Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC) Guide for Inmates and Visitors

Overview of the Facility

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC) is responsible for the operation of state prisons and the supervision of felony offenders throughout the state of Michigan. It oversees multiple correctional facilities across the state, providing a range of services and programs for inmates.

Contact Information

Address: Michigan Department of Corrections, Grandview Plaza Building, 206 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 335-1426
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/
Email: [email protected]

How to Locate an Inmate

To find an inmate in the Michigan Department of Corrections system, you can use the online Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) available at https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2.aspx. You'll need the inmate's name or prisoner number to conduct a search.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation policies and hours vary by facility. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays. Contact the specific facility or check the MI DOC website for detailed information about visitation schedules and procedures.

How to Send Money

There are several ways to send money to inmates in MI DOC facilities:

Online: Through JPay at https://www.jpay.com/
Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729 to make a payment using a credit or debit card
MoneyGram: Use receive code 2007
Mail: Send a money order to JPay, P.O. Box 173070, Hialeah, FL 33017

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up accounts through GTL at https://www.connectnetwork.com/. Video visitation may be available at some facilities; check with the specific institution for availability and procedures.

Inmate Services and Programs

MI DOC offers various programs and services to inmates, including:

Educational programs (GED, vocational training)
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health services
Religious services
Job training and work programs
Reentry programs

History of the Facility

The Michigan Department of Corrections was established in 1953. It has evolved over the years to focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism while maintaining public safety.

Security and Management Information

MI DOC operates facilities with various security levels, from minimum to maximum security. Each facility has its own management team and security protocols based on its classification.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal representation and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family visitation rights are subject to facility rules and the inmate's behavior record. Inmates also have the right to practice their religion and access medical care.

Booking and Release Process

Upon sentencing, inmates are processed at a reception center before being assigned to a permanent facility. The release process involves pre-release programming and may include parole supervision, depending on the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I send mail to an inmate?

Address mail to the inmate's name and prisoner number, followed by the facility's address. Include your return address. Do not send contraband or unauthorized items.

What items can I bring to a visitation?

Typically, you can bring identification and a small amount of money for vending machines. Check with the specific facility for their visitation rules, as they may vary.

How can inmates receive education while incarcerated?

MI DOC offers various educational programs, including GED classes, vocational training, and some college courses. Inmates can inquire about available programs at their facility.

Famous Prisoners

Here are some notable individuals who have served time in Michigan Department of Corrections facilities:

Jack Kevorkian - Served time for second-degree murder related to assisted suicide cases.
Kwame Kilpatrick - Former Mayor of Detroit, convicted on corruption charges.
Richard Wershe Jr. (White Boy Rick) - Sentenced as a teenager for drug offenses, his case gained national attention.
John Norman Collins - Convicted serial killer known as the "Co-Ed Killer" in the late 1960s.
Stephen Grant - Convicted of murdering and dismembering his wife in a high-profile case.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC). If you are have completed a Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC) inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC) can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC). Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

206 East Michigan Avenue Grandview Plaza PO Box 30003, Lansing, MI, 48909

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 517-335-1426 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC), make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

Visitor must not be a prior felon.
Visitor must have a valid government ID.
A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MI DOC) Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

First Name*

Last Name*

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