Clare County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Clare County in 2026
ClareRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Clare County, Michigan. Members of the public may find data pertaining to the following record categories:
- Current custody status
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge information
- Bond and bail details
- Court scheduling information
- Incarceration history
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking inmate information.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Clare County Sheriff's Office maintains custody of individuals held at the county jail and provides inmate roster information to the public. Members of the public may access the inmate search by visiting the Sheriff's Office official website or appearing in person at the facility.
To conduct a search:
- Access the Clare County Sheriff's Office website or visit the facility directly
- Select a search type, such as by full legal name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the applicable search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the results list for matching records
- Select an individual record to view detailed information
Information displayed in search results may include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. A mobile application is not currently available for the Clare County Sheriff's Office inmate search.
Clare County Sheriff's Office
225 W. Main St.
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539-7166
Clare County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year in Michigan are transferred to the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The MDOC maintains the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which allows the public to search for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in a state facility.
To search for a state prisoner:
- Navigate to the Michigan offender search portal
- Enter the offender's last name, first name, or MDOC number
- Review results and select the appropriate record
Information available through OTIS includes current facility location, sentence information, projected release date, and conviction details. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jails house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving shorter sentences, while state prisons house individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year. Transfer from county jail to a state facility typically occurs within several weeks following sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals convicted of federal offenses are housed in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP inmate locator is available at no cost and allows searches by name or federal register number. This resource is applicable when an individual has been charged with a federal crime, is subject to a federal detainer, or has been transferred to federal custody following a state conviction.
Phone Search:
- Phone: (989) 539-7166
- An automated information system may not be available; direct staff inquiry is the standard method
- Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available
- Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry:
- Members of the public may appear at the Clare County Sheriff's Office at 225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Government-issued photo identification is required
- Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, charges, and bond information
By Mail:
- Written requests for inmate information may be directed to: Clare County Sheriff's Office, 225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625
- Requests should include the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought
- Processing time varies; written requests are addressed in the order received
Search Tips:
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when multiple individuals share a name
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison; search the MDOC offender database
- The individual may be in federal custody; search the BOP inmate locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Direct inquiry by phone at (989) 539-7166 is available during business hours
Are Inmate Records Public in Clare County?
Inmate records maintained by the Clare County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by state and local government bodies. Under current law, basic custody information, booking records, and charge data are accessible to any person upon request.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and cell assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety notification
- Family and next-of-kin notification
- Support of legal proceedings
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
Privacy Considerations:
Michigan law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Pursuant to MCL § 15.243, certain categories of information may be exempted from disclosure where release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual's privacy. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, is withheld to protect individuals and their families from harm that may result from public disclosure.
What Is Inmate Records in Clare County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. These records serve the purposes of institutional accountability, legal compliance, public safety, and the administration of justice. In Clare County, inmate records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody.
The Clare County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county jail records. The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals held in state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody information
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's status, location, and classification during incarceration
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and periods of custody within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail records, state prison records, and federal prison records is significant. County jails house pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and individuals serving sentences of one year or less. State prisons, operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year. Federal prisons house individuals convicted of offenses under federal law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Clare County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security restrictions)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs or designations
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments (withheld for security reasons)
Clare County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Clare County Jail is operated under the authority of the Clare County Sheriff's Office. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals subject to civil immigration detainers when applicable. The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the county and is responsible for the administration of the jail.
Administration:
Clare County Sheriff's Office
225 W. Main St.
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539-7166
Clare County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Clare County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony offenders awaiting transfer to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility. Classification of inmates is conducted at intake and determines housing assignments and program eligibility. Security levels range from minimum to maximum based on the nature of charges and individual risk assessments.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health services and crisis intervention
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library access
- Recreation and physical activity
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
- Pre-release planning and case management
- Referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment
- Housing and employment assistance referrals
Oversight and Accountability:
The Clare County Jail is subject to oversight by the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan Sheriffs' Association. Grievance procedures are available to inmates and are administered in accordance with state standards. Members of the public may submit public records requests to the Sheriff's Office pursuant to MCL § 15.231.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Clare County
Clare County Jail
Clare County Jail
225 W. Main St.
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539-7166
Clare County Sheriff's Office
The Clare County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Clare County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates under the supervision of the Clare County Sheriff and is subject to state inspection and certification requirements.
Population served:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting arraignment or trial
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders
- Felony offenders awaiting transfer to MDOC
- Individuals subject to civil detainers (when applicable)
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention/Electronic Monitoring
The Clare County Sheriff's Office administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and is subject to the nature of the offense, criminal history, and risk assessment. Participants are required to remain at an approved residence except during authorized absences. Inquiries regarding the program may be directed to the Sheriff's Office at (989) 539-7166.
Work Release
Work release programming allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility is determined by the sentencing court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are required to return to the facility outside of approved work hours.
Weekend Sentencing
Weekend sentencing may be available for eligible misdemeanor offenders at the discretion of the sentencing court. Individuals report to the facility on designated days and are released to return to work or family obligations during the week.
State Prison Facilities in or Near Clare County
Clare County does not currently have a state prison facility located within its boundaries. Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility designated by the MDOC. The Michigan Department of Corrections operates facilities throughout the state. County jail and state prison are distinct systems: county jails are operated by the Sheriff's Office, while state prisons are administered by the MDOC under state authority.
Federal Detention Facilities
There are no federal detention facilities located within Clare County. Individuals in federal custody are housed at facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP inmate locator is available to the public at no cost for locating federally held individuals.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Clare County Jail | 225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625 | (989) 539-7166 |
| MDOC (State) | P.O. Box 30003, Lansing, MI 48909 | (517) 335-1426 |
| Federal BOP | 320 First St. NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Clare County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Clare County Sheriff's Office provides public access to the current inmate roster at no cost and without registration. The roster is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website and includes:
- Current inmates and their custody status
- Booking information and booking date
- Charges and bond amounts
- Facility location
- Booking photographs
The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may require several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Michigan offender search through OTIS is available to the public at no cost. The database includes individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities as well as historical records for previously incarcerated individuals. No registration or fee is required.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP inmate locator provides free access to information on individuals in federal custody. Searches may be conducted by name or federal register number.
4. Court Records Search
Court case records may be accessed through the MiCOURT Case Search portal, which allows members of the public to search for case information by name or case number. Court records may reflect current custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition. The Michigan Courts case search provides access to opinions and orders issued by appellate courts.
Free Phone Information:
- Call (989) 539-7166 for inmate information during business hours
- No charge applies to basic informational inquiries
- Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free In-Person Search:
- Members of the public may visit the Clare County Sheriff's Office at 225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625
- Public access terminals may be available; staff assistance is provided during business hours
- No fee is charged for basic inmate information
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Always Free:
- Online inmate roster search
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information by phone or in person
- Court records search through MiCOURT
Services That Cost Money:
- Depositing funds into an inmate's account
- Video visitation (fees set by service provider)
- Phone calls placed by inmates (fees set by telecommunications vendor)
- Commissary orders
- Background checks or certified copies of booking records
Avoid Paid Services For:
- Basic inmate location (official free sources are available)
- Public court records accessible through MiCOURT
- Booking photographs available on the official Sheriff's Office roster
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for information available at no cost through official government sources. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry and all official inmate search tools are provided free of charge by government agencies. Members of the public should verify that any website used for official records access carries a .gov domain designation before submitting personal information or payment.