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To find inmate records in Hillsdale County, Michigan, you can start by searching online through the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office official website, which may provide inmate lookup tools or contact information. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) offers an online Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) at www.michigan.gov/corrections, where you can search for inmates held in state correctional facilities, though this does not always include county jail inmates. For local records, visit or contact the Hillsdale County Jail, operated by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, located at 165 W Fayette St, Hillsdale, MI 49242—phone (517) 437-7317—to request inmate information in person or by phone. The Sheriff's Office can guide you regarding visitation, inmate status, and release dates. Additionally, court records related to inmates can be accessed at the Hillsdale County Clerk’s Office or the relevant district or circuit court. Always ensure you have the correct spelling of the inmate’s name and, if possible, their birth date for more accurate results.

How to Find an Inmate in Hillsdale County, MI

Inmate records for Hillsdale County, MI, are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is housed in the local jail, a Michigan state prison, or in federal custody. Use the table below to find the correct resource and method for your search.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Michigan DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesmdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2Search all Michigan Department of Corrections facilities. Not for county jail or federal inmates.
VINE Inmate SearchLocal jail and state prison inmatesvinelink.com or call 866-277-7477Victim notification service; provides custody status and facility location.
Hillsdale Jail / Sheriff’s OfficeLocal jail inmatesCall (517) 437-7317 or visit 165 W Fayette St, Hillsdale, MI 49242No online roster; call or visit the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office for local inmate info.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmates nationwidebop.gov/inmatelocNo federal prisons in Hillsdale County; Michigan's federal inmates are often held at Milan FCI (Washtenaw County) or other regional facilities.
In-Person Records RequestLocal jail inmate recordsVisit 165 W Fayette St, Hillsdale, MI 49242Request records at the Sheriff’s Office; photo ID may be required.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Hillsdale County

After an arrest in Hillsdale County, individuals are transported to the county jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are then assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4 and 8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficOWI, driving while license suspendedCommon1–3 days or until bond/posting
Drug OffensesPossession of methamphetamine, marijuanaCommon1–7 days or until arraignment
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, aggravated assaultCommon2–5 days or until court appearance
Property CrimesTheft, burglary, larcenyOccasional1–5 days or until bond/posting
Failure to AppearMissed court datesCommon1–3 days or until next court date
Outstanding WarrantsArrests on existing warrantsCommon1–3 days or until resolved in court
Felony (Pre-Trial)Burglary 2nd degree, drug traffickingOccasionalDays to weeks—sentenced offenders transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Hillsdale County Jail

Before planning your visit to the Hillsdale County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayConfirm with facilityIn-person/RemoteCall ahead for schedule
Tuesday9 AM – 11 AM; 1 PM – 4 PMIn-person
WednesdayConfirm with facilityIn-person/RemoteCall ahead for schedule
Thursday9 AM – 11 AM; 1 PM – 4 PMIn-person
FridayConfirm with facilityIn-person/RemoteCall ahead for schedule
Saturday9 AM – 11 AMIn-person
Sunday1 PM – 4 PMIn-person

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo identification required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire; no revealing or offensive clothing allowed.
Prohibited ItemsNo phones, bags, weapons, or other contraband permitted.
Visitor Approval ProcessVisitors must be pre-approved and listed on the inmate’s visitor list.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsScheduled separately and not during regular visiting hours.

How to Contact an Inmate at Hillsdale County Jail

Inmates at Hillsdale County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for security. Use the proper mailing address and follow all jail rules when reaching out.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Hillsdale County Jail
165 W Fayette St, Hillsdale, MI 49242

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates make outbound calls via [Provider].Add funds to inmate's phone account via [Provider].Calls are monitored; no incoming calls allowed.
Physical MailSend letters to the jail using the provided address.No setup required for the sender.No contraband, polaroids, or explicit content; inspected for security.
Digital MessagingSend and receive secure messages via [Provider] platform.Register and fund an account through [Provider].Messages are monitored; no attachments with contraband.
Video CallsVideo visitation scheduled and conducted through [Provider].Set up an account with [Provider] and schedule call.Calls are monitored; proper attire and behavior required.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Hillsdale County

The Michigan Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, helping to determine eligibility and conditions for release. State and community-based programs provide reentry support in Hillsdale County, assisting returning citizens with housing, employment, benefits, and supervision.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Michigan Board of ParoleDecides parole eligibility and release conditions for state prisoners.State-sentenced offendershttps://www.michigan.gov/corrections/oversight/board-of-parole
Good Time / Sentence ReductionSentence credits and reductions based on eligible participation and compliance (MDOC policies).Incarcerated individualshttps://www.michigan.gov/corrections
Parole SupervisionSupervision, monitoring, and support for parolees reentering Hillsdale County.Individuals granted parole50 Care Drive, Suite A, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 439-4310
Reentry HousingTransitional and supportive housing programs for returning citizens.Recently released individualsMichigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative: https://www.michigan.gov/mdoc
Employment AssistanceJob readiness, training, and placement services for ex-offenders.Parolees, recently released individualsMichigan Works! Southeast – Hillsdale: https://www.mwse.org/locations/hillsdale/
Benefits RestorationHelp restoring or applying for Medicaid, Social Security, and other benefits upon release.Returning citizensMDHHS Hillsdale County: 40 Care Dr, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 439-2200
VINE Victim NotificationVictim notification system for custody status changes.Crime victimshttps://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/23000

Hillsdale Incarceration Statistics

Hillsdale County generally experiences lower overall crime rates compared to Michigan’s urban centers, but property crime and drug offenses remain persistent concerns. The county does not maintain its own dedicated jail; instead, local inmates are held at the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Corrections Facility.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)58149 (statewide)10%→ Stable
— Assault41105 (statewide)7%→ Stable
— Robbery615 (statewide)1%↑ Increasing
— Homicide03 (statewide)<1%→ Stable
Property Crime (total)300770 (statewide)53%→ Stable
— Theft / Larceny185480 (statewide)33%→ Stable
— Burglary62160 (statewide)12%↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft519 (statewide)1%→ Stable
Drug Offenses90210 (statewide)16%↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic53110 (statewide)9%→ Stable
Domestic Violence65130 (statewide)12%↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
GenderMale: 88%, Female: 12%Statewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 16%, 25–34: 32%, 35–44: 27%, 45+: 25%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 62%, Black: 32%, Hispanic: 4%, Other: 2%Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug offenses, property crimes, assaultRegional facility data
Avg. Sentence Length2.4 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate28%Statewide 3-year rate

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Hillsdale County?

As of the latest estimate, approximately 75 individuals are held in local custody within Hillsdale County facilities. Sentenced offenders requiring longer terms may be transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections state facility.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)5269%$8087%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)1317%$7575%
Transferred to State Facility811%N/AN/A
Federal Holds23%$9520%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/A0%
Total75100%

Hillsdale County Facility Directory

Hillsdale County operates one primary correctional facility: the county jail, which houses adult detainees. The county does not have separate youth, work release, or specialty facilities; juveniles may be held in regional facilities as required.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Hillsdale County JailCounty Jail165 W Fayette St, Hillsdale MI6750Medium/Maximum

Hillsdale County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Hillsdale County Jail
165 West Fayette Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242
517-437-7317
517-437-0822