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Understanding OTIS: What Michigan's Offender Tracking System Shows and What It Doesn't

OTIS gives you a quick snapshot of someone connected to Michigan's corrections system—but it's easy to misread what you're seeing. Here's what OTIS actually shows, what might be missing, and how to verify details when accuracy matters.

• 2 min read • mdocweb.state.mi.us
Understanding OTIS: What Michigan's Offender Tracking System Shows and What It Doesn't

OTIS (the Offender Tracking Information System) is Michigan's public database connected to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). It shares information you can verify through official sources - MDOC, Michigan Courts, the Michigan State Police, or other law enforcement agencies. If you're using OTIS to make decisions (travel plans for a visit, timing for release prep, checking someone's status), treat it as a starting point. Confirm the details through those official channels before acting.

OTIS search results focus on MDOC involvement. You'll generally see people who are currently under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision, or who were in the past. This explains why two people with similar names can have very different search outcomes. If one of them was never under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision, their information won't show up in OTIS.

Note: OTIS only shows offenders who have been under MDOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years. If more than three years has passed, that information won’t be available in OTIS.

One common point of confusion: OTIS isn't limited to felony convictions. It includes both felons and misdemeanants - as long as the person is, or was, under MDOC supervision. So if you see a misdemeanor listed, that doesn't mean something is wrong with the record. It simply reflects who MDOC has supervised.

Want to understand what a conviction actually means? The MCL number is one of the most useful parts of an OTIS entry. Click the Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) number, and it takes you to the Michigan Legislature website where you can read the exact statute the person was convicted of violating.

Understanding OTIS: What Michigan's Offender Tracking System Shows and What It Doesn't

Heads up: MDOC warns that OTIS may not reflect current location, status, projected release date, or other details. Confirm key information with official sources before you act on what you see.

  • ✓ Confirm the details through the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC).
  • ✓ Cross-check information with Michigan Courts records when you need case-level accuracy.
  • ✓ Use the Michigan State Police or other law enforcement agencies as verification sources when appropriate.
  • ✓ Treat OTIS as a lead, not a final answer - especially for location, status, and projected release dates.

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How OTIS (Michigan's inmate search) Works: What It Shows and What It Doesn't

OTIS is Michigan's public offender search tool. It shares basic information about people who are or were under the jurisdiction or supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). You can use it to look up someone currently in a Michigan prison (including facilities like St. Louis Correctional) or someone supervised by MDOC on parole or probation.

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How to Contact an Inmate at St. Louis Corrections Facility, MI (MI)

Need to reach St. Louis Corrections Facility or set up a visit? Start with the facility's public email and current visiting schedule (and verify both before you go).

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Visiting someone at St. Louis Corrections Facility is straightforward once you know the schedule. Confirm the current visiting sessions, then pick the time block that works for you.