Berrien County Public Records /Berrien County Inmate Search

Berrien County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Berrien County?

Inmate records in Berrien County are official government documents maintained by the Berrien County Sheriff's Office that chronicle an individual's incarceration within the county correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation of a person's custody status from initial booking through release. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all persons committed to their custody.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records document the judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions maintained by the Michigan Courts, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and management of individuals within detention facilities. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge details are recorded. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and eventual release information.

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. These records serve multiple purposes including facility management, inmate tracking, and public safety information.

Are Inmate Records Public In Berrien County?

Inmate records in Berrien County are considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL 15.231-15.246, with certain limitations and exceptions. The Michigan Department of Corrections and county detention facilities must balance public access rights with privacy and security considerations.

According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230a, basic information about current inmates is publicly accessible. Members of the public may access the following information through the Berrien County inmate search system:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information
Charges filed
Mugshots (booking photographs)
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, certain information within inmate records remains confidential and exempt from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports (in some cases)
Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
Information that would compromise facility security
Victim information
Records pertaining to juveniles (unless charged as adults)

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office provides public access to basic inmate information through their online inmate search portal, which is regularly updated to reflect current custody status.

What's Included Inmate Records in Berrien County

Inmate records in Berrien County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Current custody status
Housing assignment within facility
Classification level
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Program participation

Charge Information:

Current charges (including statute numbers)
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
Arresting agency
Warrant information (if applicable)
Prior booking history within the county

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions
Bail hearing dates

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders affecting custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned credits
Parole eligibility date
Probation terms (if applicable)

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date and time
Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements
Agency assuming custody (if transferred)

These records are maintained in compliance with state record-keeping requirements and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect current status.

Berrien County Prison System

The Berrien County correctional system operates under the authority of the Berrien County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of the county's detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Berrien County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year as prescribed by Michigan law.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Berrien County Jail houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences (typically under one year), or awaiting transfer to state facilities. In contrast, the Michigan Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences.

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office oversees all jail operations, including inmate custody, transportation, and record-keeping. For inquiries regarding the Berrien County correctional system, members of the public may contact:

Berrien County Sheriff's Office
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7141
Berrien County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains public safety through professional law enforcement services, secure detention facilities, and various community programs aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting public safety.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Berrien County

Berrien County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations:

Berrien County Jail - Main Facility
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7141 ext. 7202
Jail Information

The main jail facility serves as the primary detention center for Berrien County. This medium to maximum security facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. The main jail includes specialized housing units for various classification levels and needs.

Berrien County Jail Annex
1960 Napier Avenue
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7141 ext. 7500

The jail annex provides additional housing capacity and typically accommodates minimum to medium security inmates. This facility often houses work release participants and those in specialized treatment programs.

Berrien County Juvenile Center
1860 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: (269) 429-2351

While not part of the adult correctional system, the Juvenile Center provides detention and rehabilitation services for juvenile offenders under the jurisdiction of the Berrien County Family Court. This facility operates separately from the adult jail system with specialized programming for youth.

Each facility operates under the authority of the Berrien County Sheriff's Office and adheres to state standards for detention facilities as established by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Who's in Prison In Berrien County

The Berrien County Jail houses several categories of individuals under the jurisdiction of the county criminal justice system:

Pre-trial Detainees: The largest population within the Berrien County Jail consists of individuals awaiting trial who either have been denied bail, cannot afford to post bail, or have not yet had a bail determination. These individuals are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty and are housed separately from sentenced inmates when facility space permits.

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year as prescribed by Michigan law. Common misdemeanor convictions include driving under the influence, simple assault, petty theft, and probation violations.

Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of certain low-level felonies may serve their sentences in county jail rather than state prison, particularly if the sentence is less than one year.

Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county jail pending revocation hearings or as a sanction for the violation.

Individuals Awaiting Transfer: Persons who have been sentenced to state prison but are temporarily housed in the county jail while awaiting transfer to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility.

Weekend Commitments: Some offenders are permitted to serve their sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.

Work Release Participants: Qualifying low-risk inmates may participate in work release programs that allow them to maintain employment in the community while returning to the jail during non-working hours.

According to data from the Berrien County Sheriff's Office, the jail typically operates near its rated capacity of approximately 341 inmates. The average daily population fluctuates based on seasonal factors, court activity, and law enforcement operations.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Berrien County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Berrien County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county provides multiple search options to accommodate different needs:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the official Berrien County Inmate Search portal
Enter the required search criteria (at least one field is required):
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional, but recommended for common surnames)
- Date of birth (optional, but helpful for precise results)
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Mugshot (booking photograph)

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Berrien County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:

Berrien County Sheriff's Office Records Division
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone: (269) 983-7141 ext. 7220
Complete a public records request form
Provide identification and specify the information being requested
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)

Written Requests:

Submit a written request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act to:

Berrien County FOIA Coordinator
Berrien County Administration Center
701 Main Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Include in your request:
- Your complete contact information
- Specific information being requested (inmate name, booking number if known)
- Time period of incarceration (if known)
- Preferred format for receiving records

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the county has five business days to respond to requests, with the possibility of a ten-day extension if necessary.

How To Find an Inmate in Berrien County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Berrien County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county and state agencies:

Berrien County Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating current inmates is through the county's free online inmate search system. This database is updated regularly and provides:

Real-time custody status information
Basic booking details
Current charges
Bond information
Expected release dates
Facility location

Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may contact the Berrien County Jail directly at (269) 983-7141 ext. 7202 to inquire about an inmate's custody status. When calling, be prepared to provide:

Inmate's full legal name
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate booking date (if known)

Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS provides a free online database of all state prisoners and parolees. This system will not show county jail inmates but is useful for tracking individuals who have moved from county to state custody.

Berrien County Clerk's Office: Court records can help locate individuals in custody through:

Berrien County Clerk's Office
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7111 ext. 8234
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The clerk's office maintains court records that may indicate if an individual has been remanded to custody and their current status in the judicial system.

When searching for an inmate, having the following information will expedite the process:

Full legal name (including any known aliases)
Date of birth
Approximate booking date
Case number (if available)

All these search methods are provided free of charge as a public service, though fees may apply for certified copies of records or extensive document reproduction.

How To Visit an Inmate In Berrien County

Visitation with inmates at Berrien County correctional facilities is governed by specific policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online visitation scheduling system
Visitors must register in the system at least 24 hours before their first visit
Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
A maximum of two visitors are allowed per visit (children under 18 count as visitors)
All visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visit time
Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all visitors age 18 and older

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Work Release Inmates: Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special Housing Units: Schedule varies; contact facility for specific times
No visits on county holidays or during facility lockdowns

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicle or lockers)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
Baby care items for infant visitors (one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20 (for vending machines where available)

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts, see-through materials)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing resembling inmate attire (orange, tan, or striped clothing)
Shoes and shirts required
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings with prior approval)

Visit Types:

On-site Video Visitation: Most visits occur via video terminals located within the facility
Contact Visits: Limited to certain classifications and special circumstances with prior approval
Professional Visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals have separate scheduling procedures

Visit Restrictions:

Persons with felony convictions within the past five years may be denied visitation
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of privileges
All visits are subject to monitoring and recording except privileged attorney visits

These policies are established pursuant to Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6607 governing correctional facility visitation. For the most current information, visitors should consult the Berrien County Jail Information page prior to scheduling visits.

How To Send Money to a Berrien County Inmate

Berrien County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay Payment Services website
Select "Michigan" and "Berrien County Sheriff's Office"
Create an account or proceed as a guest
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow the prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
Service fees apply (currently 3.5% of deposit amount)
Funds are typically available within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the lobby kiosk at the Berrien County Jail (919 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI)
Available 24/7 in the jail lobby
Follow on-screen instructions
Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions
Funds are typically available within 1-4 hours

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "Berrien County Jail" with inmate's name and ID in memo line
Mail to:

Berrien County Jail - Inmate Accounts
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Include sender's full name and return address
No personal checks or cash accepted
No service fees for money orders
Funds typically available within 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

Deposit Restrictions:

Funds from persons with active criminal cases may be rejected
Deposits from other inmates or former inmates within 90 days of release are prohibited
Suspicious transactions may be investigated and rejected
All deposits are subject to collection fees and court-ordered obligations before becoming available to the inmate

Permitted Commissary Purchases: Inmates may use funds for:

Hygiene products
Snacks and food items
Clothing items (underwear, t-shirts)
Writing materials
Stamps and envelopes
Phone time
Approved over-the-counter medications

Prohibited Uses: Funds cannot be used for:

Bail or bond payments
Payment of fines or court costs (separate process required)
Transfer to other inmates
Purchase of prohibited items
Cash withdrawals

For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Berrien County Jail Inmate Accounts Office at (269) 983-7141 ext. 7225 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

How To Send Jail Mail In Berrien County

Correspondence with inmates in Berrien County facilities must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:

Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number (if known)
Berrien County Jail
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085

Letter Guidelines:

All mail must arrive via U.S. Postal Service (no FedEx, UPS, or other carriers)
Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
Letters must be on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
Black or blue ink or pencil only
No perfume, lipstick, stickers, glitter, or other substances on letters
No plastic, metal, or other non-paper items
No Polaroid photos or photos with borders
Maximum of 5 photos per envelope (standard 4x6 size only)
No sexually explicit or gang-related content
No information about criminal activities

Permitted Items:

Personal letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain paper only, no musical, pop-up, or electronic components)
Money orders (see previous section for details)
Up to 5 photographs (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Items:

Cash, personal checks, or currency
Stamps or pre-stamped envelopes
Blank paper, envelopes, or writing materials
Hardcover books or magazines (must come directly from publisher)
Packages of any kind
Food or beverage items
Clothing or personal items
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Newspaper clippings
Plastic-coated or laminated items

Publication Deliveries: Books, magazines, and newspapers must:

Come directly from the publisher or authorized retailer (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)
Be paperback only (no hardcover books)
Not exceed facility limits (currently 3 books and 5 magazines in possession)
Not contain prohibited content (weapons, escape, explicit material)

Legal Mail: Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail" and will be opened in the inmate's presence. Legal mail must still conform to safety requirements but receives special handling to protect privileged communications.

All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Non-compliant mail will be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed depending on the nature of the violation. For current mail regulations, contact the Berrien County Jail at (269) 983-7141 ext. 7202.