Search Mason County, MI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Mason County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Mason County, MI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Mason County
- Visitation Rules at Mason County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Mason County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Mason County
- Mason Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Mason County?
- Mason County Facility Directory
- Mason Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Mason County, Michigan, you have several options both online and offline. For online searches, start with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office official website, which may provide an inmate roster or details on current jail inmates. If the website lacks searchable records, consider contacting the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which provides statewide offender information at https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/. Offline, you can visit or call the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, located at 302 N Delia Street, Ludington, MI 49431 (phone: 231-843-3475), to request information about current inmates or public jail records—note that some information may require a formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Additionally, the Mason County Courthouse or local district court may have criminal court records related to inmates. Always check with the Sheriff’s Office for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on accessing inmate records.
How to Find an Inmate in Mason County, MI
Inmate records for Mason County, MI can be accessed online or in person depending on the type of facility the individual is held in—local (county jail), state prison, or federal custody. Use the appropriate search tool below to locate accurate records.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason County Sheriff’s Office | Current county jail inmates | Mason County Inmate Search or call (231) 843-3475 | Local jail roster; address: 302 N Delia St, Ludington, MI 49431 |
| Michigan DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2.html | Search statewide prison offenders; excludes county jail and federal inmates |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status (jail, prison) | vinelink.com | Register for notifications about changes to custody status; covers local and state facilities |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | bop.gov/inmateloc/ | No federal prisons in Michigan; most federal inmates from Michigan are held in institutions in neighboring states (e.g., FCI Milan or out-of-state) |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail inmate records (local only) | Visit Mason County Sheriff's Office at 302 N Delia St, Ludington, MI | Bring ID; office phone: (231) 843-3475; business hours typically Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Mason County
After arrest in Mason County, individuals are transported to the jail, where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and a housing assignment. The booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), Driving With Suspended License | High | 8–72 hours or until court appearance |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of Controlled Substances, Paraphernalia | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until court arrangement |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Battery | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Larceny, Vandalism | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until bail/court hearing |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | High | Until resolution or new court date set |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench Warrant, Arrest Warrant | Moderate | Varies; until bail or transferred |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Felonious Assault, Drug Delivery, Burglary | Low | Until trial; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Mason County Jail
Before planning a visit to Mason County Jail, please verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and confirm you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No phones, bags, cameras, or personal items allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and appear on the inmate’s approved list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special visits allowed; scheduled separately from regular visitation hours. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Mason County Jail
Inmates at Mason County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for security. Please follow the guidelines below for each contact method.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Mason County Jail
302 N Delia St, Ludington, MI 49431
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates place outgoing collect/prepaid calls via [Provider]. | Set up a prepaid account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls are recorded and may be monitored. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters through USPS following facility guidelines. | No setup required; just use correct address format. | No cash, stamps, or contraband; content is screened and restricted. |
| Digital Messaging | Message with [Provider] app/website; messages delivered electronically. | Register and fund an account on [Provider]. | Messages are monitored; attachments may be limited or prohibited. |
| Video Calls | Schedule remote video visits through [Provider]. | Create an account and schedule on [Provider]. | All visits monitored; dress code and conduct rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Mason County
The Michigan Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, ensuring appropriate review and release processes. Individuals returning to Mason County can access various reentry programs, with support available through state agencies and local community-based resources.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Board of Parole | Reviews cases and makes parole decisions for eligible state prisoners. | State-sentenced inmates | https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/doing-business/parole |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Michigan currently does not have a "good time" law, but sentencing credits may apply in specific cases (e.g., jail credits or special program credits). | Incarcerated individuals with eligible credits | Contact facility case manager; MDOC general info: (517) 335-1426 |
| Parole Supervision | Provides supervision and support to parolees returning to the community. | Released parolees residing in Mason County | Ludington Parole & Probation Office 565 N. Rath Ave., Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 845-6131 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists parolees with transitional and supportive housing options upon release. | Recently released individuals | Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/offender-success/reentry or local MDOC office |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness and placement, resume workshops, and workforce training tailored for returning citizens. | Justice-involved individuals | Michigan Works! West Central - Mason County 5722 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 845-3660 https://www.michiganworks.org/ |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Individuals leaving incarceration | MDHHS Mason County Office 915 Diana St., Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 845-7381 https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated notification system for crime victims about offender custody status. | Victims of crime | https://vinelink.vineapps.com/state/MI/ENGLISH |
Mason Incarceration Statistics
Mason County, Michigan, experiences crime and incarceration rates in line with similar rural counties in the region. The county does not operate its own dedicated jail; instead, inmates are typically housed at the Mason County Jail in Ludington, which also serves regional needs.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 60 | 265 | 13% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Assault | 47 | 208 | 10% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 6 | 27 | 1% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 | 4 | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 375 | 1,656 | 80% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 280 | 1,237 | 61% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 70 | 309 | 13% | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 25 | 110 | 6% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 22 | 97 | 5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 18 | 80 | 3% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 21 | 93 | 4% | ↑ Increasing |
Source: Michigan Incident Crime Reporting, FBI UCR, latest available (2022).
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 76% Male, 24% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 18%, 25–34: 29%, 35–44: 26%, 45+: 27% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 67%, Black: 27%, Other: 6% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Property, Drug, Violent Crimes | Consistent with state data |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.8 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 28% (within 3 years) | Statewide 3-year rate |
Sources: Michigan Department of Corrections 2022 Annual Report. Mason County-specific data is limited; statewide averages applied where indicated.
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Mason County?
As of the latest estimate, Mason County is holding approximately 145 inmates in local custody. Offenders serving longer sentences may be transferred to a state facility after sentencing.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 80 | 55% | $85 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 35 | 24% | $85 | 35% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 20 | 14% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 5 | 3% | $88 | 10% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 5 | 4% | $160 | 20% |
| Total | 145 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Mason County Facility Directory
Mason County operates 1 correctional facility: a county jail. Local detainees are housed at the Mason County Jail.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason County Jail | County Jail | 411 N 4th St, Shelton, WA | 144 | ~120 | Medium |
Mason County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support