Hillsdale County Public Records /Hillsdale County Inmate Search

Hillsdale County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Hillsdale County?

Inmate records in Hillsdale County are official documents created and maintained by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office and its correctional facilities to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the Hillsdale County Circuit Court maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.

The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and capture a booking photograph. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., public bodies—including sheriff's offices—are required to make public records available to any person upon request, subject to specific exemptions.

Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office 165 W. Fayette St., Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 437-7317 Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office

Are Inmate Records Public In Hillsdale County?

Inmate records in Hillsdale County are generally considered public records under Michigan law. Pursuant to MCL § 15.232, a "public record" includes any writing prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Because the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office is a public body, the custody records it maintains are subject to disclosure unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

The following categories of information are currently accessible to members of the public:

Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the county jail
Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
Charges filed — the specific criminal charges associated with each detainee
Booking photographs (mugshots) — captured at intake
Bond and bail amounts — the financial conditions of release set by the court
Expected release dates — where available and not restricted by court order
Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held

Certain records may be withheld if disclosure would interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation, endanger a person's safety, or violate a court-issued protective order, consistent with the exemptions enumerated under MCL § 15.243.

What's Included Inmate Records in Hillsdale County

Inmate records maintained by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office contain multiple categories of information compiled throughout the custody period.

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency and arresting officer
Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, or held for another jurisdiction)
Housing unit and cell assignment

Charge Information:

All charges for which the individual is currently held
Statute or ordinance violated
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted or unposted)

Court Information:

Case number(s) associated with pending charges
Next scheduled court date and hearing type
Presiding court and judge

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Sentence length and start date
Projected release date based on sentence
Credit for time served

Release Information:

Actual release date and time
Release type (bond posted, sentence completed, transferred, or released on recognizance)
Conditions of release, if applicable

Hillsdale County Prison System

Hillsdale County operates a local jail system administered by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office. The county jail serves as the primary detention facility for individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions, and individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions pending transfer. This structure is distinct from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), which operates state prisons housing individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year.

The Hillsdale County Jail is co-located with the Sheriff's Office and functions under the direct supervision of the elected Sheriff. The facility processes all local arrests made by county deputies, municipal police departments within Hillsdale County, and state law enforcement agencies operating in the area.

Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office / County Jail 165 W. Fayette St., Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 437-7317 Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office

For individuals who have been convicted of felonies and sentenced to state prison, records and location information are maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Michigan Department of Corrections 206 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 335-1426 Michigan Department of Corrections

Types of Correctional Facilities In Hillsdale County

Hillsdale County's correctional infrastructure currently consists of the following facility:

Hillsdale County Jail 165 W. Fayette St., Hillsdale, MI 49242 (517) 437-7317 Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office

The Hillsdale County Jail is a county-operated detention facility that houses:

Pre-trial detainees who have not posted bond
Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences of up to one year
Individuals held on immigration detainers pending transfer to federal custody
Individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities following felony sentencing
Individuals held on behalf of other Michigan counties or jurisdictions under cooperative agreements

The facility operates under standards established by the Michigan Jail Standards, as codified under the Michigan Administrative Code and overseen by the Michigan Department of Corrections' Correctional Facilities Administration.

Who's in Prison In Hillsdale County

The Hillsdale County Jail houses a population that reflects the full range of local law enforcement activity. At present, the facility holds the following categories of individuals:

Pre-trial detainees — persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been tried or who have not posted the required bond
Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to 365 days
Probation and parole violators — individuals alleged to have violated the conditions of their supervision and held pending a hearing
Individuals awaiting transfer — persons sentenced to state prison who are awaiting transport to an MDOC facility
Federal and out-of-county holds — individuals held at the request of federal agencies or other Michigan counties under intergovernmental agreements
Civil commitments — in limited circumstances, individuals held pursuant to court orders unrelated to criminal charges

The majority of the jail population at any given time consists of pre-trial detainees, reflecting the constitutional presumption of innocence and the role of the county jail as a pre-adjudication holding facility.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Hillsdale County in 2026

Members of the public may search for inmate records in Hillsdale County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:

Online Search: The Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office may maintain an online inmate roster accessible through its official website. Members of the public may visit the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the jail or inmate lookup section to search by name or booking number.

In-Person Request: Members of the public may appear in person at the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request inmate records. Staff at the public counter can provide booking information, current custody status, and charge information.

Location: 165 W. Fayette St., Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 437-7317
Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (contact the office to confirm current hours)

Formal FOIA Request: For records not available through the online roster or public counter, members of the public may submit a written FOIA request pursuant to MCL § 15.235. The request must describe the records sought with sufficient specificity. The public body is required to respond within five business days of receipt.

Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking: For individuals serving state prison sentences, the public may use the MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) to locate current facility assignments, sentence information, and projected release dates.

How To Find an Inmate in Hillsdale County for Free?

Members of the public may locate an inmate in Hillsdale County at no cost through the following methods:

Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office — Direct Inquiry: Members of the public may call (517) 437-7317 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody and provide basic booking information at no charge.

Online Inmate Roster: Where available, the online inmate roster published by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office provides free, real-time access to current detainee information.

MDOC Offender Tracking Information System: For state prisoners, the MDOC OTIS database is a free, publicly accessible tool that allows searches by name or MDOC number.

Michigan Courts Case Search: The Michigan Courts Case Search tool allows members of the public to search for case information associated with a named individual, which may include custody-related court orders and scheduled hearings.

VINELink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday): The VINELink system, available at no cost, allows members of the public and crime victims to search for an offender's custody status and register for automated notifications when that status changes.

How To Visit an Inmate In Hillsdale County

Visitation at the Hillsdale County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list
Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit
Visitors are subject to search prior to entry into the facility
Visits may be terminated at any time for rule violations

Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are set by the facility and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office at (517) 437-7317 to confirm current visitation days and times before arriving.

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure area
Unauthorized packages, food, or beverages
Items not expressly permitted by facility rules

Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or bears gang-affiliated markings is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to any visitor whose attire is deemed inappropriate.

Visit Types:

In-person contact visits — where permitted by the facility and the inmate's classification
Non-contact visits — conducted through a glass partition with telephone communication
Video visitation — remote visits conducted via approved video platforms, which may be available through the facility or a contracted vendor

Visit Restrictions: Individuals with active warrants, individuals on probation or parole (unless specifically authorized by their supervising officer), and individuals who have been previously banned from the facility are not permitted to visit.

How To Send Money to a Hillsdale County Inmate

Members of the public may deposit funds into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and cover other approved expenses.

Available Methods:

Online deposits — through a contracted third-party service provider approved by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office
Kiosk deposits — where a lobby kiosk is available at the facility
Money order by mail — made payable to the inmate using their full legal name and booking number, mailed to the facility address

Amount Limits: Specific deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply. Members of the public should contact the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office at (517) 437-7317 to confirm current limits.

Fees: Third-party service providers typically charge a transaction fee for online and kiosk deposits. The fee amount varies by provider and transaction method.

What You Cannot Send:

Cash sent directly through the mail
Personal checks
Funds from unverified or anonymous sources

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence postage. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without a court order or facility authorization.

How To Send Jail Mail In Hillsdale County

Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Hillsdale County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to facility security policies and applicable Michigan law.

Mailing Address: All mail must be addressed to the inmate using their full legal name and booking number:

Hillsdale County Jail 165 W. Fayette St., Hillsdale, MI 49242

Rules for Sending Mail:

All letters must be written on plain white paper; colored paper, glitter, stickers, and similar embellishments are prohibited
Envelopes must be standard white envelopes with no padding or lining
Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid photographs and photographs printed on photo paper with a glossy finish may be restricted
No hardcover books; paperback books must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer
No cash, checks, or money orders may be enclosed in mail
No contraband of any kind, including drugs, weapons, or unauthorized items
Mail containing threatening, obscene, or otherwise prohibited content will be rejected and may be reported to law enforcement

Legal Mail: Correspondence from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged legal mail and is opened only in the presence of the inmate to verify the absence of contraband, consistent with constitutional protections under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Rejected Mail: Mail that does not comply with facility rules will be returned to the sender or destroyed, depending on the nature of the violation. The inmate will be notified of any rejected correspondence.