Oakland County Inmate Population

The Oakland County inmate population is managed by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. The main facility is the Oakland County Jail at 1201 N. Telegraph Rd. in Pontiac, which holds roughly 1,664 inmates across multiple security levels. This page covers how to search Oakland County inmate records using the CLEMIS system, how to contact the sheriff's office, how to use Michigan's state-level OTIS database, and what to know about FOIA requests for booking and custody information.

Oakland County Jail and Corrections Division

The Oakland County Jail sits at 1201 N. Telegraph Rd. in Pontiac and has been operating since 1973. The facility has capacity for approximately 1,664 inmates. It runs multiple security levels, from maximum security on the second floor to lower-level general housing. The Corrective Services Division within the sheriff's office oversees all jail operations, supervised by Executive Commander Larry Perry, who heads the Corrections, Courts and Technology Group.

The sheriff's office structure includes several divisions beyond just the jail. The Law Enforcement Group handles patrol services for multiple townships under contract, a dedicated division for the City of Pontiac, and another for the City of Rochester Hills. There is also a Forensic Science Lab and a Technology and Innovation Division. This scale means the sheriff's office handles a high volume of bookings and maintains extensive inmate records across its facilities.

Services available to inmates at the Oakland County Jail include medical and psychiatric counseling, program services, visitation, and commissary. These services are managed as part of the Corrective Services Division's operations. The Satellites and Court Services Division handles transport and courthouse detention assignments.

Note: The Oakland County Jail was built in 1973 and has been updated over time but continues to operate as the primary detention facility for the county's inmate population.

CLEMIS Inmate Locator for Oakland County

Oakland County uses the CLEMIS Inmate Locator system, which is part of the Criminal Justice Information System covering multiple jurisdictions in the region. You can access it at apps.clemis.org/ClemisInmLoc. This tool shows current inmate location, booking information, and court dates for people in Oakland County custody. It is one of the more detailed public-facing inmate search tools among Michigan county jails.

When searching CLEMIS, use the person's full legal name. A date of birth narrows results if the name is common. The system typically updates within a few hours of a booking being processed. You can search for current inmates and see basic details about their hold without needing to contact the jail directly.

CLEMIS covers multiple jurisdictions in the tri-county area, so it is especially useful if you are not certain which local facility might be holding someone. The system is maintained separately from the Michigan OTIS database, which covers state prison inmates only.

Michigan Courts Case Search

The Michigan courts case search portal provides public access to criminal case records statewide, including all Oakland County cases.

This portal shows charges, hearing dates, bond amounts, and case status for Oakland County criminal matters. Use it alongside the CLEMIS inmate locator for a complete picture of someone's custody and legal status.

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Contact

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office handles all jail operations and inmate population records. Use the details below for custody checks, booking record requests, visitation questions, and general inquiries.

For custody status questions, calling the main line or checking the CLEMIS system online are both reliable options. Staff at (248) 858-5000 can direct you to the right division for booking records and visitation scheduling.

Oakland County Inmate Records Under FOIA

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act at MCL 15.231 gives you the right to request records from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. The agency must respond within five business days. An extension of up to ten days is allowed if the request is complex. A fee for copying and processing may apply.

Submit your written FOIA request to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Bldg. 38E, Pontiac, MI 48341, or email ocso@oakgov.com. Be specific about what you are requesting, who the records concern, and the relevant time frame. If any portion of your request is denied, the office must identify which FOIA exemption applies. Basic booking details such as name, charges, and arrest date are generally public and may not require a formal request.

Note: Records related to active investigations, information that could endanger individuals, and certain personal data about minors are typically exempt from disclosure.

Oakland County Jail vs. Michigan State Prisons

The Oakland County Jail holds pretrial detainees and people serving sentences under one year. Its authority comes from MCL 801.1, which gives county sheriffs control over local jail operations. Conditions and standards at the jail fall under MCL 800.31. These rules govern everything from inmate treatment to physical facility requirements across all Michigan county jails.

When someone from Oakland County is convicted of a felony with a sentence of more than one year, they are transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections state facility. From that point, county jail records no longer apply. The OTIS database at mdocweb.state.mi.us is where you find them. OTIS and the CLEMIS system are separate and do not share inmate data. OTIS covers state prisons; CLEMIS covers Oakland County and surrounding local facilities.

State Prison Inmate Search for Oakland County

If someone from Oakland County has been sent to a state prison, OTIS is the right tool. The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System is free at mdocweb.state.mi.us. Search by name or MDOC number. Results show the current facility, projected release date, and a photo if available. The main MDOC site at michigan.gov/corrections has more on state prison operations and visiting rules.

VINELink at vinelink.com provides free custody alerts covering both Oakland County and MDOC facilities. Call 1-800-770-7657 to register by phone or sign up online. You can get notified by phone, text, or email whenever a person's status changes.

Oakland County Court Records

Criminal felony cases in Oakland County are heard by the 6th Circuit Court. District courts in cities and townships handle misdemeanors. Court records are separate from jail records but often provide critical details such as charges, bond amounts, scheduled hearings, and attorney information.

Use the MiCOURT case search portal to look up Oakland County criminal cases for free. Search by name or case number. For complex or older cases, contact the Oakland County Clerk of Courts directly. The clerk maintains the official record of all proceedings in the 6th Circuit Court.

Visiting Oakland County Jail Inmates

Visitation at the Oakland County Jail requires scheduling in advance and approval to be on the inmate's visitor list. Check current hours and procedures at oakgov.com's inmate information page or call (248) 858-5000. Bring valid government-issued photo ID. All visitors are subject to security screening. Cell phones are not permitted past the lobby. Rules about dress code and permitted items apply to all visitors.

Mail for Oakland County Jail inmates should be addressed to the inmate's full name and sent to 1201 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341. Ask the jail about their approved service for adding money to an inmate's account. Phone calls from the jail go through a contracted provider, and accounts can be set up in advance for accepted calls.

Cities in Oakland County

Oakland County is one of Michigan's most populous counties. Several of its cities have dedicated inmate population pages with local courthouse and resource information.

Other communities in Oakland County include Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, Novi, and many others. Visit the cities directory for the full list of qualifying Michigan cities with dedicated inmate population pages.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Oakland County in southeastern Michigan. Each has its own jail and records system. If you are not sure which county holds someone in custody, start with the jurisdiction where the arrest took place.