Oakland County Jail inmates are housed and managed through a centralized system operated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. The facility, located at 1201 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac, Michigan, holds up to 1,700 individuals across minimum, medium, and maximum-security units. Inmates can be searched online using the official CLEMIS Inmate Locator, which provides current housing assignments, projected release dates, pending court appearances, and visitation windows. The system pulls data from the main jail, work-release programs, and contracted facilities, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records. For immediate help, call the inmate information line at 248-858-1800. Mail must include the inmate’s full legal name and nine-digit ID number to ensure proper delivery. The jail also maintains a 24-hour intake area for new arrests, equipped with medical monitoring and observation cells.
How to Search for Oakland County Jail Inmates Online
Anyone can search for Oakland County Jail inmates using the free CLEMIS Inmate Locator tool. This online portal, launched in 2002 and updated in September 2023, runs on secure government servers and is refreshed daily. To find an inmate, enter their last name, first name, first initial, or nine-digit offender ID. Results show current housing location, booking date, charges, bond amount, next court date, and visitation eligibility. The system also displays temporary restrictions, such as those related to health protocols. While the database is updated regularly, weekend entries may lag by up to 72 hours due to staffing schedules. For real-time updates, contact the jail directly at 248-858-1800. The tool is available 24/7 and requires no login or registration.

Official Oakland County Jail Inmate Information Portal
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office maintains a dedicated inmate information page on its official website. This resource offers detailed guidance on how to locate inmates, send mail, schedule visits, and access court records. The page includes links to the CLEMIS locator, downloadable forms, and contact numbers for specific services. Visitors can review charge descriptions, bond types, and court jurisdictions, including the 16th Circuit Court and 10th District Court. The site also explains how records are updated and why some information may be delayed. A September 2023 update introduced a new downloadable Inmate Guide that outlines navigation steps, privacy rules, and security protocols. For questions about specific charges or bond eligibility, users must contact the court listed on the inmate’s docket.
https://www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/corrections/oakland-county-jail/inmate-information 
Facility Overview: Security Levels, Capacity & Intake Process
The Oakland County Jail is a multi-level correctional complex designed to house diverse inmate populations. The second floor serves as a maximum-security wing with reinforced doors, constant camera surveillance, and controlled movement for high-risk individuals. This section holds approximately 440 inmates under strict supervision. The first floor contains the intake zone, where new arrests are processed. It includes holding tanks for up to 156 people and observation cells with medical monitoring equipment. Staff assess health conditions, classify risk levels, and assign permanent housing during this phase. The entire facility operates under state and county regulations, with regular audits to ensure safety and compliance. All areas are monitored 24/7, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
https://www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/corrections/oakland-county-jail
Inmate Roster, Mugshots & Public Records Access
The public can view current inmate rosters and recent mugshots through verified third-party platforms linked to the jail’s official database. These sites display names, booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. To protect privacy, some details may be redacted based on case status or judicial orders. The jail’s inmate services desk, reachable at 248-858-1800, assists with requests for commissary balances, bail information, and visitation scheduling. Personal mail must be addressed to “Inmate’s Full Name & Inmate Number, OAKLAND COUNTY JAIL, 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341.” Correspondence without proper identification will be returned or discarded. The mailing address for the facility is the same as the physical location, ensuring consistency for families and legal representatives.
Locating Inmates When You Don’t Know Their Housing Status
If you’re unsure where an inmate is being held, use the online locator to search by name or ID. The system covers the main jail, East Annex, work-release units, and temporary holding areas. Results include current location, projected release date, and any pending transfers. The portal also lists registered offenders and provides alerts about visitation changes due to emergencies or policy updates. For example, during health outbreaks, in-person visits may be suspended or replaced with video options. The search tool integrates with Michigan’s statewide inmate database, ensuring cross-referenced accuracy. Always verify information by calling 248-858-1800, especially if planning a visit or sending funds.
https://www.inmateaid.com/prisons/oakland-county-mi-main-jail
Cross-Referencing with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC)
Every inmate in Oakland County Jail is assigned a unique nine-digit ID that links to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) system. This allows for seamless tracking if an individual is transferred to a state prison or released under supervision. The CLEMIS locator automatically matches county bookings with MDOC numbers, reducing errors and duplication. For statewide searches, use the MDOC OTIS2 portal at michigan.gov/corrections. This system shows all incarcerated individuals across Michigan, including those in county jails. Video visitation is available through approved platforms that comply with state privacy laws. Applications for visits must be submitted in advance and include identification, signatures, and medical waivers if needed.
https://oaklandcountyjail.org/inmate-search/
Contacting the Jail: Phone Numbers, Email & Office Hours
For immediate assistance, call the inmate information line at 248-858-1800. This number is staffed 24 hours a day and connects callers to shift supervisors who can confirm housing status, transfer dates, or release plans. The main sheriff’s office line is 248-858-4950, which routes calls to administrative staff during business hours. Email inquiries can be sent to the protected address listed on the official website; responses typically arrive within one business day. The corrections department also operates a separate records line at 248-858-1011 for case files, disciplinary reports, and release documentation. All communications are logged and monitored for security purposes.
https://www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/corrections
East Annex Correctional Facility: Separate Unit, Same Procedures
The East Annex is part of the Oakland County Jail complex and follows the same rules for inmate search, visitation, and mail. Located at 1201 North Telegraph Road, it houses additional inmates and offers services through the main inmate desk at 248-858-1800. Mugshots, bond amounts, and court dates are available upon request. Mail must include the inmate’s full legal name and ID number. The annex supports the main jail during peak intake periods and holds short-term detainees awaiting court appearances. It operates under the same security protocols and is included in the CLEMIS locator database.
Visitation Rules, Scheduling & COVID-19 Updates
Visitation at Oakland County Jail is scheduled in advance and subject to change based on facility conditions. Check the official website or call 248-858-1800 for current hours and rules. During health emergencies, in-person visits may be limited or replaced with video calls. Visitors must present valid ID, pass a background check, and follow dress code requirements. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. All visits are monitored and may be recorded. Temporary restrictions are posted online and updated regularly. Families should confirm eligibility before traveling, as policies can shift with little notice.
Mail, Commissary & Financial Transactions
Inmates can receive mail, but all correspondence must include their full legal name and nine-digit ID number. Packages are not accepted unless pre-approved for medical or legal reasons. Money can be deposited into inmate accounts via online portals, kiosks at the jail, or money orders sent by mail. Commissary purchases are deducted from these balances. Funds are not refundable upon release unless requested in writing. All transactions are logged and audited monthly. For questions about account balances or deposits, contact the inmate services desk.
Release Dates, Transfer Notifications & Public Alerts
Projected release dates are listed in the CLEMIS locator but are estimates only. Actual release depends on court rulings, bail payments, or administrative decisions. Transfers to other facilities are not always announced in advance due to security reasons. Families can request notifications by calling the inmate information line. The jail does not provide real-time alerts but encourages regular checks of the online roster. If an inmate is released or moved, the system updates within 24 to 72 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland County Jail Inmates
Many people have questions about how to find, contact, or support someone in the Oakland County Jail. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on official policies and recent updates.
How do I find out if someone is in the Oakland County Jail?
Use the CLEMIS Inmate Locator online or call 248-858-1800. Enter the person’s last name, first name, or ID number. The system shows current housing, charges, and court dates. Results update daily, but weekend entries may be delayed. Always verify with a phone call if you plan to visit or send money.
Can I visit an inmate right now?
Visitation depends on current rules, which can change due to health or safety issues. Call 248-858-1800 to check hours and eligibility. You must be on the approved visitor list and bring valid ID. Some visits may be virtual during emergencies. Schedule in advance to avoid disappointment.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Address mail to: Inmate’s Full Name & Inmate Number, OAKLAND COUNTY JAIL, 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. Do not send cash, stamps, or packages. Use plain envelopes and avoid decorations. Mail is inspected for contraband. Include your return address.
How do I add money to an inmate’s account?
Deposit funds online through the jail’s approved vendor, at a kiosk in the lobby, or by mailing a money order. Do not send cash. Funds appear within 24 hours. Commissary purchases are deducted automatically. Keep receipts for your records.
What happens if an inmate is transferred?
The CLEMIS locator updates within 72 hours. Call 248-858-1800 for confirmation. Transfers may be to state prisons, other counties, or medical facilities. Notifications are not automatic. Check the roster regularly or ask the inmate to inform you.
Are mugshots and records public?
Yes, booking photos and basic records are public unless sealed by court order. View them on official or verified third-party sites. Some details may be redacted for privacy. For full records, submit a request to the records line at 248-858-1011.
Who do I call for legal or medical concerns?
For legal matters, contact the court listed on the inmate’s docket. For medical issues, call the jail’s health services unit through the main line. Emergency concerns should be reported immediately to 248-858-1800. Do not use email for urgent requests.
Official Website: https://www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/corrections/oakland-county-jail
Phone: 248-858-1800 (Inmate Information) | 248-858-1011 (Records)
Address: 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341
