St. Joseph County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In St. Joseph County?
Inmate records in St. Joseph County are official documents created and maintained by the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office and its correctional facilities to document the custody, status, and history of individuals held in county detention. These records are distinct from court records: while the St. Joseph County Circuit Court and District Court maintain case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody-specific documentation that tracks an individual 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, record the charges, photograph the individual, and assign a booking number. 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 in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.232, "public body" includes county sheriff's offices, and records generated in the course of official functions — including booking and custody records — are subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office serves as the custodian of all jail-related records within the county.
Are Inmate Records Public In St. Joseph County?
Inmate records maintained by the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office are generally accessible to members of the public under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., establishes a presumption of public access to records held by governmental bodies, including county jails and sheriff's offices. Certain categories of information may be exempt from disclosure — such as records that would endanger an individual's safety or compromise an ongoing investigation — but basic custody information is routinely available.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the St. Joseph County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current custody period
- Mugshots — booking photographs, subject to applicable exemptions
- Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court for pretrial release
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Members of the public may submit a FOIA request directly to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office to obtain records not available through online search tools.
What's Included in Inmate Records in St. Joseph County
Inmate records maintained by the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document each stage of an individual's custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard categories of information included in a complete inmate record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned booking or inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current custody status (pretrial, sentenced, hold)
- Housing unit or cell assignment
- Facility name
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (statute citations and offense descriptions)
- Charge level (felony, misdemeanor, civil infraction)
- Arresting offense versus charges filed by the prosecutor
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, unposted, denied)
Court Information:
- Case number(s)
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court (Circuit Court, District Court)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence begin date
- Good-time or earned-credit calculations where applicable
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date (upon discharge)
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
St. Joseph County Prison System
St. Joseph County operates a county jail system designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process, including those awaiting trial, those serving sentences of typically one year or less, and those held on civil or immigration detainers. The county jail is distinct from Michigan state prisons, which are administered by the Michigan Department of Corrections and house individuals serving sentences of more than one year following felony convictions.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the administration and daily operation of the county jail. Under MCL § 51.75, the county sheriff bears statutory responsibility for the care and custody of all persons committed to the county jail.
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office 651 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032 (269) 467-9045 St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office administrative counter is generally open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Members of the public seeking in-person assistance with records requests or jail-related inquiries are advised to contact the office directly to confirm current counter hours.
Types of Correctional Facilities In St. Joseph County
St. Joseph County currently operates one primary detention facility serving the county's correctional needs.
St. Joseph County Jail 651 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032 (269) 467-9045 St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office
The St. Joseph County Jail is a county-operated facility that provides:
- Pretrial detention for individuals who have not posted bond or been released pending trial
- Sentenced housing for individuals serving misdemeanor or short-term felony sentences of up to one year
- Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities or other jurisdictions
- Civil and immigration holds as directed by court order or federal detainer
The facility is staffed and supervised by sworn and civilian personnel of the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office. Detailed jail information, including inmate account procedures and visitation notices, is published on the county's official website.
Who's in Prison In St. Joseph County
The St. Joseph County Jail houses a population that reflects multiple categories of custody status. Individuals currently incarcerated in the county jail generally fall into the following groups:
- Pretrial detainees — persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been tried or who have been unable to post bond; these individuals retain the presumption of innocence under the law
- Sentenced misdemeanants — persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses and ordered to serve a jail term of up to one year
- Sentenced felons (short-term) — persons convicted of lower-level felonies whose sentences are served locally rather than in a state prison
- Probation and parole violators — individuals held on alleged violations of supervision conditions pending a hearing
- Individuals on holds — persons held pursuant to detainers from other jurisdictions, federal agencies, or immigration authorities
- Civil commitments — individuals held pursuant to court orders unrelated to criminal conviction
Individuals serving sentences longer than one year for felony offenses are typically transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility. The state's Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) provides information on individuals held in state custody, while county-level records are maintained separately by the Sheriff's Office.
How To Search for Inmate Records In St. Joseph County in 2026
Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods for conducting an inmate records search:
Online Search:
- Visit the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the jail information section to access any available online inmate roster or lookup tool.
- For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, use the Michigan Department of Corrections' Offender Tracking Information System, which allows searches by name or MDOC number.
In-Person Request:
- Visit the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office at 651 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032, during regular business hours.
- Request a FOIA form or submit a written public records request identifying the individual and the specific records sought.
- Fees for copying and processing may apply pursuant to MCL § 15.234, which governs the assessment of costs for public records requests in Michigan.
By Telephone:
- Members of the public may call the Sheriff's Office at (269) 467-9045 to inquire about an individual's current custody status.
Written FOIA Request:
- Submit a written request by mail addressed to the FOIA Coordinator, St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office, 651 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032.
- The request should include the full name of the subject, approximate date of birth, and a description of the records sought.
- The agency is required to respond within five business days under Michigan FOIA.
How To Find an Inmate in St. Joseph County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an individual currently held in St. Joseph County custody.
- Sheriff's Office Website — The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office publishes jail-related information and may maintain a current inmate roster accessible at no charge.
- Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call (269) 467-9045 to request basic custody status information, such as whether a named individual is currently in custody and the charges associated with the booking.
- Michigan OTIS — The Michigan Department of Corrections' Offender Tracking Information System is a free, publicly accessible database for locating individuals in state prison custody. Note that this system does not include individuals held solely in county jails.
- In-Person Inquiry — Members of the public may visit the jail at 651 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032, during public counter hours to request basic inmate location information at no cost.
How To Visit an Inmate In St. Joseph County
Visitation at the St. Joseph County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public seeking to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification.
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list; the inmate is responsible for adding approved visitors.
- Visits may be subject to scheduling and availability.
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules are set by the facility and subject to change. Members of the public should contact the jail directly at (269) 467-9045 or consult the jail information page for current scheduling.
What to Bring:
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones are strictly prohibited in the lobby and visitation room, as noted in the facility's posted notices.
- Weapons, controlled substances, tobacco products, or any contraband items are prohibited.
- Food, beverages, or packages are not permitted to be brought into the visitation area.
Dress Code:
- Visitors are expected to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms or law enforcement attire is prohibited. Revealing or offensive clothing may result in denial of entry.
Visit Types:
- The facility may offer in-person contact or non-contact visits, as well as video visitation options, depending on the inmate's classification and facility resources.
Visit Restrictions:
- Visits may be denied or terminated for violations of facility rules, disciplinary actions against the inmate, or security concerns.
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How To Send Money to a St. Joseph County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's account to allow the individual to purchase approved items through the jail commissary. The St. Joseph County Jail provides specific procedures for depositing money, as detailed on the county's inmate account deposit page.
Methods for Sending Money:
- Online/Electronic Deposit — Funds may be loaded electronically through approved third-party services designated by the facility.
- In-Person Deposit — Cash deposits may be accepted at the facility, subject to current procedures and hours.
Amount Limits:
- Specific deposit limits may apply. Members of the public should consult the facility's current guidelines for applicable caps on individual transactions or account balances.
Fees:
- Transaction fees may be assessed by third-party payment processors. The county itself does not set these fees; they are determined by the service provider.
What the Money Can Be Used For:
- Commissary purchases, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other approved items available through the inmate store.
- Phone account credits, where applicable.
What the Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Funds in an inmate account may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly through the jail account system unless specifically authorized.
- Sentenced inmates at the St. Joseph County Jail are subject to a room and board fee of $30.00 per day, which may be assessed against the inmate's account or collected separately.
How To Send Jail Mail In St. Joseph County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates held at the St. Joseph County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff in accordance with security protocols and applicable law.
Mailing Address: All mail should be addressed to the inmate using the following format:
Inmate Full Name / Booking Number St. Joseph County Jail 651 E. Main Street Centreville, MI 49032
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All mail must include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
- Mail must be written in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Envelopes must be standard white or manila; padded envelopes and packages are generally not accepted.
- Only standard postage stamps are permitted; no stickers, glitter, or decorative elements on envelopes.
- Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; Polaroid photographs and photos with explicit content are typically prohibited.
- Cards and letters must be on plain paper; no pop-up cards, cards with embedded items, or cards with metallic elements.
- Books and publications, if permitted, must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from an individual sender.
Prohibited Mail Content:
- Contraband of any kind, including drugs, weapons, or unauthorized currency
- Obscene or sexually explicit material
- Content that threatens facility security or staff safety
- Blank paper in excessive quantities
Mail that does not comply with facility rules will be returned to the sender or confiscated, and the inmate may be subject to disciplinary action depending on the nature of the violation.