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How to Look Up Someone in Michigan Prisons Using OTIS

• 2 min read • mdocweb.state.mi.us
How to Look Up Someone in Michigan Prisons Using OTIS

OTIS - Michigan's Offender Tracking Information System - is the fastest way to look up basic public details about someone under Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) jurisdiction. If the person you're searching for is housed in a Michigan prison like Michigan Reformatory, or is being supervised by MDOC, OTIS should show a matching record.

OTIS covers more than just current prisoners. Results may include people on parole or probation under MDOC supervision, those who transferred in or out of Michigan through the Interstate Compact, or individuals listed as escaped or absconded. Because the database is broad, read the details carefully to understand exactly what each entry describes.

Note: OTIS only shows people who have been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. If more than three years have passed, the person may not appear in OTIS at all.

How to Look Up Someone in Michigan Prisons Using OTIS

Head to the OTIS lookup site and enter your search. If the person is in the system, you'll see their public record - this includes anyone currently housed at a Michigan prison like Michigan Reformatory, as well as others under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision.

  • ✓ If you don’t find the person you’re looking for, the three-year window may be the reason.
  • ✓ OTIS only includes people who have been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years.
  • ✓ If more than three years have elapsed since MDOC supervision, the information won’t be available on OTIS.

Treat OTIS as a starting point, not the final word. If you're making travel plans, legal decisions, or anything involving safety, verify what you find. MDOC recommends confirming details through the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Michigan Courts, the Michigan State Police, or other law enforcement agencies. If something doesn't match what you've been told, pause and double-check with an official source before acting on it.

Think the information in OTIS is wrong or outdated? Contact MDOC's Office of Public Information and Communications at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov.

Having technical trouble accessing the site? Reach the MDOC Webmaster at mdocwebmaster@michigan.gov.

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