How to look up someone at Central Michigan Corrections Facility using Michigan's OTIS
Trying to confirm whether someone is at Central Michigan Corrections Facility? Michigan's OTIS search is usually the fastest way to check. Here's how to use it and what the results actually mean.
OTIS is Michigan’s public offender search tool for people who are currently under the jurisdiction or supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). That includes people who are in a Michigan prison, on parole or probation supervised by MDOC, transferred in or out of Michigan under the interstate compact, or listed as escaped/absconded.
One thing that catches people off guard: OTIS only shows records from the last three years. If someone was discharged from MDOC supervision more than three years ago, they won't appear. Records also disappear if a conviction gets set aside or expunged. And some Michigan statutes restrict what conviction details can be shown publicly - so even when someone is in the system, the information you see might be incomplete.
- Open the OTIS offender search - Use the Michigan Department of Corrections’ OTIS search page.
- Search by the best identifier you have - If you have an MDOC number, use it. If not, search by the person’s name.
- Review the results for the current location - Look for the entry that shows the person is currently under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision, and check the facility/location information to see whether it lists Central Michigan Corrections Facility.
- Double-check you have the right person - If multiple people have similar names, use the details shown in the record (like status and dates) to make sure you’re not mixing up two different individuals.
When OTIS shows a current facility or supervision status, that's a strong sign the person is in MDOC custody or under their supervision. That said, OTIS is meant for general information - not as the final word. If you're making decisions based on what you find (sending mail, planning a visit, handling urgent family matters), confirm the details directly with MDOC, Michigan Courts, Michigan State Police, or another law enforcement agency.
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OTIS records center on whether someone is currently - or was recently - under MDOC jurisdiction. The status and date fields are what matter most. Look for information showing the person is in a Michigan prison or under MDOC parole/probation, and check whether that falls within the three-year window OTIS covers. If you're trying to confirm someone is at Central Michigan Corrections Facility, that's the line to focus on.
Note: OTIS only includes people under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. Records are removed once three years pass after discharge, or if a conviction is set aside or expunged.
Note: Some Michigan statutes preclude public disclosure of conviction information, so certain conviction details may not appear in OTIS even when a person has an MDOC record.
Next Steps
- ✓ Confirm the information with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) before you rely on it.
- ✓ Verify through Michigan Courts if you need case-level details.
- ✓ If the situation involves public safety or urgent legal action, confirm through the Michigan State Police or another law enforcement agency.
- ✓ Don’t take action based only on OTIS results without confirmation.
Think an OTIS record is wrong, outdated, or missing information? Contact the MDOC Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov. For technical issues - trouble loading OTIS or viewing records - reach out to the OTIS Webmaster at mdocwebmaster@michigan.gov.
Find an Inmate at Central Michigan Corrections Facility, MI
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