What are Jackson County Public Records?
Jackson County public records include writings generated, owned, or preserved by a public body, and used in the performance of official functions. The Freedom of Information Act states that public bodies in possession of these records are to make them available to interested residents upon request. However, not all records are publicly available. Under the act, some records may be exempt from public disclosure. Examples include:
- Records that contain personal information where public disclosure would cause an unnecessary invasion of a person's privacy
- Records of active law enforcement investigations if disclosure would interfere with regular proceedings, disclose the identity of a confidential source, or interfere with a person's right to a fair trial
- Records that contain law enforcement investigative procedures or techniques
- All records specifically exempted by statute
- Trade secrets
- Financial information
- Records protected by the attorney-client privilege
Jackson County Crime Statistics
Every year, the Michigan State Police (MSP) publishes crime data and statistics for the state's counties. In the 2019 report for Jackson County, the MSP listed 5 murders, 150 sexual penetration offenses, 50 robberies, and 487 cases of aggravated assault. Other listed offenses include 417 burglary incidents, 893 cases of retail fraud, 230 motor vehicle thefts, and 22 cases of arson. The most committed crime in 2109 was larceny, with 1,640 reported cases. Apart from the listed offenses, the MSP also reported 9,403 other crimes, bringing the county's total to 13,297. Compared to figures published in 2018, the total number of reported offenses for 2019 is a 10.7% reduction in crime.
Are Jackson County Criminal Records Public?
All persons may access Michigan criminal records. The Michigan State Police provides access to criminal history records through name-based and fingerprint-based checks. To find Jackson County criminal records, use the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Users may register new accounts or use the provided guest user login. The ICHAT feature maintains records of serious misdemeanors and felonies that are punishable by more than 93 days. However, traffic, federal, local misdemeanor, and juvenile records are not available on the platform. The fingerprint-based search is only available for the following purposes:
- Personal records check
- Employment
- Licensing
- Adoption
- Immigration and visa documentation
- Court petition for a legal name change
Conducting a fingerprint-based search requires services rendered by an approved Live Scan vendor.
How to Obtain Jackson County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Jackson County Office of the Sheriff issues copies of police reports to county residents. Interested persons may request desired records online, by mail, or fax. To obtain a Jackson County arrest record or police report by mail, send a written request to the Office of the Sheriff. Include details of persons involved, locations, dates, and other available descriptions. Send by mail to:
FOIA Coordinator
Jackson County Office of the Sheriff
212 West Wesley Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 768-7925
Email: sheriffrecords@co.jackson.mi.us
Requestors may also send written requests to (517) 768-5852 by fax. Alternatively, submit a record online by completing the FOIA Form.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Jackson County
The MSP maintains a public sex offender registry with information on all registered sex offenders in the state. Residents may search for offenders by name, address, city, and zip code. The registry also allows requestors to restrict searches to non-compliant offenders. Requestors may view an offender's full name, registration number, aliases, risk level, and current status. A physical description, address, offense information, and a photograph are also available. The registry further specifies the offender's registration start date and shows an end date if the person is not registered for life.
How to Find Jackson County Inmate Records
The Jackson County Office of the Sheriff maintains two jail facilities in the county, including the Wesley Street Jail and the Chanter Road Jail. Persons seeking Jackson County inmate records may contact the Office of the Sheriff or either of the following detention facilities:
Wesley Street Jail
212 West Wesley Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 768-7900
Fax: (517) 768-6800
Chanter Road Jail
1995 Chanter Road
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 768-1609
Fax: (517) 768-1622
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Jackson County Jail?
Prospective visitors are to sign up with the jail's video visit vendor. After creating an account, the intending visitor must use a device camera to take a picture of a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or a driver's license. Eligible persons will receive approval emails after the upload.
Visitations may take place onsite or remotely. Persons visiting onsite may not bring in food, drinks, bags, purses, cell phones, or other devices. The visitor must arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes before the visit. For remote visits, log in 15 minutes early. Each visit lasts a maximum of 20 minutes. Visitation begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 10:20 p.m..
Inmates have one weekly visit free of charge, which should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Visiting either jail implies that the visitor has given their consent for a search. Persons with contraband items will be denied entry. Note that conversations are subject to audio or video recording.
Court Records
The Jackson County court system features one Circuit Court, one District Court, and one Probate Court. The Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction. To handle specific case types, the Circuit Court features smaller divisions, such as the Adult Treatment Court and the Business Court. The District and Probate Courts are limited jurisdiction courts. The District Court handles some civil and criminal cases, such as misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, and traffic violations.
Locations of Courts in Jackson County
4th Circuit Court – Jackson
Jackson County Courthouse
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4260
12th District Court – Jackson
Jackson County Courthouse
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4260
Jackson County Probate Court
Jackson County Courthouse
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4290 (Probate)
Fax: (517) 788-4291 (Probate)
Phone: (517) 788-4450 (Family)
Fax: (517) 780-4756 (Family)
Are Jackson County Court Records Public?
The general public can access Jackson County court records. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(E), all persons may obtain copies of court records or order documents created by a court as part of its proceedings. Nevertheless, some records may not be obtainable if there is a statute or court rule restricting access. Parties may also petition courts to prevent public access to a record if there is a specific interest to be protected. Also, drug court records, identifying information on crime victims, and adoption records are not considered public.
Can You Look up a Jackson County Court Case Online?
The Circuit Court provides online access to Jackson County court records through its case information page. To find records online, enter a last or business name, first name, or case number. Apart from these, the search result will display charge details, an adjudication date, the court's judgment, and a jail term if applicable. For Jackson County District Court records, use the search page provided by the Michigan Judicial Branch. In the provided search box, enter a name, case number, or petition number.
How to Obtain Jackson County Court Case Records
Interested persons may request Jackson County court records by visiting the court or sending a written application. Requesting a court record requires providing a case number, names of involved persons, court dates, charge information, judgment details, and other known details. Mail orders require a written request sent to one of the following:
4th Circuit Court – Jackson
Jackson County Courthouse
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4260
12th District Court – Jackson
Jackson County Courthouse
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4260
Residents may also visit the courts to obtain records in person.
What are Jackson County Vital Records?
Jackson County vital records contain details of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces in the county. Divorce records are obtainable from the Circuit Court. Other vital records are requestable from the Jackson County Clerk. Interested persons may obtain copies by visiting either the public body or sending written requests. However, under Michigan law, not all vital records are available to the public.
Where and How to Obtain Jackson County Divorce Records
The Jackson County Circuit Court maintains copies of divorce records and issues these records to requestors. Anyone interested in Jackson County divorce decrees may visit the court or send written requests. Include the divorced parties' names and the divorce date in the written request, or provide them in person. Contact the court at:
4th Circuit Court – Jackson
Jackson County Courthouse
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4260
Residents may obtain copies of divorce verifications from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The document verifies key facts of a divorce, including the filing date, divorce date, and place of divorce. The verification does not include a copy of the divorce decree, state file number, or a signature. It only carries a stamp, which indicates that the state repository has a record that matches the information supplied by the requestor.
To obtain a divorce verification, send a completed request form. Each request costs $18 and will take a processing time of approximately three weeks. An expedited search costs an additional $12 and will be processed in approximately two weeks. Payments are accepted via checks or money orders payable to the "State of Michigan." Send the request to:
Vital Records Requests (Use "Vital Records Rush" for an expedited search)
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Where and How to Get Jackson County Marriage Records
Marriage records are public and are available at the Jackson County Clerk's Office. Jackson County marriage records are obtainable in person or by mail. To order by mail, fill the marriage section of the request form with the applicants' names and the marriage date. The first certified copy costs $15. Each additional copy costs $5 if ordered at the same time. Payments are accepted by checks payable to "Jackson County Clerk." Send the form with payment and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Jackson County Clerk
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4265
Email: clerkvital@mijackson.org
Where and How to Find Jackson County Birth Records
The Jackson County Clerk's Office provides records of county births. Jackson County birth records are not public records. Access is restricted to the following persons:
- The person named on the record
- A parent named on the record
- A Legal guardian or attorney with legal documents of proof
- Anybody with a court order granting access.
To order a Jackson County birth certificate, complete the birth section of the Clerk's Office's request form. Each birth record costs $15, or $7 for records of persons aged 65 and older. Make payment with a check made out to "Jackson County Clerk". Send the documents with a valid photo ID and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Jackson County Clerk
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4265
Email: clerkvital@mijackson.org
Where and How to Find Jackson County Death Records
Eligible parties can obtain copies of Jackson County death records from the County Clerk's Office. Death records are public and obtainable by mail, email, or in person. Records cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each extra copy. To obtain a record by mail, complete the request form with the decedent's name and death date. Mail requests are payable by checks or money orders to "Jackson County Clerk." Enclose the form and payment with a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Send the request by mail or email to:
Jackson County Clerk
312 South Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 788-4265
Email: clerkvital@mijackson.org
Death records are also obtainable in person by visiting the address above.
