate Search

We appreciate you stopping by. Our goal is to give you the best help for your Allegan County MI Inmate Search. We know finding someone can be hard. This page aims to guide you well. We put key facts and links here for you.

If you wish to begin your Allegan County MI Inmate Search now, you can use this resource: https://michiganinmaterecords.com/allegan-county-inmate-search/. This site is made to help find inmate details fast. It gathers data to make your Allegan County MI Inmate Search simple. Click the link to start searching for the person you need to find in the Allegan County system right away. It is a good first step in your search process.

Performing an Allegan County MI Inmate Search

Finding someone in custody involves a few steps. The county gives tools and ways to help you. Start with the official online search. If that does not work, try other methods listed here. Knowing the right place to look saves time and stress. This part covers the main ways to find an inmate in Allegan County.

Official Allegan County Inmate Lookup Tool

Allegan County provides an online tool. You can find it on the official county website. Go to the Allegan County Sheriff's Office section. Look under Corrections for the Inmate Lookup page. The direct link is https://www.allegancounty.org/courts-law-enforcement/sheriff-s-office-corrections-center/corrections/inmate-lookup. To use it, you must type the full last name. A first name helps narrow results. You can also add a booking date.

This tool only shows people now in jail. The site warns that data can change fast. It may not show the very latest status. A person might use a fake name. So, only a fingerprint check can prove who they are. Do not use this online data for legal steps. If you see wrong facts, call the Sheriff's Office. The number is 269-673-0205. Tell them what needs to be fixed. This helps keep the list right for all.

Other Ways to Find an Inmate in Allegan County

If the online tool doesn't help, try these ways. Calling the jail is often best. The main phone for the Allegan County Corrections Center is 269-673-0500. Press the option for inmate information. Be ready to give the person's name and birth date. Staff can check the current jail list for you. This is a direct way to ask. Sometimes they need your info too before they share details.

You can also go there in person. The jail address is 640 River St, Allegan, MI 49010. Go to the front desk during lobby hours. Ask staff for help with an inmate search. Bring the person's full name and any other facts you have. They might guide you or check records.

Another tool is VINElink. This stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It tracks inmates across the nation. You can see if someone is in custody. You can sign up for calls or emails. These tell you if their status changes. The Michigan VINE number is 1-800-770-7657. Or go to www.vinelink.com and pick Michigan. Note that VINE needs updates from the jail. So, there might be a small delay in data shown.

Allegan County Corrections Center Details

Knowing the jail's contact info and hours helps. It makes calls or visits easier. The jail is run by the Allegan County Sheriff's Office. It holds people waiting for court or serving short terms. It is a secure place with set rules. The staff work hard to keep things safe for all. They run the jail day and night.

Contact Information and Address

• Physical Address: 640 River St, Allegan, MI 49010

• Main Phone: 269-673-0500 (Follow the voice menu for inmate info or specific departments)

• General Questions Phone: 269-673-0500 ext. 4219 (For non-urgent general queries)

• Sheriff's Office General Email: [email address removed] (Use for general inquiries, not for urgent matters or inmate lookup)

Use the main phone for most needs. Email is slow for time sensitive things. The physical address is for visits or going in person. Always call first if unsure where to go or who to ask for. This saves you a trip if lobby hours are limited.

Lobby Hours and Officer Availability

The Sheriff's Office lobby has set hours. These are for public access.

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Keep these times in mind for visits. These hours are for the main office part.

But officers are on duty all the time. Deputies and jail staff work 24 hours a day. They work 7 days a week, all year long. They are rarely near a desk phone while working. To reach an officer on duty now, call Central Dispatch. The number is 269-673-3899. Dispatch will contact the officer for you. If you want to leave a message for an officer, call the main line 269-673-0500. Use their voice mail extension. Know that officers have odd work days. They might not get the message right away.

Facility Overview

The Allegan County Corrections Center is located at 640 River Street. It is housed in a building that used to be a Haworth Seating Plant. The county renovated this large space. It became a modern jail facility. It has beds for 325 inmates. There are different areas inside. These include general housing pods. There are also special holding units. Areas for special management exist too. A central control center helps staff watch all housing pods. This setup helps keep the jail safe and secure. The goal is safe care for those inside. It also keeps the public safe.

Statewide and Federal Inmate Searches

Sometimes, a person is not in the county jail. They might be in a state prison. Or they could be in the federal system. Michigan has ways to search state inmates. The federal government has its own search tool. Knowing these helps find people outside Allegan County.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Offender Search (OTIS)

If someone is convicted of a felony, they go to state prison. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) runs these prisons. MDOC has a search tool called OTIS. This stands for Offender Tracking Information System. You can find inmates in state prisons using OTIS. It also lists some parolees and probationers. Use it if you think the person was sentenced to state time.

The link is https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2.aspx. You need some info to search. The person's full name helps most. An MDOC number is best if you have it. You can also use sex, age, or race to narrow the list. OTIS shows their status and location. It gives possible release dates too. If you need older records (before 1982), call the Michigan Archives. Their number is 517-373-1408. Or email [email address removed]. For general MDOC questions, use their contact form online. Or write to them in Lansing. The address is Grandview Plaza, 206 E. Michigan Ave, P.O Box 30003, Lansing, MI 48909. This tool is key for finding those serving longer terms.

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator

People who break federal laws go to federal prison. These are run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP has its own inmate search tool. It covers inmates from 1982 to now. If the person faced federal charges, use this tool.

The link is https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. You can search by name. It works better if you have a number. This could be a BOP number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number. The locator shows where the inmate is housed. It also notes if they have been released. If you need help, call the BOP. The number is 202-307-3198. They also have an online contact form. This search is only for federal inmates. It will not show people in state or county jails.

Communicating with Inmates at Allegan County Jail

Staying in touch with someone in jail is vital. Allegan County uses modern systems for this. They offer video visits, phone calls, and electronic messages. There are strict rules for all contact. Knowing the rules helps things go smooth. Mail is also possible but follows new rules.

Video Visitation (Local and Remote)

Allegan County uses video visits. There are no in-person visits through glass. The system is run by GTL/ViaPath. You access it through www.gettingout.com. All visitors must make an account first. You MUST schedule visits 24 hours ahead of time. This gives the inmate time to accept the visit.

There are two ways to visit:

1. Local Visits: These happen at the jail. Use the video kiosks in the main lobby. The address is 640 River St. These visits are FREE. Lobby kiosks are open Mon-Fri, 7:50 AM to 4:00 PM. The last visit must start by 4:00 PM. They are closed on major holidays.

2. Remote Visits: You can visit from home. Use a computer or phone with a camera. Go to www.gettingout.com to start. These visits cost money. The fee is set by GTL/ViaPath.

How often an inmate gets visits depends on their status. Those with low or medium security levels get two free 30-minute visits per week. They can buy more visits too. High-security inmates, or those being disciplined, get only one free visit per week. Inmates in maximum security or segregation cannot have video visits.

Strict rules apply to all visits. No sharing accounts. No nudity by anyone. No contact with people named in protection orders. Staff may watch or record visits. Do NOT use a cell phone during your visit time. Only two visitors are allowed at a station at once. This includes kids over age two. Kids must have an adult with them always. No loud talk or bad words. Do not visit if drunk or high. Dress code applies: no revealing clothes. Breaking rules ends the visit. It could stop future visits too. Call GTL/ViaPath support if you need help scheduling: 866-516-0115. Jail staff cannot pass messages about visits.

Inmate Phone Calls

Inmates at Allegan County Jail cannot receive phone calls. They can only make outgoing calls. The phone system is also run by GTL/ViaPath. Friends and family can set up pre-paid accounts. Do this through www.gettingout.com. This lets the inmate call you using funds you deposit. Inmates can also use money from their own jail account to pay for calls.

Calls may be collect calls too. This means you agree to pay the charges when you accept the call. All calls are subject to recording and monitoring. Except for calls with legal counsel. If you have issues with the phone system, contact the vendor. GTL/ViaPath support is at 866-516-0115. You can ask them to block calls from the facility if needed.

Mail Rules and Procedures

Sending mail has changed. Allegan County uses a mail scanning service. Do NOT send personal mail directly to the jail. It will be returned or discarded. Personal mail includes letters, cards, photos, and drawings. You must send it to a central processing center in Maryland.

Use this exact address format: Allegan County Jail, MI [Inmate's Full Name and Inmate Number] P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131

Make sure you include the inmate's full name and their assigned inmate number. Also, put your full name and return address on the envelope. The mail center scans the mail. Then, it is sent electronically to the inmate's tablet. They view it digitally.

Legal Mail is different. Mail from attorneys must be clearly marked "Legal Mail". Send it directly to the jail address: 640 River St, Allegan, MI 49010. It will be opened in front of the inmate.

Do not send prohibited items in any mail. This includes cash, checks, money orders, stamps, or packages. Magazines and newspapers likely need to come direct from the publisher if allowed. No explicit photos or content about illegal acts. Check the Inmate Guidebook for full mail rules.

Electronic Messaging and Photo Sharing

Inmates can use electronic messaging. This is done through inmate tablets. The service is provided by GTL/ViaPath via www.gettingout.com. Friends and family can send messages from their accounts. Inmates can reply using the tablets. This service costs money. Fees are set by the vendor.

You can also share photos this way. Upload appropriate photos through your account. Photos must be unedited. They cannot show nudity, weapons, drug use, or gang signs. Voice messages might also be an option, also for a fee. These digital tools help inmates stay connected. But all messages may be monitored by jail staff.

Sending Funds to an Allegan County Inmate

Inmates need money for certain things in jail. They use funds for snacks or hygiene items from commissary. Money also pays for phone calls, messages, tablet use, or medical co-pays. Friends and family can deposit money into an inmate's account.

How to Deposit Money

There are a few ways to send funds. Do NOT mail cash or checks. It is not allowed.

• Online: The main way is online. Use the vendor website. This is likely www.gettingout.com (GTL/ViaPath). Some jails use jailatm.com. Check the Allegan County Sheriff's site or call the jail to confirm the correct vendor portal. You will need the inmate's name and number. You use a credit or debit card. Fees apply.

• Kiosk: There is a deposit kiosk in the jail lobby. The lobby is at 640 River St. This machine takes cash or cards. Follow the screen prompts. Make sure you use the COMMISSARY kiosk. Do not mix it up with the video visit kiosk. Money put in the wrong kiosk cannot be moved. Fees may apply here too.

Funds usually appear in the inmate's account quickly. But allow some processing time. There might be limits on how much you can deposit at once or per week.

Using Inmate Funds

Once money is in their account, inmates can use it. They order items from the jail store, called commissary. This includes things like snacks, drinks, soap, shampoo, paper, and pens. They can also use funds to pay for phone calls. Or pay for electronic messages and tablet entertainment. Sometimes, inmates must pay small fees (co-pays) for doctor or nurse visits. Having funds helps make their time in jail a bit easier. They can buy items not issued by the jail. They can stay in touch with loved ones.

Additional Resources and Information

Beyond finding and contacting inmates, other services exist. The Sheriff's Office offers help to the public. Knowing about public records rules is useful. The county website also has helpful guides.

Allegan County Sheriff's Office Services

The Sheriff's Office does more than run the jail. They offer key public services.

• Silent Observer: If you know about a crime, you can report it safely. Call 1-800-554-3633. Or find the Silent Observer email link on the Sheriff's website. Your tip stays anonymous. This helps police solve cases.

• Ink Fingerprinting: Need ink fingerprints for a job or license? The Sheriff's Office offers this. It is by appointment ONLY. Call Mike Pallet at 269-720-5600. Call after 1:00 PM to schedule. Appointments are Mon-Thu, 8 AM to 4 PM (last slot). And Fri, 7 AM to 3:30 PM (last slot). Hours can change, so call first. There is likely a fee for this service.

• Personal Protection Orders (PPOs): If you need a PPO for safety, you get it through the courts. Contact the Allegan County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Go to their Records Division. They handle PPO requests. Call the Circuit Court for forms and steps.

Understanding Public Records in Michigan

In Michigan, many government records are public. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the law for this. It means you can ask to see or copy public records. Some inmate information falls under this law. Such as booking details or release dates. But some info is kept private for safety or privacy reasons. Things like health records or active case details may be exempt. You can learn more about FOIA on the state's website. The law citation is MCL 15.231 et seq. (Link to MI FOIA Statute). Knowing this helps if you need official records.

Important Documents

The Allegan County website has helpful documents. Look on the Sheriff's Office or Corrections pages. You might find:

• Inmate Guidebook: This book explains jail rules for inmates. It covers behavior, rights, mail, visits, and more. Reading it helps you understand jail life better.

• Community Service Program Info: Details for those assigned community service work.

• Mailing Instructions: Formal instructions for the mail scanning service (in English and Spanish).

Check the county site for these PDFs. They give more detail on jail operations.