Cass County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Cass County in 2026
CassMIRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to inmate records in Cass County, including booking information, custody status, charges, bond details, and facility location. Members of the public may find records covering current detainees, recently released individuals, and historical booking data. Available record categories include arrest records, jail rosters, court case information, and corrections history.
Records may be searched through official government resources, the county clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Sheriff's Office and the Michigan Department of Corrections.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that members of the public may access at no charge through the Sheriff's Office official website. To conduct a search, users navigate to the inmate search page, select a search type — by name, booking number, or date of booking — enter the relevant criteria, and review the results displayed. Selecting an individual record provides additional detail.
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location within the county jail
- Booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
The inmate roster is updated on a daily basis. At present, no dedicated mobile application is available for inmate searches through the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
Cass County Sheriff's Office
60296 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility. The Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) provides a free, publicly accessible search tool for locating individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state prison.
To search, users enter the individual's last name, first name, or MDOC number into the OTIS portal. Results include the offender's current facility, sentence information, projected release date, and conviction details. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately; an individual may appear in one system but not the other depending on the stage of their case.
The transfer from county jail to state custody following sentencing takes place within a period of weeks, during which the individual may not yet appear in the OTIS database.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in federal custody and do not appear in county or state corrections databases. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free search tool for locating individuals in federal custody.
Users may search by name or BOP register number. Results include the individual's current facility, release date, and age. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, federal firearms charges, or immigration violations.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may call the Cass County Jail directly at (269) 445-2481 to request basic inmate information. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody, provide booking dates, and relay charge information. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. The jail's main line is staffed during regular business hours; after-hours inquiries may be directed to the on-duty officer.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Cass County Jail in person to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm custody status, provide charge information, and direct visitors to appropriate resources. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches.
Cass County Jail
60296 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies; routine inquiries are addressed within five to ten business days.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Search by booking number if it is available from a prior inquiry
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take up to 24 hours to appear in the online roster
- Individuals who have been transferred to state or federal custody will not appear in the county jail database
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
If a search of the county jail roster returns no results, the individual may be held in state prison — in which case the Michigan OTIS database should be consulted. Federal custody is searchable through the BOP Inmate Locator. The individual may also have been released, transferred to another jurisdiction, or booked under a name variation not captured in the initial search. Recent bookings not yet reflected in the online system may be confirmed by calling (269) 445-2481 directly.
Are Inmate Records Public in Cass County?
Inmate records maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office are public records under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement and corrections departments. This statute establishes the framework under which inmate booking records, custody status, and charge information are made available to the public.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and jail population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld on security grounds)
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell or housing unit assignments (withheld for security reasons)
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized government interests. Transparency in the operation of correctional facilities supports public accountability and oversight of law enforcement. Public safety is served when community members can verify the custody status of individuals charged with offenses. Families and legal representatives rely on booking records to locate detained individuals. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to bond amounts and custody status to perform its licensed functions. Court proceedings are facilitated when attorneys and parties can confirm an individual's current custody and scheduled appearances.
Privacy Considerations:
Michigan law recognizes that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Sensitive personal information — including medical history, mental health status, and information pertaining to minors — is protected from disclosure under MCL § 15.243, which enumerates specific exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act. The release of booking photographs and personal identifiers may carry consequences for employment and family relationships, and the law provides limited mechanisms for individuals to seek relief in certain circumstances.
What Is Inmate Records in Cass County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals detained in a jail or prison facility. These records serve administrative, legal, and public safety functions, and are generated at the point of booking — the formal process by which an arrested individual is processed into a detention facility.
In Cass County, inmate records are created and maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county jail. The Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county-level inmate records. For individuals transferred to state custody following conviction, the Michigan Department of Corrections assumes custodial responsibility for those records.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody information
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's status, location, and classification within the facility
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and custody periods associated with an individual
- Release records: Documentation of the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, whether by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of one year or less for misdemeanor offenses. State prison records pertain to individuals serving felony sentences of more than one year in a Michigan Department of Corrections facility. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses and held in Bureau of Prisons custody.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Cass County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block designation (may be withheld for security)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Current custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and statutory citations
- Case numbers assigned by the court
- Court jurisdiction
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information, if applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Bond status: posted, pending, or forfeited
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney of record (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Cass County
- Historical charges and custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level (minimum, medium, or maximum)
- Special housing requirements
- Work assignment information (in some cases)
- Program participation records
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or current health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Telephone call logs
- Specific cell assignments
Cass County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Cass County corrections system is operated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The county jail serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within Cass County, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility operates under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Corrections and is subject to periodic state inspections.
Administration:
The Cass County Sheriff's Office administers all county jail operations, including inmate intake, classification, programming, and release. The administrative office is located at the Sheriff's Office headquarters in Cassopolis.
Cass County Sheriff's Office
60296 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Cass County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, and individuals awaiting transfer to Michigan Department of Corrections facilities following felony sentencing. The facility employs a classification system to assign inmates to appropriate housing based on the nature of their charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessment.
Inmate Services:
The Cass County Jail provides the following services to individuals in custody:
- Medical care and health screening at intake
- Mental health referral services
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Library and reading material access
- Recreation time
Legal Services:
Individuals in custody have access to legal resources, including coordination with the public defender's office for those who qualify for appointed counsel. Attorney visitation is available during designated hours.
Reentry Programs:
The Sheriff's Office coordinates pre-release planning to assist individuals transitioning out of custody, including referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and employment resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Cass County Jail is subject to oversight by the Michigan Department of Corrections, which conducts periodic inspections of county jail facilities. Inmates may submit grievances through the facility's internal grievance process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Cass County
Cass County Jail
The Cass County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Cass County, Michigan. It is operated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and serves as the point of intake for all individuals arrested within the county.
Cass County Jail
60296 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and felony offenders awaiting transfer to state prison. Security classifications range from minimum to maximum based on individual assessment.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Cass County operates an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program may contact the Sheriff's Office at (269) 445-2481.
Work Release
A work release program may be available for sentenced individuals who meet eligibility criteria established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are permitted to leave the facility for employment purposes and return at designated times.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year for felony offenses in Cass County are transferred to facilities operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections. The MDOC operates numerous facilities throughout the state; the specific facility to which an individual is assigned depends on classification, program needs, and available capacity. State prison facilities are distinct from the county jail and are not operated by Cass County.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses may be held in federal custody at facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No federal detention facility is located within Cass County; federal detainees from the region are held at designated BOP facilities. Federal custody is entirely separate from county and state corrections systems.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cass County Jail | 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031 | (269) 445-2481 |
| Michigan DOC (State) | 206 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 | (517) 335-1426 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St. NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Cass County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains a free, publicly accessible inmate roster on its official website. No registration or payment is required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated daily, and recent bookings may take up to 24 hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) provides a free search tool for individuals held in state prison. Historical incarceration records are available for individuals who have completed state sentences. No fee or registration is required.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator is a free tool for locating individuals in federal custody. Users may search by name or BOP register number. No fee is required.
4. Court Records Search
The Michigan One Court of Justice provides access to court case records that may reflect an individual's custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition. Court records can be used to verify whether an individual has an active case and to identify scheduled hearings.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (269) 445-2481 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status and provide booking information during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031, during business hours to request inmate information. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and public access terminals may be available for self-service searches. No fee is charged for basic information.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Services that are always free include online inmate searches, current custody status inquiries, basic inmate information, phone inquiries for general information, and in-person information requests.
Services that carry a cost include sending money to an inmate's account, video visitation sessions, telephone calls placed by inmates through the jail's contracted phone service, commissary orders, background check reports from commercial providers, and certified copies of booking records requested under MCL § 15.234, which governs fees for public record copies.
Avoid Paid Services For:
Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for basic inmate location, public court records, and booking photographs, all of which are available at no charge through official sources. Commercial websites that charge fees for information available free through government portals do not provide additional accuracy or reliability.
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate search services. Official inmate information is available at no cost through government websites. Users should verify that they are accessing an official government website — identifiable by a .gov domain — before submitting personal information or payment.