Why your loved one disappeared from OTIS — and what to do next

The most common reason someone vanishes from OTIS? The three-year display window. OTIS only shows offenders who have been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. Once someone has been discharged for more than three years, their information drops off - even if the conviction still exists in other public records.

OTIS isn't limited to people currently in a Michigan facility. It can include people who transferred in or out of state under the Interstate Compact, plus anyone who escaped or absconded. So you might see an entry even when someone isn't housed where you expect - and the entry can disappear once they fall outside that three-year window.

Other Reasons Removed

• ✓ The conviction was set aside
• ✓ The conviction was expunged by the sentencing court
• ✓ The record was removed by operation of law

1. Double‑check the identifiers you’re searching - Try the exact spelling of the name and any known variations, and confirm key identifiers like date of birth or SID number (if you have it).
2. Treat OTIS as a starting point, not the final word - The database may not reflect the most current location, status, projected release date, or other details.
3. Verify through other official records - Confirm what you’re seeing (or not seeing) through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) or by reviewing the court file.
4. Confirm with MDOC before you act on the information - Especially if you’re making decisions about visits, travel, money, or urgent family plans, get confirmation through MDOC rather than relying on OTIS alone.

Think an OTIS entry is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete? You can report it directly to MDOC. Contact the MDOC Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov. Explain what you're seeing, what you believe is wrong, and include the identifying details you used so they can locate the correct record.

Sometimes "no record found" doesn't mean the person was never sentenced - or that OTIS is broken. Michigan law restricts what conviction information can be published publicly. People sentenced under statutes that preclude disclosure won't appear in OTIS at all. If you're confident you have the right person but OTIS shows nothing, treat the absence as a possible legal restriction. Verify through MDOC, ICHAT, or the court file instead.