Kent County Inmate Search
An inmate search in Kent County, Michigan, is a process of looking online or in-person at physical locations for information about incarcerated persons in Kent County jails and prisons. An inmate search makes it easier to carry out many crucial tasks, such as locating prisoners for legal reasons, verifying someone's custody status, and researching the criminal justice system within Kent County.
In Michigan, the state's Freedom of Information Act permits individuals to request access to inmate records generated by jails, police departments, and courts in the state because these records are featured within Kent County Public Records.
Kent County correctional facilities are operated by the Kent County Sheriff's Department. The Kent Sheriff's Department oversees criminal and civil enforcement, including monitoring the environment for activity and investigating reported problems. The Sheriff is responsible for keeping the jail in good working order and ensuring security and constitutional compliance. The prisons division of the county sheriff's office, which also has a court security unit, is in charge of managing the correctional facilities.
Inmate records are considered public in the United States and therefore are made available by both traditional governmental agencies as well as third-party websites and organizations. Third-party websites may offer an easier means to search, as these services do not face geographical limitations. However, because third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the information obtained through them may vary from official channels. To find inmate records using third-party aggregate sites, requesting parties must provide:
- The location of the sought-after record, including state, county, and city where the inmate resides.
- The name of the person listed in the record, unless it is a juvenile.
Kent County Crime and Incarceration Statistics
Based on the Kent County Correctional Facilities annual report for 2022, the number of jail bookings for the year in Kent County was 14,561. The average population of new intakes into the jails was 1050 inmates. Most arrests in Kent County were for traffic-related offenses (4082), followed by domestic violence offenses (3390). Overall, there was an increase in the average number of monthly incarcerations in Kent County from 750 in 2020 to 1050 in 2022, which the Sheriff's Department speculates may be due to the effects of COVID-19. Statistics also show the least committed offense was kidnapping and homicide, which accounted for less than 100 of the total arrests made.
Kent County Prison System
The Kent County prison system consists of a few correctional and training facilities maintained and controlled by the Kent County Sheriff's Department. These facilities hold prisoners awaiting trial, convicted felons, and those violating the terms of their probation.
The main jail in Kent County, Michigan, is the Kent County Detention Center, a facility with a maximum 1,500-prisoner capacity. The site has various housing options, including high-security, medium-security, and low-security zones. Additionally, it offers various services and programs for prisoners, such as drug and alcohol rehab, educational opportunities, and job training.
How to Find an Inmate in Kent County
Interested persons can inquire about the location and records of all individuals booked and processed through any county jail facility by calling the inmate information phone number at (616) 632-6300. Inquiries may also contact the office in person or by fax by visiting the county sheriff's office during working hours, usually 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is essential to have information on the Booking Number, Last Name, and First Name of the inmate to make the inmate search request.
How Does a Kent County Inmate Search Work?
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act permits members of the public who are not incarcerated or convicted felons to request criminal records from any public office in the state. An inmate records search will reveal the following details:
- Inmate name
- Inmates age or birth date
- Inmates race
- Booking number
- Height
- Weight
- Status
- Arresting agency
- Arresting date
- Number of charges
- Description of charges
- Booking date
- Bond status
- Expected release date
Where to Find a Kent County Inmate Locator
Interested persons can find a Kent County inmate locator on the Kent County Sheriff's Department webpage. This inmate locator tool can be used to search for records of inmates who are held within the Kent County Correctional Facility. To use this search tool, interested persons must have at least the last name of the individual who is in custody. Users can also search using the incarcerated individual's first name or booking date.
Another essential tool that persons can use is the Michigan offenders tracking information system, which the State Department of Corrections maintains. This tool can be used to find inmate records for individuals who are incarcerated presently in any jail in the state or who have been released but are still three years away from the date they were supposed to be released from supervision.
Also, any federal prison inmate can be located using the federal inmate locator tool run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the federal agency that manages the federal prison system.
Numerous third-party websites also provide inmate search services, but it's vital to use only reliable websites and exercise caution. Other websites might provide the information without charging a price, while some might.
How to Send Money to a Kent County Inmate
There are several ways to send money to a detainee or a facility, depending on the policies and procedures of the institution. Several popular methods of transferring money include:
- Using an approved money transfer service.
- Funding the inmate's account online.
- Mailing a money order or cashier's check.
People can mail money to an inmate's account at Kent correctional facilities. A cashier's check or money order can be mailed to an inmate. The address of the mail should include the inmate's identifying number. Prison authorities will cash the checks and deposit the money into the prisoner's account. Additionally, cash may be carried into the jail and deposited into the appropriate account via electronic kiosks in the visitor's and accounting lobby. The maximum deposit is one thousand five hundred ($1,500). Additionally, money can be electronically deposited online at Access Corrections by opening an account and selecting Secure Deposits, or it can be done over the phone by dialing (866) 345-1884.
How to Visit a Kent County Inmate
Persons can pay visits to inmates in Kent County correctional facilities by scheduling a visit at least 24 hours in advance. The scheduling can be done either:
- Online using the Sheriff's visitation website
- In-person at the kiosks located in the prison visitation lobby
Visitors must be 18 years or older to visit an inmate without adult supervision. Juvenile inmates are allowed visits from only their parents or legal guardians. Each inmate is permitted one visit per week with a maximum of two visitors at a time. Visitors must arrive at least 20 minutes before visitation time to be checked and searched.
Video visits using technology are available to interested persons who can not visit in person. Visits will be made from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, seven days a week. A 25-Minute Visit costs $7.50.
Kent County correctional facility visitation rules provide that all visitors must provide a means of valid identification before they are allowed to see inmates. This rule is significant for professional visitors such as attorneys, police agents, or court personnel. Visitors must also adhere to the following code of conduct:
- Visitors must follow strict clothing codes
- If the visitor looks to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, no visit will be allowed.
- The visitor will remain seated the entire time.
- The Correctional Facility forbids the usage of gum, food, drink, matches, lighters, and/or any type of tobacco product.
- No cell phones, cameras, or recording devices are permitted in the facility or the visiting area.
- The KCCF staff has the right to end a visit at any time and without warning.
How to Send Jail Mail in Kent County
To address mail adequately, most prisons in Kent County require the detainee's full name, detainee ID number, and the facility's address. Mail entering the jail facility should identify the recipient by their complete legal name. The envelope's upper-left corner should display the sender's full return address.
Format for detainees' addresses who live in the main jail:
Kent County Correctional Facility
[Inmate's Full Name]
703 Ball Avenue, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Before delivery, every item that comes in is often checked for contraband. The property/mailroom clerk will designate any mail discovered to contain anything other than what is permitted as contraband. Mail that doesn't include illegal items will be forwarded to the prisoner. Examples of authorized mail packages include the following:
- All postcards besides those deemed to be indecent.
- Softcover books or magazines received directly from the publisher, shop, or distribution organization. Nudity and discrimination are prohibited in them.
- 5x7 or smaller photos, excluding those deemed indecent. Each piece of mail can only contain a maximum of five photos.
- A maximum size of 6x8 cards without "glitter" or other materials. Musical, plastic, covered in plastic, or blank cards are not permitted.
Kent County Jails and Prisons
Kent County Juvenile Detention Centre
1501 Cedar Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1390
Phone: (616) 632-5750
Fax: (616) 632-5758
Kent County Correctional Facility
703 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Administration
Phone: (616) 632-6400
