Thank you for visiting. We aim to provide helpful details for your Kalamazoo County Inmate Search. Our goal is to give you the facts you need. We will do our best to guide your search.
For those ready to begin a search now, you can visit https://michiganinmaterecords.com/kalamazoo-county-inmate-search/. This resource may help you find inmate information quickly. It offers a way to check records related to Kalamazoo County. Please note this link directs you away from our current page. It is an option if you want to start searching right away for your Kalamazoo County Inmate Search needs.
Finding someone in jail can be hard. Knowing where to look helps. The main place is the county jail itself. Direct contact is often best.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office runs the jail. They do not have a public online search tool. This is unlike some other Michigan counties. So, you need to call them. Call the jail administration line. The number is 269−383−8821. Ask about the person you seek. Give their full name. A date of birth helps too. Be ready to provide clear details. This helps staff find the right person. You can also try the non-emergency dispatch line. That number is 269−488−8911. They might direct your call. Patience is key when you call. Staff handle many tasks. They will help when they can. Calling is the most direct way. It gets you current information. Records change fast. A phone call gives the latest status.
Know that this jail holds county inmates. These are often people waiting for trial. Or they serve short terms. It is not for state prisoners. State prisoners serve long terms. They are in state prisons. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) runs those. Use the MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) for state prisoners. You can find OTIS here: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/otis. Do not use OTIS for the county jail. Remember the difference. County jail is local. State prison is run by the state. Your Kalamazoo County Inmate Search focuses on the local jail run by the Sheriff.
The jail is part of the Sheriff's Office operations. It has specific contact points and functions. Knowing these helps you interact with the facility.
The jail is located with the Sheriff's Office.
Address: 1500 Lamont Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
Administration Phone: 269−383−8821. Use this for general questions.
Non-Emergency Dispatch: 269−488−8911. Use this if unsure who to call.
Jail Command (Professional Visits): 269−383−8734 or 269−385−6117. For lawyers, clergy, etc.
These numbers connect you to different parts of the office. Use the admin line for most inmate questions. The lobby KIOSK for inmate accounts is open 24/7. Other office hours may vary. Call ahead for specific department hours.
The Jail Division manages inmates. It is one of three main Sheriff's Office divisions. Deputies oversee all inmates. The jail often holds over 400 people. When inmates arrive, they are processed. This means taking fingerprints. It also means taking photos. Inmates are then classified. This decides where they stay in the jail. The jail offers some programs. These aim to help inmates. Programs cover education. They include rehab work. Mental health support is available. Ministry services are offered too. Health care is provided for inmates. Some inmates may join work crews. These crews work in the county. They help with public projects. This work can teach skills. It also helps the community. The division ensures safety and security. Rules are strictly enforced inside.
Staying in touch matters. The jail has systems for this. Rules apply to keep things safe. Funds can be added to inmate accounts.
Inmates can connect with friends and family. This uses video visits. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office uses GTL/Viapath. This company handles inmate communication needs. You need an account to schedule a visit. You can set this up online. Use the GettingOut website. Or, use the KIOSK machine. It is in the lobby. Find it at the Sheriff's Office. The address is 1500 Lamont Avenue. This KIOSK works all day, every day. It takes cash. It also takes Mastercard or Visa debit cards. Having this account lets you plan your video calls. Be sure to check the rules first. This system helps families stay linked. It uses tech for safe visits.
How often an inmate gets visits depends. It relies on their classification level. Good behavior helps too. Inmates with low or medium security levels get two free visits. Each free visit lasts thirty minutes per week. They must show good behavior. They can also buy more visit time. GTL/Viapath sets the cost for extra visits. Inmates with high security levels get less time. Those facing sanctions for bad acts get less too. They get just one free visit each week. Some inmates cannot have video visits. This includes those in MAX security. It also includes those in segregation. They must show better behavior first. Always check the inmate's current status. This helps you know their visit limits. Plan visits with these rules in mind. Video visits offer a key way to connect. They bridge the gap caused by jail walls. They support inmate morale. They help families stay close.
There are strict rules for video visits. Both the inmate and the visitor must follow them. Inmates cannot use an account that is not theirs. Nudity is not allowed. This rule applies to the inmate. It also applies to the visitor. Do not show any bare skin. Court orders matter too. Visits with people named in protection orders are banned. Be aware that visits may be watched. They can also be recorded. Staff watch to keep the jail safe. Follow all rules. If not, visits can be stopped. Future visits might be denied too. Professional visitors follow other rules. This includes lawyers or clergy. They must book visits 24 hours ahead. Call jail command for this. Use 269−383−8734 or 269−385−6117. These rules ensure visits are safe. They protect everyone involved. Respecting rules allows visits to go on.
You can send mail to inmates. Use the U.S. Postal Service. Address mail correctly. This ensures it reaches the inmate.
Include the inmate's full name.
Include their A-number if you know it.
Use the jail's address: 1500 Lamont Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
Put your full name and return address on the envelope. This must be in the top left corner.
Only send personal mail. This means letters. You can send photos too. Drawings are often allowed. Check for limits on photo size or number. Do not send items like staples or paper clips. Prohibited items will be rejected. Books or magazines may need to come direct from a seller. Call the jail admin line (269−383−8821) to check specific rules. Mail is checked for safety reasons. Following rules helps your mail get through.
Inmates can buy items in jail. They use funds from their account. This is often called commissary. Items include personal care products. They can buy snacks or food items. They can also buy stamps or writing paper. There is a weekly spending limit. It is $75 per week. Funds must be in their account first. You can add money to an inmate's account. Use the GTL/Viapath KIOSK. Find it in the Sheriff's Office lobby (1500 Lamont Ave). The KIOSK is open 24/7. It accepts cash, Mastercard, and Visa debit cards. You can also add funds online. Use the GettingOut website. Having funds allows inmates some comfort. It lets them buy needed items.
Inmates can make phone calls. They can also use other message types. GTL/Viapath handles these services too. Available services include:
Phone calls (often collect or prepaid).
Text messaging.
Photo sharing.
Voice messaging.
You need an account to receive calls or messages. Set this up through GTL/Viapath. Use the GettingOut website. Or use the lobby KIOSK at 1500 Lamont Ave. This KIOSK is available 24/7. Check the costs for each service. Rates are set by the provider. Phone calls help inmates stay in touch. Text and voice messages offer other ways. These tools support links with the outside world. Make sure you have an account set up. This allows the inmate to reach you.
Other details may be useful. This includes bond, victim rights, and records access. Court info might also be needed.
Posting bond allows release before trial. The Sheriff's Office website has a section on this. It is listed under Jail Information. Details on how to post bond are there. You can also call the jail. Ask about the bond amount. Ask how and where to pay it. Bond rules can be complex. Be sure you know what to do. The website or a call can clarify things.
Victims of crime have rights. This includes notice of custody changes. Michigan VINE helps with this. VINE stands for Victim Information Notification Everyday. It tracks inmates in county jails and state prisons. You can register to get alerts. Alerts come by phone or email. They tell you if an inmate is released. Or if they are transferred. It is a free service for victims. You can register online. Or call the toll-free number.
MI-VINE Phone: 1−800−770−7657.
VINE Website: https://www.vinelink.com/ (Select Michigan from the map).
Registering helps victims stay informed. It aids in safety planning. Anyone can call the number too. You can check an offender's status anytime.
Jail records may be public records. Access is governed by law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies. This law gives people access to government records. Some records may be exempt. This includes private or security details. To request records, submit a written request. Describe the records you need clearly. Send it to the Sheriff's Office. They act as the public body holding the records. You can find the state law here: Michigan Compiled Laws Act 442 of 1976. A fee might be charged for searching and copying. Call the Sheriff's admin line (269−383−8821) for FOIA contact details. Ask how they prefer to receive requests. Note that inmate records differ from criminal history. For a public criminal history check, use ICHAT. This is run by the Michigan State Police. Find ICHAT here: https://apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT/Home.aspx. ICHAT charges a fee.
Court cases relate to jail stays. The 8th District Court serves Kalamazoo County. You can find court dockets online. Use the MiCOURT system. This site shows upcoming court dates. It lists case numbers and names. It does not show if someone is currently in jail. But it shows court activity. You can access the public court display here: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/court-display/display/public/OAtRhDIoaEqPMepzm1tWyA. This link is specific to recent dockets. You may need to search the main MiCOURT site for older cases. Court information helps track legal progress. It shows next steps in a case. This connects to why someone might be in jail.