Thank you for choosing this page. We aim to give you the best help for your Oakland County MI Inmate Search. We know finding this data is key for you. We will lay out the steps and tools you need right now.
If you want to begin your Oakland County MI Inmate Search immediately, please go to https://michiganinmaterecords.com/oakland-county-inmate-search/. This resource can help you start the search process fast. It offers a direct path to find inmate details. Use the link provided to access their search function without delay. Find the person you are looking for in Oakland County.
The main way to find an inmate is the official tool. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office provides an online portal. This tool helps the public find people held in the jail. You can search using the inmate's name. You might also use a case number if you have one. The system shows current inmates. It lists details like full name and booking date. You may also see mugshots. Arrest details and where they are held are often shown. It is a good first step for your search.
Access the official tool here: Oakland County Inmate Locator. Note that this data is public record. It is shared to help protect the public. You must ensure the record matches the person you seek. Use care with this information. The Sheriff's Office notes the data comes with no warranty. It might not always be fully accurate or up to date. Using this data to harm someone can lead to charges. Be sure you use it in the right way. Check the info well.
Sometimes the online tool is not enough. You might need more specific details. Or you may think the online data is wrong. You can contact the Oakland County Jail directly. Call the Inmate Information line for help. The phone number is 248-858-1800. You can ask about an inmate's status. This line is good for specific bond questions. Ask about the type of bond or amount. You can also ask about specific charges. The court of jurisdiction sets these details. The jail staff can guide you.
You can also send an email. The email address is [email address removed]. This email is checked often. Use it for questions or to report errors. If you need to speak to a supervisor, call the same number. A shift supervisor is on call 24 hours a day. This is helpful for urgent issues. Regular inmate information is best sought during normal business hours. But supervisors are there day and night. They handle things like PREA reports too. Direct contact can clear up many things the online tool may not show.
The Oakland County Jail complex serves the area. The main jail facility has a specific address. It is located at 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341-1044. This is where inmates are housed. The overall command falls under the Sheriff. Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard leads the office. Captain Thomas Vida, Jr. commands the Corrective Services Division. This division runs the jail operations day to day. For general questions about the Sheriff's Office, not inmate specific, use this number: 248-858-5000. The main office address differs slightly. It is 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Bldg 38E, Pontiac, MI. Remember the jail address is 1201 for inmate matters.
This division manages the jail. They ensure a safe and secure place. They handle inmate housing and care. They also manage programs within the jail. Their staff aim for a disciplined setting. The division includes the visitation unit. You contact them for visiting information. Their number, during business hours, is 248-858-1800. This is the same number as Inmate Information. Just specify you need the Visitation Unit. They handle rules for visits. They also deal with bond posting information queries. You can email [email address removed] for bond questions too. This division oversees many key jail functions.
Inmates can receive mail through a vendor. Smart Communications handles standard mail. Do not send letters or photos directly to the jail address. Use the special vendor address. This ensures mail gets processed correctly. Make sure the inmate's full name and number are clear. This helps the mail reach them fast.
Standard Mail Address (Vendor): Oakland County Jail Inmate Name – Inmate Number PO Box 9103 Seminole, FL 33775-9103
Some mail types go directly to the jail. This includes legal mail from attorneys. Court documents also go direct. Bank statements, magazines, and papers go here too. Use this address for those items only.
Legal/Business Mail Address (Direct): Oakland County Jail Inmate Name – Inmate Number PO Box 436017 Pontiac, MI 48343
You can track mail status. Sign up at https://www.MailGuardTracker.com. This site tells you when mail arrives. It also notes when the inmate reads it. If mail gets rejected, it tells you why. This helps you know if your mail got through. Reasons for rejection might be contraband. Or it could be a violation of mail rules.
You can send email like messages too. This is often faster than postal mail. Use the https://www.smartinmate.com website. You need to create an account first. There is a small setup fee ($1.50 one time). You must make a minimum deposit ($5.00). Messages cost 50 cents each. You can send long messages, up to 30,000 characters. That is like 6 or 7 pages of text. Sending photos costs $1.00 per photo. This is a quick way to stay in touch. It works from a computer or phone.
Inmates get some free messages each week. Every Saturday, each inmate gets two free ones. One free message to send out. One free message they can receive. This helps them keep contact at no cost weekly. When an inmate leaves the jail, they can get copies. They log into https://www.smartinmate.com. They use their inmate number and password. They can download all mail, messages, and photos for free. This helps them keep records. If you need help with this service, call toll free. The number is 888-843-1972.
Inmates can make phone calls. These calls are typically collect. Or they can use funds from an account. Accounts can be set up for them. Friends and family can add money. This pays for calls. Debit telephone accounts may be used. Prepaid accounts are also an option. The specific provider, likely Smart Communications or ICSolutions, manages these. Voicemail messaging might also be available. Check with the service provider for details. Call costs and rules apply. All calls are subject to monitoring. There is no expectation of privacy.
Inmates need money for some things. They can buy items from the commissary. This includes snacks or hygiene items. Money sent for this goes into a trust account. You can deposit funds using Smart Communications. Visit their website to add money online. If you need help, call their support line. The number is 888-253-5178. This line is toll free. They can assist with deposit issues.
You can also deposit funds in person. Go to the Visitation area at the Main Jail. They accept cash or money orders. They do not accept personal checks. If using a money order, make it out correctly. Include the inmate's full name. Also write their inmate number clearly on it. This ensures the funds reach the right person. It is vital to know this money is separate. Funds in the trust account are not for phone calls. They also cannot pay for tablet credits or video visits. Those need separate funding methods. Make sure you deposit funds for the right purpose.
Seeing an inmate requires planning. All visitors must register before visiting. This registration process is free. You can likely register through Smart Communications. Their website (https://www.smartinmate.com) is used for deposits and messages. It is also referenced for scheduling visits. Create an account if you do not have one. Once logged in, look for the visitation option. You will need to provide your details. This allows the jail to approve visitors. Schedule your visit in advance. Time slots can fill up quickly. Plan ahead to get the time you want. For help with registration or scheduling, use the support line. The number listed for Smart Communications customer care is 888-253-5178. Another number, 888-646-9437, is linked to ICSolutions, sometimes used by jails for visitation. Verify the correct number if issues arise.
The jail has set hours for social visits. Visits do not happen every day. Know the schedule before you plan.
Monday and Tuesday: No Social Visits Allowed.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 1:15 PM to 8:15 PM.
Saturday and Sunday: 9:15 AM to 7:00 PM.
Check these hours before you go. Sometimes schedules change. Holidays or special events might affect times. Confirm your scheduled visit time. Arrive early to allow for check in. Being late might mean you miss your visit.
You must follow rules to visit. Bring a valid photo ID. This can be a driver's license. A state ID card works too. A passport is also accepted. Without proper ID, you cannot visit. Dress code rules are strict. You cannot wear certain clothes. Transparent clothing is not allowed. Shorts or skirts must not be too short. The rule is no more than two inches above the knee. Tank tops or tube tops are banned. Bathing suits are not proper attire. Avoid tops with zippers. Any clothing seen as revealing is denied. Clothes showing drug or alcohol themes are out. Gang related clothing is also forbidden. The staff at the Visitation Unit decide. They judge if attire is acceptable. Follow these rules to avoid being turned away.
The jail uses video visits. You might visit from home using a device. This could be a computer or smartphone. Tablets like iPads also work. Make sure your device is up to date. Keep the operating system current. For example, update iOS on iPhones or iPads. This helps prevent tech problems. It ensures the best connection quality. These visits are monitored. Like phone calls, there is no privacy expected. Be mindful of your conversation. The video system is provided via vendors. Follow their rules for use.
Finding bond information is key for release. The specific amount and type of bond depend. The court that handled the case sets the bond. Contact the court of jurisdiction first. They have the most accurate bond details. You can also ask the jail. Call the Inmate Information line at 248-858-1800. Ask about the bond for a specific inmate. You can also email [email address removed]. They can provide bond information listed in their system. But the court record is the official source.
Once you know the bond amount, you can post it. The process details are on the Oakland County Sheriff's website. Look for the Inmate Information page (linked here based on search results). It outlines how to post bond. If you still have questions, contact the jail. Use the phone number or email provided above. They can guide you on payment methods. They can tell you where to post the bond. Follow the steps carefully for a smooth process. This helps secure the inmate's release pending trial.
The Oakland County Jail holds people short term. This includes those awaiting trial. It also holds those sentenced to a year or less. If someone is sentenced to state prison, they move. They go to a facility run by the state. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) runs state prisons. Do not use the county search for state prisoners. You need the MDOC search tool instead. Use this if the person is serving a longer sentence. It tracks inmates across all state prisons.
MDOC uses a tool called OTIS. This stands for Offender Tracking Information System. It is a public database online. You can find it on the MDOC website. Here is the link: MDOC OTIS Search. OTIS contains data about current prisoners. It also lists parolees under supervision. Probationers are included too. It keeps records for three years after release. So, recent parolees are still listed.
OTIS does not have everyone. It will not show county jail inmates. People arrested but not sentenced are not there. If someone was discharged more than three years ago, they drop off. For older criminal history, use the state police ICHAT tool. OTIS search requires some information. You can search by name. The MDOC number works best if you know it. You might filter by age, race, or gender. It shows current location, status, and potential release dates.
Michigan law gives access to public records. This is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Found in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 15.231 et seq.). It allows people to see government records. This includes inmate records held by public bodies. Most inmate information is public. This covers name, charges, sentence, location. However, there are limits. Some records are exempt from FOIA. Private details like medical records are kept confidential. Records about juvenile inmates are not public. Also, people currently in jail cannot request records under FOIA. Anyone else generally can make a request. You usually request records from the agency holding them. For state prison records, contact MDOC. For jail records, contact the Oakland County Sheriff.
Federal law aims to stop sexual abuse in jails. This is the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The Oakland County Sheriff's Office follows PREA. They state a zero tolerance policy. This covers abuse between inmates. It also covers abuse by staff towards inmates. All reports of sexual abuse or harassment are investigated. If you suspect an inmate is a victim, report it. You can report it in several ways. Call Inmate Information at 248-858-1800. Ask to speak to a Shift Supervisor. This line is open 24/7 for reports. You can also email [email address removed]. This email is checked often. Reporting helps protect inmates. False reports can lead to penalties.
Victims of crime have rights. One resource is VINE. It stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. This service lets victims track an offender's status. You can find out if an offender is released. Or if they are transferred. You can register for alerts. Get phone calls or emails about changes. Michigan participates in the VINE system (VINELink). You can search for an offender's custody status. The statewide toll free number for Michigan VINE is 800-770-7657. This service helps victims stay informed. It can improve safety planning. Check the official VINE website or call for details.