Michigan Inmate Search

Are Inmate Records Public in Michigan?

Yes, inmate records in Michigan are public. According to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the public has the right to access and obtain public records, including inmate records. However, certain information may be exempted from disclosure, such as personal medical records, security plans, and information that could jeopardize the safety and security of individuals or the facility. It is important to note that while inmate records are generally public, there may be restrictions on accessing certain sensitive information.

How to Search for Inmate Records in Michigan

Members of the public can search for inmate records in Michigan by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Michigan Department of Corrections website at Michigan Department of Corrections.
  2. Click on the "Offender Tracking Information System" (OTIS) link.
  3. Enter the required information, such as the inmate's name or inmate number, to conduct an inmate search.
  4. Review the search results to find the desired inmate record.

Residents may also be able to obtain inmate records by contacting the Michigan Department of Corrections directly at:

Michigan Department of Corrections 206 East Michigan Avenue Grandview Plaza PO Box 30003 Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: (517) 335-1426

How Do I Send Money to an Inmate in Michigan?

Sending money to an inmate in Michigan can be done by following these steps:

  1. Friends and families can send money to an inmate by using the Michigan Department of Corrections' secure online payment system.
  2. To send money online, visit the Michigan Department of Corrections website and navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section.
  3. Follow the instructions to create an account and add the inmate to your account.
  4. Once the account is set up, you can make a deposit using a credit or debit card.

For more detailed information on how to send money to an inmate in Michigan, refer to the Michigan Department of Corrections Family Information Packet.

Please note that there may be limits on the maximum amount of money that can be sent to an inmate in Michigan.

How do I Find an Inmate in Michigan for Free?

To find an inmate in Michigan for free, you can conduct an inmate search using various information, such as the inmate's name, inmate number, or date of birth. This information can be used to search online databases or contact the Michigan Department of Corrections directly. It is also possible to obtain inmate records for free by visiting the correctional facility where the inmate is located and requesting access to the records. However, it is important to note that certain information may be restricted or confidential, and not all inmate records may be available for free.

How to Visit an Inmate in Michigan

When visiting an inmate in Michigan, friends and families are required to follow certain rules. Here are the steps to visit an inmate:

  1. Complete a visiting application form, which can be found on the Michigan Department of Corrections website at Visiting Application.
  2. Submit the completed application to the facility where the inmate is housed.
  3. Wait for approval from the facility. Once approved, you will receive a notification with the visitation schedule and any additional rules.
  4. On the day of the visit, arrive at the correctional facility on time and follow all security procedures.

Visitors are required to adhere to specific rules, such as dress code restrictions, no cell phone use, and no bringing of certain items. For example, visitors may be required to dress modestly, with no revealing clothing or accessories allowed.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Michigan

In Michigan, there are several types of correctional facilities, including state prisons, county jails, and federal prisons. State prisons are operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and house inmates serving sentences of more than one year. County jails, on the other hand, are operated by county sheriffs and typically house inmates serving sentences of less than one year or awaiting trial. Federal prisons are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and house inmates convicted of federal crimes. These facilities provide various levels of security and programs to meet the needs of different types of offenders.