How to Look Up Someone in a Michigan Prison Using OTIS
Trying to find someone in Michigan's corrections system? OTIS is the Michigan Department of Corrections' free public lookup tool. It shows basic custody and supervision information—though you'll want to confirm details through official channels.
OTIS shows people who are currently - or were previously - under Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) jurisdiction or supervision. That covers anyone in a Michigan prison (like the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility), plus people on parole or probation supervised by MDOC. The database isn't limited to convicted felons; it includes both felons and misdemeanants under MDOC supervision.
Can't find the record you expected? Timing might be the issue. OTIS only shows offenders who've been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. If someone was discharged more than three years ago, they won't appear.
Start with the public OTIS search and look up the person you're trying to find. Results show information about offenders who are - or were - in a Michigan prison or under MDOC community supervision (parole or probation). If you believe someone was recently under MDOC jurisdiction, OTIS is the first place to check.
Note: If you have technical problems accessing or reading OTIS information, email the MDOC webmaster at mdocwebmaster@michigan.gov.
OTIS records often show offense information tied to an MCL number (Michigan Compiled Law). Click the MCL number to go directly to the Michigan Legislature website, where you can read the actual statute language - not just a shortened charge description.
See the word "Attempt" after an offense? OTIS links to Michigan Compiled Law 750.92 (Attempt to Commit Crime) on the Michigan Legislature site. That statute explains how attempt convictions and penalties differ from completed offenses.
OTIS is a solid starting point, but MDOC and the State of Michigan don't guarantee accuracy. The database may not reflect current location, status, projected release date, or other key details. Even when you find the right person, confirm what you're seeing through official sources before taking action.
- ✓ Confirm the details directly with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) before you rely on them.
- ✓ Verify criminal history information through the Michigan State Police using their Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT).
- ✓ If you need the most authoritative record of the case details, review the court file.
Note: If OTIS information looks inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete, contact the MDOC Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov.
Sometimes a person won't show up in OTIS - or information that used to be there disappears. MDOC removes offender information when a conviction is set aside, expunged by the sentencing court, expunged by operation of law, or once three years have passed since discharge.
The three-year window matters for routine searches too. OTIS only displays offenders under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. If more than three years have passed since discharge, no record will appear.
Find an Inmate at Cotton Corr. Facility, MI
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