Washtenaw County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Washtenaw County?
Inmate records in Washtenaw County are official government documents maintained by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230a, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all persons committed to their custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document the physical custody and daily management of incarcerated individuals
- Court records are maintained by the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
- Inmate records are maintained by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:
- Records are initiated during the booking and intake process
- Information is continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
- Documentation includes behavioral incidents, program participation, and visitation
- Records are administratively closed upon the individual's release from custody
The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records for individuals housed in county facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Washtenaw County?
Inmate records in Washtenaw County are generally considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Act 442 of 1976. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including certain information about individuals in custody. However, access is subject to specific limitations and exemptions designed to protect privacy, security, and ongoing investigations.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (date and time of arrest)
- Charges filed against the individual
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Certain information within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.243, including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Records related to juveniles
- Information that would interfere with ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking inmate information may access basic details through the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system or by submitting a formal FOIA request for more detailed records.
What's Included Inmate Records in Washtenaw County
Inmate records in Washtenaw 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
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment
- Disciplinary incidents and actions
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
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
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes and dispositions
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Actual release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
This information is maintained in secure databases by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and is updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration.
Washtenaw County Prison System
The Washtenaw County correctional system operates under the authority of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody, care, and control of individuals who are awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to one year. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system:
- County jails house individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year), or awaiting transfer to state facilities
- State prisons, operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year
The Washtenaw County jail system focuses on short-term custody, pre-trial detention, and rehabilitation programs for those serving shorter sentences. The system operates under the guidelines established in Michigan Compiled Laws § 801.1, which governs county jails and correctional facilities.
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-971-3420
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of all county correctional facilities and is responsible for implementing policies that ensure the safety, security, and constitutional rights of all individuals in custody.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County operates several types of correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:
Washtenaw County Jail
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-973-4500
Washtenaw County Jail
The main county jail facility houses the majority of the county's inmate population. This facility includes:
- Maximum security housing units
- Medium security housing units
- Minimum security housing units
- Special management units for individuals requiring protective custody or enhanced supervision
- Medical and mental health units
Washtenaw County Community Corrections
4101 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-973-4440
Community Corrections
This facility focuses on alternative sentencing programs and community-based supervision, including:
- Work release programs
- Electronic monitoring
- Day reporting
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Community service coordination
Washtenaw County Juvenile Detention Center
4125 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-973-4500
Juvenile Detention Center
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) who are awaiting adjudication or serving court-ordered detention. The facility provides:
- Secure housing for juveniles
- Educational programming
- Counseling services
- Family support services
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and programming designed to address the needs of its particular population while maintaining public safety.
Who's in Prison In Washtenaw County
The Washtenaw County correctional facilities house several categories of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Individuals awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
- Those serving weekend sentences or intermittent confinement
- Individuals participating in work release programs while serving their sentences
Felony Offenders (Short-term):
- Individuals convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state prison
- Those serving the beginning portion of their sentence before transfer
- Individuals returned from state custody for court appearances
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation
- Parolees who have violated conditions of their parole
- Those awaiting revocation hearings or new sentencing
Other Categories:
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
- Those awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
- Individuals serving contempt of court sentences
According to data from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, the average daily population fluctuates between 350-400 inmates, with approximately 60% being pre-trial detainees and 40% serving sentences. The demographic composition generally reflects broader county demographics, though with disproportionate representation of certain groups consistent with national incarceration trends.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Washtenaw County in 2026
Washtenaw County provides several methods for searching inmate records. Members of the public may utilize the following resources to locate information about individuals currently in custody:
Online Inmate Lookup System:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Corrections" section
- Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
- Note that the system only displays information for currently incarcerated individuals
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay any applicable fees for record copies
- Allow processing time as specified by staff
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-973-4977
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
FOIA Requests for Detailed Records:
- Submit a written FOIA request to the Washtenaw County FOIA Coordinator
- Clearly identify the records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying
- Allow up to 5 business days for an initial response (extensions may apply)
Washtenaw County FOIA Coordinator
220 North Main Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-6655
For third-party requests, be aware that certain information may be redacted pursuant to privacy exemptions under Michigan FOIA law. Attorneys of record, legal representatives, and immediate family members may have access to additional information not available to the general public.
How To Find an Inmate in Washtenaw County for Free?
Washtenaw County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody. These free resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other concerned parties verify an individual's incarceration status:
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal
- Enter the individual's last name and first name
- For more specific results, include date of birth if known
- Review the search results, which include current housing location and basic case information
- Note that this system only displays currently incarcerated individuals
Telephone Information System:
- Call the Washtenaw County Jail Information Line at 734-973-4500
- Follow the automated prompts to search for an inmate
- Provide the full name of the individual you are seeking
- Automated system will confirm if the person is in custody
- For additional information, you may need to speak with a corrections officer
Visiting the Sheriff's Office Reception Desk:
- Go to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office during business hours
- Request inmate location information from the reception desk
- Provide the full name of the individual you are seeking
- Staff can confirm if the person is in custody and provide basic information
- No fee is charged for this basic verification service
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Information Desk Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, seven days a week
When searching for an inmate, having the following information ready will expedite the process:
- Full legal name (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
These free services provide basic custody information only. For more detailed records, a formal FOIA request may be necessary, which could involve processing fees.
How To Visit an Inmate In Washtenaw County
Visiting an inmate at Washtenaw County correctional facilities requires adherence to established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits are subject to the regulations established under Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6607, which governs visitation in correctional facilities.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may add or remove visitors by submitting the appropriate form
- Visitors must register at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit time
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- No visits on Mondays (reserved for facility maintenance)
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes during high-volume periods
- Maximum of two adult visitors per inmate per session
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Medications needed during visit time (must be declared)
- Up to $20 in quarters for vending machines (bills not accepted)
- Baby supplies if visiting with infant (clear bottles, single diaper)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Outerwear (coats, jackets, hats)
Dress Code:
- Conservative, modest clothing required
- No revealing or provocative attire
- No clothing resembling inmate uniforms
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- Shoes and shirts required
- No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or crop tops
- No shorts above mid-thigh
- No see-through or tight-fitting clothing
Visit Types:
- Contact visits (general population)
- Non-contact visits (high-security inmates)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy)
- Virtual visits (video visitation available for certain housing units)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Visitors with active warrants will be subject to arrest
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Visitors on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
Washtenaw County Jail Visitation Center
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Visitation Information Line: 734-973-4148
How To Send Money to a Washtenaw County Inmate
Washtenaw County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, make phone calls, and pay for certain services.
In-Person Cash Deposits:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Jail lobby kiosk
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Insert cash into the kiosk (machine accepts $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills)
- Obtain and keep the printed receipt
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours
Washtenaw County Jail Lobby
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Kiosk Hours: 24 hours daily
Online Credit/Debit Card Deposits:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Inmate Trust Fund portal
- Create an account or log in to existing account
- Select the inmate by name and ID number
- Enter the deposit amount
- Provide credit/debit card information
- Complete the transaction and save the confirmation number
- Funds are typically available within 24 hours
Phone Deposits:
- Call the automated system at 866-345-1884
- Follow voice prompts to make a deposit
- Provide inmate information and payment details
- Service available 24/7
- Transaction fees apply
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Washtenaw County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or letters with the money order
- Mail to:
Washtenaw County Inmate Trust Fund
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- In-person kiosk fee: $2.00 per transaction
- Online/phone deposit fee: $2.95 for deposits up to $20.00
- Online/phone deposit fee: $6.95 for deposits $20.01-$100.00
- Online/phone deposit fee: $9.95 for deposits $100.01-$300.00
- No fee for money orders sent by mail
Funds Usage Regulations:
- Funds may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Funds may be used for telephone calls
- Funds may be used for medical co-pays
- Funds cannot be used to purchase prohibited items
- Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
- Certain court-ordered financial obligations may be deducted from accounts
Upon release, any remaining balance in the inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check, depending on the amount and facility procedures.
How To Send Jail Mail In Washtenaw County
Correspondence with inmates in Washtenaw County correctional facilities is subject to specific guidelines designed to maintain security while allowing important communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail procedures comply with Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6603, which governs mail in correctional facilities.
Regular Mail Guidelines:
- Address envelopes clearly with inmate's full name, ID number, and facility address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Washtenaw County Jail
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Include your complete return address on the envelope
- Use standard white or manila envelopes only
- Letters must be written on plain white paper
- Use blue or black ink only (no markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.)
- Do not use perfume, lipstick, stickers, glitter, or other decorations
- Do not send cash, checks, or money orders in regular mail
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, from approved publishers)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Newspaper clippings (maximum 5 per envelope)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Plastic or cardboard items
- Stamps or envelopes
- Food items or candy
- Clothing or fabric items
- Artwork using crayon, marker, or paint
- Any items containing biohazards or unknown substances
Legal Mail:
- Clearly mark envelope "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Include attorney bar number on the envelope
- Legal mail must come from an attorney, court, or legal agency
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff
Books and Publications:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per package
- Subject to content review by facility staff
- Address package to inmate with clear identification as books
Mail Processing Times:
- Regular mail is typically processed within 24-48 hours of receipt
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery
- Contraband items will be rejected and either returned to sender or destroyed
- Inmates are notified in writing when mail is rejected
Mail privileges may be restricted for inmates who violate facility rules or when specific security concerns arise. For questions regarding mail policies, contact the Washtenaw County Jail at 734-973-4500.