What to Do When OTIS Shows No Results for Your Loved One (Michigan)
If OTIS comes back with "no results," that doesn't automatically mean your loved one was never in MDOC custody. There are a few common reasons a record won't show up, plus a clear set of checks you can run to figure out what's going on.
The most common reason OTIS returns nothing is the three-year window. OTIS only shows people who are currently under Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) jurisdiction or supervision, or who were within the last three years. Once more than three years have passed since discharge, their information drops out of the system. There are also specific situations where records get removed earlier. MDOC states the database removes offender information only if the conviction is set aside, expunged by the sentencing court, expunged by operation of law, or once three years have elapsed since discharge. So a "no results" screen could mean an older discharge date, or it could mean the underlying conviction was legally cleared.
Note: If a conviction was set aside or expunged (by the court or by operation of law), OTIS can remove the information, which can lead to “no results.”
OTIS is a useful starting point, but MDOC is upfront that the data can be wrong or incomplete. Before you make plans, send money, or assume someone is not in custody, confirm their status through another source. MDOC specifically points families to three options: confirming directly with MDOC, checking the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), or reviewing the court file.
- Document what you’re seeing in OTIS. Re-check the spelling you used, then save screenshots or notes of the “no results” page (including what you searched) so you can reference it later.
- Run an ICHAT search through Michigan State Police. This can help you verify criminal history information outside of OTIS.
- Check the court file. Look up the case through online court records if available, or contact the clerk for the sentencing court to confirm the case status and outcomes.
- Confirm directly with MDOC if you still have questions. OTIS itself advises confirming before taking action, especially when you suspect a listing is missing or incorrect.
Keep in mind: Every source has limits. If the information doesn't line up, the safest move is to confirm directly with MDOC before relying on what OTIS (or any single database) shows.
If you think OTIS is showing inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete information, MDOC directs you to contact the Office of Public Information and Communications by email at correctionsinfo@michigan.gov. That's the right place to flag a record problem and ask for clarification.
Tip: In your email, include whatever identifying details you have for the person, plus screenshots or a short description of what OTIS shows. OTIS also warns against taking action without confirmation through MDOC, ICHAT, or the court file.
If you suspect your loved one's MDOC supervision ended years ago, OTIS may simply be doing what it's designed to do. MDOC explains that offender information appears in OTIS only if the person has been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. Records are removed once three years have elapsed since discharge (unless removed sooner due to a set-aside or expungement). In that case, you'll usually get further by working from the court file and other state tools rather than trying to force an OTIS match. OTIS itself recommends confirming information through MDOC, Michigan State Police ICHAT, or a review of the court file.
- ✓ Search the sentencing court’s docket (online if available) for the case and disposition
- ✓ Request records or confirmation from the court clerk if you can’t find what you need online
- ✓ Run a Michigan State Police ICHAT search to cross-check criminal history information
- ✓ Email MDOC’s Office of Public Information and Communications (correctionsinfo@michigan.gov) for guidance if you believe OTIS is missing something it should show
Action Checklist
- ✓ Save screenshots or notes showing your OTIS search and the “no results” message
- ✓ Check Michigan State Police ICHAT
- ✓ Review the court file (or contact the court clerk) for the most reliable case details
- ✓ Email correctionsinfo@michigan.gov if you believe OTIS is inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete
- ✓ If the person may have discharged a while ago, ask MDOC to confirm whether they were under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years (since OTIS only shows that window)
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