Oakland County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Oakland County?
Inmate records in Oakland County are official government documents maintained by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are created pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.235, which mandates the documentation and maintenance of information pertaining to individuals in custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions maintained by the Oakland County Circuit Court and District Courts, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and incarceration details maintained by correctional authorities. The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody
- Information is systematically updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes transfers between facilities, disciplinary actions, and program participation
- Records are finalized upon the individual's release from custody
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies to ensure accurate documentation of all individuals within their custodial care.
Are Inmate Records Public In Oakland County?
Inmate records in Oakland County are considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231, with certain limitations and exceptions. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including basic information about individuals in custody.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster showing individuals currently in custody
- Basic booking information including name, age, and gender
- Charges for which the individual is being held
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts when applicable
- Expected release dates for sentenced individuals
- Current housing facility location
However, certain information within inmate records remains confidential under MCL § 791.230a, which restricts access to:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would compromise institutional security
- Victim information and certain personal details protected by privacy laws
Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Oakland County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system or by submitting formal requests in accordance with Michigan FOIA procedures.
What's Included Inmate Records in Oakland County
Inmate records maintained by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation organized into several key categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Assigned inmate identification number
- Mugshot photograph
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Custody classification level
- Current housing assignment
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
- Program participation and work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges and case numbers
- Warrant information if applicable
- Criminal history within the jurisdiction
- Pending court dates
- Charge disposition status
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal, cash, surety)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case numbers
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders pertaining to custody
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date if applicable
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Release type (completion of sentence, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
This information is maintained in secure databases accessible to authorized personnel within the Oakland County criminal justice system and portions are made available to the public in accordance with state law.
Oakland County Prison System
The Oakland County correctional system operates under the authority of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, which maintains jurisdiction over local detention facilities. The system is designed to house individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of up to one year, or awaiting transfer to state facilities. It is important to distinguish between county and state facilities:
- County jails house pre-trial detainees and those serving misdemeanor sentences
- State prisons, operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections, house felony offenders serving sentences longer than one year
The Oakland County correctional system is administered by:
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office operates under the authority granted by Michigan Compiled Laws § 51.75, which establishes the sheriff's responsibility for maintaining the county jail and the custody of inmates. The facilities are staffed by certified corrections officers who undergo specialized training in accordance with state standards.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Oakland County
Oakland County maintains several distinct correctional facilities, each serving specific functions within the local criminal justice system:
Oakland County Jail - Main Facility
1201 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-1800
Oakland County Jail
This maximum-security facility serves as the primary detention center for Oakland County, housing both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,500 inmates and includes specialized housing units for medical needs, mental health observation, and administrative segregation.
Oakland County Work Release Facility
1201 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-1866
Work Release Program
This minimum-security facility houses eligible non-violent offenders who are permitted to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not at approved work locations.
Oakland County Juvenile Detention Facility
1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 14 East
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0600
Juvenile Justice
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 17 who are awaiting adjudication or serving dispositions ordered by the Oakland County Family Court Division. The facility provides educational programming and rehabilitative services specific to youth.
Each facility operates under standardized policies and procedures established by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in compliance with state regulations and national correctional standards.
Who's in Prison In Oakland County
The Oakland County correctional facilities house diverse populations of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically includes:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment
- Those who have been arraigned but are awaiting trial
- Persons unable to post bond or denied bond due to public safety concerns
- Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Sentenced Offenders:
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to one year)
- Individuals serving time for probation violations
- Weekend sentence participants who serve time during non-working days
- Work release program participants who maintain employment while incarcerated
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Those with medical conditions requiring enhanced care
- Military veterans participating in veteran-specific programs
- Participants in substance abuse treatment programs
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Persons held on behalf of other counties or jurisdictions
- Federal detainees held through intergovernmental agreements
- Immigration detainees pending administrative proceedings
According to data from the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Oakland County jail population fluctuates between 1,200-1,400 inmates on average, with demographic patterns generally reflecting arrest patterns within the county. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 27 days, while sentenced misdemeanants serve an average of 45-90 days.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Oakland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Oakland County may utilize several official channels to access these records. The following methods are currently available:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal
- Enter the required search criteria (last name is mandatory)
- Optional search refinements include first name, date of birth, or inmate ID number
- Review the results displaying current inmates matching the search criteria
- Access basic information including charges, bond amounts, and next court dates
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Records Division during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete an inmate information request form with the individual's full name and date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for printed records ($5.00 per lookup, $1.00 per page for copies)
- Receive available public information as permitted under Michigan FOIA
Written FOIA Requests:
- Prepare a written request clearly identifying the inmate and specific records sought
- Submit the request to:
Oakland County Sheriff's Office FOIA Coordinator
1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
FOIA Request Information
- Include contact information for response delivery
- Allow up to 5 business days for initial response as required by MCL § 15.235
- Pay applicable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication of records
Information available through these channels is limited to public record components of inmate files, with confidential information redacted in accordance with state law.
How To Find an Inmate in Oakland County for Free?
Oakland County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals currently in custody within the county correctional system:
Official Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Oakland County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Corrections & Courts" section
- Select "Inmate Locator" from the available options
- Enter the inmate's last name (required) and any additional information if available
- Review the search results showing current custody status and basic case information
This free service provides 24/7 access to basic inmate information including:
- Full name and booking photo
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next scheduled court date
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Telephone Information Line:
- Call the Oakland County Jail Information Line at (248) 858-1866
- Follow the automated prompts to search for an inmate
- Provide the requested information (inmate's full name)
- Receive basic custody status information
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS):
- Visit the Michigan OTIS website
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review results for matches within the state correctional system
- Note that this system primarily tracks state prisoners but may include some county-level information
Court Records Search:
- Access the MiCOURT Case Search portal
- Enter the individual's name and other identifying information
- Review case records that may indicate custody status
- Note that this method provides case information rather than direct custody status
These free resources provide basic location and status information but may not include comprehensive details available through formal record requests.
How To Visit an Inmate In Oakland County
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online visitation scheduling system
- Visitors must register in the system at least 24 hours before their first visit
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- A maximum of two visitors are allowed per visitation session
- All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Work Release Inmates: Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; confirm when booking appointment
- No visits on county-observed holidays
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor registration confirmation number
- Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicles or lockers)
- Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, mobility devices)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Bags, purses, or backpacks
- Tobacco products or smoking materials
- Cash exceeding $50.00
- Gifts or items for inmates
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing resembling inmate attire
- Appropriate footwear required
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (primary method)
- Remote video visitation available for a fee
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) by appointment
- Contact visits for special circumstances with prior approval
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants may be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Violations may result in suspension of visitation privileges
All visitation policies are established in accordance with Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6607, which governs correctional facility visitation standards.
How To Send Money to a Oakland County Inmate
Oakland County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Oakland County Jail Trust Account portal
- Create an account or log in to an existing account
- Select the inmate by name and ID number
- Enter the desired deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Retain the confirmation number for reference
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Oakland County Jail lobby during public hours (24/7)
- Locate the automated payment kiosk
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash or credit/debit card for payment
- Obtain printed receipt as confirmation
Mail-In Money Orders:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Oakland County Inmate Trust"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number in the memo line
- Include sender's full name and address on the money order
- Mail to:
Oakland County Jail - Inmate Accounts
1201 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
Processing Fees:
- Online/credit card deposits: $2.50 per transaction up to $100.00
- Kiosk cash deposits: $1.00 per transaction
- Money order deposits: No fee
Prohibited Transactions:
- Personal checks are not accepted
- Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
- Third-party checks are not accepted
- Transfers between inmate accounts are prohibited
Approved Fund Uses:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircut services
- Release funds
Restricted Fund Uses:
- Payment of fines or court costs (separate process required)
- Bond payments (must be processed through court)
- Payments to outside vendors or individuals
- Transfers to other facilities (new deposits required)
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Michigan Department of Corrections Policy Directive 04.02.105 regarding prisoner funds.
How To Send Jail Mail In Oakland County
Correspondence with inmates in Oakland County facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established to maintain security and efficient processing:
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number
Oakland County Jail
1201 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters on plain white paper (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain, no musical or electronic components)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (following financial transaction guidelines)
- Legal documents and correspondence from attorneys
- Religious materials from approved publishers
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Colored paper or envelopes
- Plastic, metal, or wooden items
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or scented items
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
- Any items containing biohazards or contraband
Mail Processing Procedures:
- All incoming mail is opened and inspected by jail staff
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Mail that violates policies will be returned to sender or discarded
- Contraband items may result in criminal investigation
- Processing typically takes 24-48 hours after receipt
Electronic Messaging Option:
- Register for an account through the Oakland County Jail Electronic Messaging System
- Purchase message credits through the online system
- Compose and send messages through the secure platform
- Attach approved digital photographs if desired (additional fee applies)
- Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after security review
All mail procedures comply with Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6603, which establishes standards for prisoner mail handling in correctional facilities.