Clinton County Jail Capacity, Renovations, and Inspection Record: What Families Should Know

Clinton County Jail was built in 1991 with a design-rated capacity of 186 inmates. To put that in perspective, the county's previous jail held just 42 prisoners. The 1991 facility was a major jump in how many people Clinton County could house locally.

In 2004, the jail expanded with a renovation and addition that created a larger kitchen area and added 30 beds, bringing total capacity to 216.

Another 20 beds were added in 2012, pushing capacity to 236. That's the most recent number reflected in the jail's stated expansion history.

Clinton County Jail is run by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office describes its mission for the jail as operating a facility that is effective, efficient, secure, and humane.

On the state side, the county reports that since 2000, Clinton County Jail has received 100% compliance inspection results from the Michigan Department of Corrections, with one exception in 2013. If you're hearing concerns about conditions or operations, that exception year is worth asking about so you understand what changed and how it was addressed.

On the federal side, the county reports the jail has consistently passed U.S. Marshals Service inspections since 1991. A long-running pass record generally signals the facility has met the Marshals Service's requirements at inspection time. This matters especially when federal detainees are housed or transported through a county facility.

Capacity history helps you interpret what you're being told about housing. Clinton County Jail's design-rated capacity was 186 when it opened in 1991, increased to 216 after the 2004 addition, and reached 236 after 2012. If your loved one gets moved, housed in a different area than expected, or transferred out, it can be connected to how the facility manages space relative to its rated capacity, even when you're not given detailed numbers. The inspection record adds another layer of context. The county's statement that the jail received 100% compliance inspections from the Michigan Department of Corrections since 2000 (except 2013), plus consistent passing of U.S. Marshals inspections since 1991, suggests the facility has repeatedly met those agencies' standards at the times they visited. That doesn't tell you exactly what staffing, crowding, or day-to-day conditions look like today. But it can help you frame more precise questions when something feels off.

• ✓ Ask what the current population is compared to the jail’s rated capacity (the most recent stated capacity is up to 236).
• ✓ If a transfer happens, ask whether it was related to space management relative to rated capacity.
• ✓ Ask how inspection results are tracked and addressed, especially what happened in 2013 when the county notes an exception to 100% MDOC compliance.
• ✓ If you are trying to understand current conditions, ask what the most recent inspection outcomes were and whether any changes were required afterward.

1. Contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office about the jail. The jail is operated by the Sheriff’s Office, so this is the right starting point for capacity, housing, and policy questions.
2. Ask for the current population compared to rated capacity. The facility’s capacity has changed over time, most recently up to 236 individuals, so you want the current snapshot in plain numbers.
3. Ask why your loved one is housed where they are. If a housing assignment or move does not make sense, ask whether it ties back to managing space within the rated capacity.
4. Request any official explanation tied to inspections. Since the county cites MDOC compliance results since 2000 (except 2013) and consistent passing of U.S. Marshals inspections since 1991, ask what the most recent findings show and whether any corrective steps were required.