Kalamazoo County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Kalamazoo County?
Inmate records in Kalamazoo County are official government documents maintained by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated in county correctional facilities. These records document an individual's entire custody history from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230a, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records for all persons in custody. These records begin at the intake process when an individual is first booked into the Kalamazoo County Jail. During booking, law enforcement officials collect identifying information, photograph the individual, document personal property, record charge information, and assign housing.
Inmate records differ from court records in several important ways:
- Court records focus on case proceedings, legal filings, and judicial decisions
- Inmate records document custody status, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
- Court records are maintained by the court system; inmate records by correctional authorities
- Court records follow a case; inmate records follow a person in custody
Throughout an individual's incarceration, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office continuously updates these records to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, records are archived according to Michigan's record retention requirements but remain accessible for authorized purposes.
Are Inmate Records Public In Kalamazoo County?
Inmate records in Kalamazoo County are partially public under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL § 15.231, establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain inmate information. However, this access is balanced against privacy and security concerns.
The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
- Charges filed
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Certain information is explicitly exempt from public disclosure under MCL § 15.243, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical and mental health information
- Disciplinary records
- Victim information
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides limited public information about current inmates. For more comprehensive records, members of the public may submit a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Kalamazoo County
Inmate records in Kalamazoo County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's time in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
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 (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing assignment
- Classification level
- Disciplinary incidents and actions
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted/not posted)
- Bond conditions
- Bail hearing dates
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case numbers
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned credits
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Release type (completed sentence, posted bond, transferred, etc.)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Conditions of release
The comprehensiveness of these records allows correctional staff to effectively manage inmate populations while ensuring compliance with court orders and statutory requirements.
Kalamazoo County Prison System
The Kalamazoo County correctional system operates under the authority of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the incarceration of individuals within county jurisdiction. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system in Michigan.
The Kalamazoo County Jail houses individuals who:
- Are awaiting trial and unable to post bond
- Have been sentenced to terms of incarceration up to one year
- Are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Are being held on probation or parole violations
- Are detained on immigration holds
The Michigan Department of Corrections, rather than Kalamazoo County, operates state prisons that house individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year. Individuals convicted of more serious felonies in Kalamazoo County courts are typically transferred to state custody after sentencing.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Jail Division is responsible for the safe and secure housing of inmates, providing necessary services including medical care, food service, and programming in accordance with Michigan jail standards.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269-383-8821
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:
Kalamazoo County Jail - Main Facility
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269-383-8726
Jail Information
The main jail facility is a secure detention center that houses the majority of the county's inmate population. This facility accommodates both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The main jail includes intake processing, general population housing units, administrative segregation, and medical housing. The facility has a rated capacity of approximately 327 inmates and provides various services including medical care, commissary, and limited programming.
Kalamazoo County Jail Annex
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269-383-8726
The jail annex is an extension of the main facility that provides additional housing capacity. This facility typically houses minimum and medium security inmates, often those who are serving sentences rather than awaiting trial. The annex offers more programming opportunities and work assignments for eligible inmates.
Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home
1424 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269-385-6000
While not part of the adult correctional system, the Juvenile Home provides secure detention for youth offenders under the age of 17 who are involved in the juvenile justice system. This facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities and focuses on rehabilitation and education.
Kalamazoo County does not operate state prison facilities, as those are managed by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to state custody at facilities located throughout Michigan.
Who's in Prison In Kalamazoo County
The Kalamazoo County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. Understanding who is incarcerated helps provide context for inmate records and the county correctional system.
The jail population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not afford bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
- These individuals comprise approximately 60-70% of the jail population
Sentenced Inmates:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences up to one year
- Persons convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state prison
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Work release participants who work in the community but return to jail during non-working hours
Other Detained Individuals:
- Probation and parole violators
- Individuals held on bench warrants
- Persons detained for civil contempt
- Those awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
The Kalamazoo County Jail population fluctuates daily, with an average daily population of approximately 400 inmates. Demographics reflect the broader community but with disproportionate representation of certain populations consistent with national incarceration trends.
According to data from the Michigan Department of Corrections, the jail population includes individuals charged with or convicted of various offenses, including:
- Drug-related offenses
- Property crimes
- Domestic violence
- Driving under the influence
- Assault and battery
- Probation violations
- Failure to appear in court
The average length of stay varies significantly based on case status, with pre-trial detainees potentially remaining in custody for months while their cases proceed through the court system.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Kalamazoo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Kalamazoo County currently have several methods available to access this information. The county maintains digital systems that allow for efficient searching of basic inmate data.
Online Inmate Search:
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office provides a public inmate search portal that allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals. To use this system:
- Visit the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office inmate search website
- Enter search criteria (at least one field is required):
- Inmate's last name (partial names accepted)
- Subject number (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Optionally, narrow results by selecting "In Custody" and/or specifying booking date ranges
- Click "Search" to view results
- Review the list of matching inmates, which typically displays:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
In-Person Record Requests:
For more detailed inmate records not available online, individuals may submit requests in person:
- Visit the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- 1500 Lamont Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the inmate and records sought
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (currently $0.25 per page)
Written FOIA Requests:
For comprehensive records, submit a formal Freedom of Information Act request:
- Prepare a written request specifying:
- Inmate's full name and date of birth
- Booking number or approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific records requested
- Your contact information
- Submit the request via mail, email, or fax to:
- FOIA Coordinator, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
- 1500 Lamont Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
- Email: sheriff@kalcounty.com
- Fax: 269-383-8848
- Include payment for applicable fees or request a fee waiver
- Allow up to 5 business days for an initial response (extensions may apply)
For state prison inmates who were previously in Kalamazoo County custody but transferred to state facilities, search the Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
How To Find an Inmate in Kalamazoo County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Kalamazoo County can be accomplished through several free methods provided by county and state agencies. These resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify an individual's incarceration status.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup:
The most direct method for finding current inmates is through the county's online database:
- Access the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Inmate Search portal
- Enter the inmate's name (last name is required, first name optional)
- For more specific searches, enter a booking number or subject number if known
- Select "In Custody" to limit results to current inmates
- Review search results showing basic custody information
This system provides real-time information about individuals currently held in Kalamazoo County facilities at no cost to users. The database is updated continuously as inmates are booked or released.
Telephone Verification:
For those without internet access, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office provides inmate information by telephone:
- Call the Kalamazoo County Jail at 269-383-8726
- Follow the automated prompts or request to speak with jail staff
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person you're seeking
- Staff can confirm if the individual is in custody and provide basic information
In-Person Inquiry:
Individuals may visit the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office in person to inquire about an inmate:
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Hours: 24 hours daily (lobby access)
When visiting in person, be prepared to:
- Present your identification
- Provide the full name of the inmate you're seeking
- Specify your relationship to the inmate
Michigan State Corrections Database:
If the person may have been transferred to state custody, check the Michigan Department of Corrections database:
- Visit the Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- Enter the individual's name or identification number
- Review results to determine if they are in state custody
Court Records Search:
Court records can also help locate someone in custody:
- Access the Michigan Courts Case Search
- Search by the individual's name
- Review case information, which may include custody status and location
All these methods provide basic inmate location information at no cost to the requester.
How To Visit an Inmate In Kalamazoo County
Visiting an inmate at the Kalamazoo County Jail requires adherence to specific procedures established to maintain security and order within the facility. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office has implemented the following visitation policies:
Visit Schedule:
The Kalamazoo County Jail currently operates on a structured visitation schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday through Sunday
- Male inmates: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Female inmates: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Maximum security and special management: Tuesday only, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- No visits on Mondays (reserved for court appearances and facility maintenance)
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session. Each inmate is permitted two visits per week.
Visit Registration Procedures:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time
- Register at the visitation desk in the jail lobby
- Present valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
- Complete a visitor registration form
- Submit to security screening procedures
Visitor Eligibility:
According to Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6607, the following visitor restrictions apply:
- Visitors must be 18 years or older (minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Individuals on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors with pending criminal charges may be denied entry
- Maximum of two visitors per inmate per session
Dress Code Requirements:
Visitors must adhere to the following dress code:
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
- No gang-related attire or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required
- No hats, hoods, or sunglasses
- No excessively baggy clothing
Items Permitted During Visits:
Visitors may bring:
- Identification
- Car keys
- Up to $50 in cash for the commissary kiosk
- Necessary medications (must be declared)
Prohibited Items:
The following items are strictly prohibited:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Writing implements
- Papers or documents (unless pre-approved legal materials)
Video Visitation Option:
The Kalamazoo County Jail also offers remote video visitation:
- Register online through the jail information portal
- Schedule a video visit at least 24 hours in advance
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 per 20-minute session)
- Connect using a computer with webcam or compatible mobile device
Special Visits:
Attorney visits, clergy visits, and other professional visits operate under different protocols:
- Available seven days a week during designated hours
- Require professional credentials
- Conducted in non-contact professional visitation rooms
- Not counted against regular visitation privileges
Visitors who violate jail rules may have visitation privileges suspended or revoked in accordance with facility policies.
How To Send Money to a Kalamazoo County Inmate
Individuals in custody at the Kalamazoo County Jail are permitted to maintain inmate accounts for purchasing commissary items and services. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into these accounts.
Online Deposits:
The most convenient method for sending money is through the jail's contracted service provider:
- Visit the Kalamazoo County Jail Information page
- Select the "Inmate Commissary" link
- Create an account or log in to the secure payment portal
- Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
- Select the deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Save the confirmation receipt
Online deposits are typically posted to inmate accounts within 24 hours. A service fee of $2.50-$7.95 applies, depending on the deposit amount.
Lobby Kiosk Deposits:
Cash deposits can be made in person:
- Visit the Kalamazoo County Jail lobby
- 1500 Lamont Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
- Available 24 hours daily
- Use the automated kiosk in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions to identify the inmate
- Insert cash into the machine (accepts $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills)
- Obtain and keep the printed receipt
Kiosk deposits are typically posted to inmate accounts within 1-2 hours. A service fee of $2.00 applies to all kiosk transactions.
Money Order Deposits:
For those preferring postal mail:
- Purchase a money order (no personal checks accepted)
- Make payable to "Kalamazoo County Jail" with the inmate's name and booking number in the memo line
- Complete a money order deposit form (available on the county website)
- Mail to:
- Inmate Accounts
- Kalamazoo County Jail
- 1500 Lamont Avenue
- Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Money orders typically post to inmate accounts within 3-5 business days after receipt. No fee is charged for money order deposits.
Deposit Limits and Restrictions:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposits: $500 per inmate
- Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
- Funds from unknown sources may be rejected
- Deposits may be subject to collection for court-ordered financial obligations
Permitted Uses of Funds:
Inmates may use account funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Release funds
Prohibited Uses:
Inmate funds cannot be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Fines or court costs (unless specifically authorized)
- Transfers to other inmates
- Outside purchases
- Staff gratuities
Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account is returned via debit card or check. Unclaimed funds are handled according to Michigan's Unclaimed Property Act.
How To Send Jail Mail In Kalamazoo County
Correspondence with inmates at the Kalamazoo County Jail is subject to specific guidelines established to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain outside communication. All mail must comply with these regulations to ensure delivery.
Mailing Address Format:
All mail must be addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Kalamazoo County Jail
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
The sender's full name and complete return address must appear in the upper left corner of the envelope. Mail without a return address will not be delivered.
Permitted Mail Items:
The following items are permitted:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, pop-up, or oversized cards)
- Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4"x6", no Polaroids)
- Money orders (must be made payable to the inmate)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Paperback books and magazines (must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor)
Prohibited Mail Items:
The following items are prohibited and will result in the entire mail item being rejected:
- Packages of any kind
- Hardcover books
- Personal checks or cash
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Polaroid photographs
- Nude or sexually explicit photographs
- Gang-related materials
- Items containing biohazards
- Plastic, metal, or wooden items
- Food items or contraband
Mail Inspection Procedures:
Pursuant to Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6603, all non-privileged mail is subject to inspection and may be opened, read, and examined for contraband. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government officials will be opened in the presence of the inmate.
Electronic Messaging Option:
The Kalamazoo County Jail offers a secure electronic messaging system:
- Visit the jail information portal
- Register for an account with the messaging service
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages (subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail)
- Attach up to two photographs per message (additional fees apply)
Electronic messages cost $0.50 per message and are typically delivered within 24 hours.
Mail Rejection Notices:
If mail is rejected:
- The inmate will receive written notification of the rejection
- The sender may receive notification depending on the reason for rejection
- Appeals of mail rejections must be submitted in writing to the Jail Administrator within 7 days
Publication Deliveries:
Inmates may receive magazines and newspapers under these conditions:
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
- Subject to content review by jail staff
- Limited to 3 publications in possession at one time
- Hardcover books are prohibited
Mail delivery typically occurs Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Inmates are generally permitted to keep up to 10 personal letters and 5 photographs in their possession at any time.
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