Montcalm County Public Records /Montcalm County Inmate Search

Montcalm County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Montcalm County?

Inmate records in Montcalm County are official government documents maintained by the Montcalm 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 and maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230, which establishes requirements for documentation of persons in custody.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document the judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions maintained by the Montcalm County Courts, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and supervision of individuals within the correctional system. The Montcalm County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records for county-level detentions.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, law enforcement personnel collect identifying information, photograph the individual, document personal property, and record the charges for which the person is being detained. Throughout the period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect:

Changes in custody status
Disciplinary actions
Visitation logs
Medical information
Court appearances
Classification assessments
Program participation

Upon release from custody, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains on file with the Sheriff's Office in accordance with Michigan's record retention requirements.

Are Inmate Records Public In Montcalm County?

Inmate records in Montcalm County are generally considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, access to these records is subject to specific limitations and exemptions designed to protect privacy interests and maintain security.

Pursuant to Michigan law, certain basic information about current inmates is readily available to the public, including:

Full name and booking photograph (mugshot)
Current charges
Booking date
Custody status
Bond/bail amount
Scheduled court dates
Expected release date (if sentenced)
Current housing facility

However, not all information contained within inmate records is publicly accessible. Under MCL 15.243, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
Information that would compromise facility security
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Montcalm County may access basic custody information through the county's online inmate lookup system or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. More comprehensive records may require submission of a formal FOIA request to the appropriate records custodian.

What's Included Inmate Records in Montcalm County

Inmate records maintained by the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive collection of information documenting an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. 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 such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Gender
Race/ethnicity

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Booking number and inmate identification number
Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level
Disciplinary records during incarceration
Property inventory

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Offense dates
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned to case
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned credits
Parole eligibility date
Probation terms

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (completed sentence, bond, transfer)
Release conditions
Supervision requirements

The specific content of inmate records may vary based on the individual's status within the criminal justice system and the nature of their case.

Montcalm County Prison System

The Montcalm County correctional system operates under the authority of the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and administering the county's detention facilities. The county operates a local jail facility designed primarily for pre-trial detention and the incarceration of individuals serving sentences of less than one year, as prescribed by Michigan state law.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Montcalm County Jail houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving short-term sentences for misdemeanors or less serious felonies, or awaiting transfer to state facilities. In contrast, the Michigan Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving longer sentences.

The Montcalm County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the jail operations, can be contacted at:

Montcalm County Sheriff's Office
659 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone: (989) 831-7590
Montcalm County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains responsibility for all aspects of jail operations, including inmate supervision, facility security, inmate transportation, and record-keeping. The office operates under the direction of the elected Sheriff of Montcalm County and in accordance with Michigan state laws governing corrections and detention facilities.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Montcalm County

Montcalm County maintains a single primary correctional facility to serve the detention needs of the county's criminal justice system. This facility operates under the direct supervision of the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office:

Montcalm County Jail
659 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone: (989) 831-7593
Montcalm County Jail Services

The Montcalm County Jail is a medium-security detention facility designed to house adult offenders (18 years and older) who are:

Awaiting arraignment
Awaiting trial
Serving sentences of less than one year
Awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Being held on probation or parole violations
Being detained on behalf of other jurisdictions

The facility provides various services to inmates, including:

Medical and mental health services
Religious services
Commissary access
Visitation opportunities
Limited educational programming
Court video conferencing capabilities

Montcalm County does not operate specialized correctional facilities such as work release centers, juvenile detention centers, or minimum-security facilities. Juveniles who are detained are typically housed in regional juvenile detention facilities through agreements with neighboring counties or the state.

Individuals requiring specialized housing due to mental health needs, protective custody requirements, or other special circumstances may be accommodated within designated sections of the main jail facility or, when necessary, transferred to appropriate state facilities that can provide specialized care and supervision.

Who's in Prison In Montcalm County

The Montcalm County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility primarily accommodates:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment
Defendants who have been arraigned but are awaiting trial
Persons who have been unable to post bail or bond
Individuals deemed flight risks or dangers to the community

Sentenced Offenders:

Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to 1 year)
Individuals serving short-term felony sentences as determined by the court
Offenders awaiting transfer to Michigan Department of Corrections facilities
Individuals serving intermittent sentences (such as weekend confinements)

Other Detainees:

Persons held on probation or parole violations
Individuals detained on behalf of other jurisdictions (including federal detainees)
Persons held on civil commitments or contempt of court
Individuals awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions

The jail population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing patterns within the county. According to data from the Michigan Department of Corrections, the typical daily population consists predominantly of male inmates, with females comprising approximately 15-20% of the total jail population.

The Montcalm County Jail does not house juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) unless they have been waived to adult court and are being prosecuted as adults. Additionally, individuals with severe mental health conditions requiring specialized treatment may be transferred to appropriate mental health facilities rather than remaining in the general jail population.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Montcalm County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in the Montcalm County Jail have several methods available to access basic inmate records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Montcalm County Case Search portal
Select the "Inmate Search" option from the available search types
Enter the required search criteria (at minimum, last name is required)
Additional search parameters such as first name, date of birth, or booking number may be used to narrow results
Review the search results, which typically include name, booking date, charges, and custody status
Note that photographs and detailed custody information may require additional steps to access

Automated Telephone System:

Call the Montcalm County Jail's automated information line at (989) 831-7592
Follow the voice prompts to search for an inmate
Be prepared to provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth
The system will provide basic information about custody status and court dates

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Request inmate information from the records clerk or jail administrator
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Present identification if requesting detailed information
Be aware that certain information may require a formal FOIA request

Written Request:

Submit a written request to: Montcalm County Sheriff's Office Attn: Records Division 659 N. State Street Stanton, MI 48888
Include the full name of the inmate, date of birth (if known), and specific information requested
Provide your contact information for response
Include any applicable fees for record reproduction (currently $1.00 per page)

For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information, individuals may need to submit a formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.

How To Find an Inmate in Montcalm County for Free?

Montcalm County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals currently held in the county jail system. These free resources are designed to provide basic custody information to family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties:

County Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Jail Services section
Select the inmate search function
Enter the individual's last name (minimum requirement)
Add first name or date of birth if available to narrow results
Review the basic information provided, which typically includes:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if scheduled)

VINE Notification System:

Visit the VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) website
Register for a free account
Search for the inmate by name
Receive basic custody information
Optionally register for automated notifications regarding changes in custody status

Telephone Information:

Call the Montcalm County Jail's automated information line at (989) 831-7592
Follow the prompts to search by inmate name
Receive automated information about current custody status and scheduled court dates

Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system provides free online access to information about offenders under state supervision.

When using these free resources, please note that the information provided is limited to basic custody details. More comprehensive records may require formal requests and associated fees. Additionally, information about recently arrested individuals may not be immediately available in these systems until the booking process is complete.

How To Visit an Inmate In Montcalm County

Visitation with inmates at the Montcalm County Jail is governed by specific policies designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
A maximum of two visitors are allowed per visit
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area

Visit Schedule:

Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
No visits on holidays or during facility lockdowns

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medication needed during visit time (must be declared and approved)
Infant necessities if visiting with a baby (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Money exceeding $20 in cash
Letters, photos, or items for inmates

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Contact visits are not permitted at the Montcalm County Jail
All visits are conducted through secure video visitation terminals
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) may be conducted in designated areas

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with felony convictions within the past five years may be denied visitation
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact the Montcalm County Jail at (989) 831-7593. All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations in accordance with Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6607, which governs visitation in correctional facilities.

How To Send Money to a Montcalm County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Montcalm County Jail have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used by inmates to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, or cover other approved expenses.

Approved Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits:
- Visit the jail's approved third-party payment processor website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Montcalm County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the lobby kiosk at the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or use credit/debit card
- Obtain and retain receipt
- Nominal service fee applies
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to "Montcalm County Jail" with inmate's name and ID in memo line
- Mail to: Montcalm County Jail Inmate Accounts 659 N. State Street Stanton, MI 48888
- Do not send cash or personal checks
- No service fee for this method

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Maximum account balance allowed: $1,000.00

Deposit Fees:

Online deposits: 5-8% of deposit amount
Kiosk deposits: $2.50 flat fee
Money order deposits: No fee

Prohibited Items:

Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
Personal checks are not accepted
Third-party checks are not accepted
Cashier's checks from non-verified sources may be rejected

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls and video visitation sessions
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Release funds

Restricted Uses:

Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
Money cannot be used to purchase prohibited items
Funds cannot be used to pay fines or court costs directly (must be processed separately)
Deposits suspected of being associated with illegal activity will be investigated

All funds remaining in an inmate's account upon release will be returned via debit card or check. Questions regarding inmate accounts should be directed to the Montcalm County Jail at (989) 831-7593 during regular business hours.

How To Send Jail Mail In Montcalm County

Correspondence with inmates at the Montcalm County Jail is permitted but subject to specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security and safety. All incoming and outgoing mail, except privileged legal correspondence, is subject to inspection and screening in accordance with Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6603.

Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Montcalm County Jail
659 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888

Approved Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
Money orders (must be made payable to the inmate)
Legal documents
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Hardcover books or magazines
Newspapers or periodicals (must be sent directly from publisher)
Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Cash or personal checks
Postage stamps or envelopes
Items containing perfume, lipstick, or unknown substances
Sexually explicit or obscene materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting weapons or violence
Correspondence containing threats or criminal activity

Mail Inspection Process:

All non-privileged mail is opened and inspected by jail staff
Contraband items will be confiscated and may result in criminal charges
Mail containing unauthorized items will be returned to sender or destroyed
Legal mail will be opened in the presence of the inmate

Sending Books and Publications:

Books must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books accepted)
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
All publications are subject to content review
Religious texts are permitted but subject to security screening

E-Messages: The Montcalm County Jail currently offers a digital messaging system for communication with inmates:

Create an account on the jail's approved messaging platform
Purchase message credits
Compose and send messages (subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail)
Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after screening

Violation of mail policies may result in restrictions on an inmate's mail privileges. Questions regarding mail policies should be directed to the Montcalm County Jail at (989) 831-7593 during regular business hours.