Authority: Michigan Department of Corrections
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/
Address: 206 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 335-1426

Having a friend of family member in jail can be overwhelming. The desire to write to or speak to this person can cause you to wonder where to even begin to make an effort. This is where InmatesPlus can help. First, you need certain information to be able to get addresses and send appropriate items. This starts with the state and facility in which the inmate is housed. This information can usually be found through a name search on a given facility site or this may be information you already know. The next step is knowing of finding the DOC information that is pertinent to your family member or friend. DOC information includes things like an inmate number, how to send items, and what items can be sent to a given facility. This information is important as some items are not allowed in certain facilities, but are appropriate for others. If you know and follow the rules, your friend or loved one will receive their letters, money on the books, or special items much faster. The most important thing to include, other than allowable items, is the DOC number for the inmate.

When an inmate is booked into a facility, each is given specific DOC information that includes a mugshot, a list of charges, and a DOC number, which is often called an inmate number or ID number. This number is needed for all items sent to and from the jail. This serves as a type of tracking and identification system. This number is sometimes available when searching an inmate’s name on a specific facility site.

Knowing that a someone is in jail or suspecting that someone you know has landed in jail can be scary, worrisome, and traumatic whether you are a friend or a victim. This becomes even more of an issue if you are unable to locate an inmate in Michigan. There are a number of jails and prisons, so calling each one can be time consuming. You may also come back without the information that is needed because personnel are not always able to be helpful and often, calls go unreturned.

InmatesPlus has made it easier to locate an inmate in Michigan if you have been unable to do so on your own. The best place to start is with a jail that the person is most likely to be located in by clicking on the link to the specific facility. All you will need is the person’s full legal name. If you are unable to locate in Michigan in this way, then try VINELink. This stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday link. While this is a contracted third-party service it offers information that is up to date for jails and prisons in the area with little more than a person’s legal name. This can be helpful when you are unable to locate an inmate in Michigan. This works to locate friends and family members, but it is also helpful in keeping track of a person’s status when you have been a victim of that person. While a registration is required for VINELink, it is a free service that is confidential.