Before you rely on OTIS: how to verify release dates and locations
OTIS is a helpful starting point, but don't set plans in stone based on what you find there. Release dates shift. Transfers happen. Locations change. If you're booking travel, arranging pickup, or confirming where someone is housed, take a few minutes to verify first.
OTIS shares public information - think of it as a pointer, not the final word. When details matter (a projected release date, current location, or custody status), confirm what you see through the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Michigan Courts, the Michigan State Police, or other law enforcement agencies.
Note: MDOC and the State of Michigan provide OTIS information without any express or implied warranty, and it may not reflect the most current location, status, or projected release date. OTIS also only shows people who have been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years - if more time has passed, they may not appear in the search results at all.
Don't make decisions based on OTIS alone. Before you drive hours, take time off work, or commit to time-sensitive plans, confirm what you found with MDOC, the Michigan State Police through ICHAT, or by pulling the court file.
For the most direct confirmation, go straight to MDOC. OTIS is meant to point you toward information you can verify against their records - and MDOC is also where you report problems if an OTIS entry looks wrong or incomplete. Spot an error or outdated info? Contact the MDOC Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov. Having technical trouble accessing or reading OTIS? Reach the MDOC Webmaster at mdocwebmaster@michigan.gov.
ICHAT (the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool) is another official verification source. If you need to double-check identifying details or confirm you're looking at the right person, ICHAT can help you cross-reference what OTIS shows.
Court records are the third verification path alongside MDOC and ICHAT. If OTIS doesn't match what you've been told - or if you need to confirm a case status - checking the Michigan Courts record lets you verify details from the original court file.
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- ✓ If OTIS information is inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete, email the MDOC Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov.
- ✓ If you’re having technical problems accessing or reading OTIS, email the MDOC Webmaster at mdocwebmaster@michigan.gov.
- Report inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete OTIS information - contact the MDOC Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov.
- Get help with OTIS technical problems - if you can’t access the site or read the information, email the MDOC Webmaster at mdocwebmaster@michigan.gov.
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- ✓ Don’t take action based on OTIS results without confirming through MDOC, Michigan State Police ICHAT, or a court file review.
- ✓ Treat OTIS as a starting point you verify through MDOC, Michigan Courts, the Michigan State Police, or other law enforcement agencies.
- ✓ If OTIS looks inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete, contact MDOC’s Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov.
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