Branch County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Branch County?
Inmate records in Branch County are official documents created and maintained by the Branch County Sheriff's Office and its correctional facilities to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the Branch County Circuit Court and District Court maintain case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the Branch County Jail. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and capture a booking photograph. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes (which remain confidential), court appearances, and bond status. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to public records requests under applicable law.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq., known as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), public bodies in Michigan—including county sheriff's offices—are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Branch County Sheriff's Office 14 McCollum Street Coldwater, MI 49036 (517) 279-4321 Branch County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Branch County?
Inmate records in Branch County are generally considered public records under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231) establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by state and local government agencies, including sheriff's offices and county jails. Certain categories of information—such as medical records, ongoing investigative materials, and information that could endanger an individual's safety—may be withheld pursuant to statutory exemptions.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public in Branch County:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Branch County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and booking
- Charges filed — criminal charges for which the individual is being held
- Mugshots (booking photographs) — captured at intake
- Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court for pretrial release
- Expected release dates — where available and not subject to change
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is housed
Members of the public may submit a FOIA request directly to the Branch County Sheriff's Office to obtain records not available through online portals.
What's Included Inmate Records in Branch County
Inmate records maintained by the Branch County Sheriff's Office contain multiple categories of information compiled from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number or fingerprint record number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current housing facility and unit assignment
- Custody status (pretrial, sentenced, hold for another agency)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (statute cited)
- Charge level (felony, misdemeanor)
- Offense date
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, unposted, denied)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Presiding court (Circuit Court or District Court)
- Case number
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence begin date
- Projected release date based on sentence
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transfer, dismissal)
- Receiving agency if transferred
Branch County Prison System
Branch County operates a local jail system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. This structure is distinct from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) state prison system, which houses individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Branch County Jail is administered by the Branch County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility serves as the primary pretrial detention center for the county and also houses individuals sentenced by local courts, individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities.
Branch County Sheriff's Office / Branch County Jail 14 McCollum Street Coldwater, MI 49036 (517) 279-4321 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Branch County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Branch County
Branch County currently operates one primary correctional facility serving the county's detention needs.
Branch County Jail 14 McCollum Street Coldwater, MI 49036 (517) 279-4321 Branch County Sheriff's Office
The Branch County Jail is a general-population county detention facility operated by the Sheriff's Office. It houses adult males and females in separate housing units. The facility accommodates pretrial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, individuals held on bench warrants, and those awaiting transfer to state correctional institutions. The jail operates under standards established by the Michigan Department of Corrections and is subject to periodic inspection by state authorities.
Individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year are transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility. The MDOC operates multiple prisons throughout the state, and Branch County residents sentenced to state prison may be housed at any MDOC facility.
Michigan Department of Corrections 206 E. Michigan Avenue Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 335-1426 Michigan Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Branch County
The Branch County Jail houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time. Pretrial detainees represent the largest group—these are individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted, and who remain in custody because they have not posted bond or have been denied bail. Sentenced individuals serving terms of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions also reside in the facility.
Additional populations include:
- Individuals held on bench warrants issued by Branch County courts
- Individuals held on detainers from other Michigan counties or federal agencies
- Individuals awaiting transfer to MDOC state prison following felony sentencing
- Individuals held for probation or parole violations
- Individuals held on immigration detainers in coordination with federal authorities
Juveniles are not housed in the Branch County Jail; juvenile matters are handled through the Branch County Probate Court and designated juvenile facilities.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Branch County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Branch County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Step 1 — Online Inmate Search The Branch County Sheriff's Office may maintain an online inmate roster on its official website. Members of the public should visit the Branch County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the jail or inmate search section to query current detainees by name.
Step 2 — Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison, the Michigan Department of Corrections maintains the Michigan offender tracking database, which allows the public to search for offenders currently or previously under MDOC supervision. This system does not include individuals held solely in county jails.
Step 3 — Direct Contact with the Jail Members of the public may call the Branch County Jail directly at (517) 279-4321 during business hours to inquire about a specific individual's custody status.
Step 4 — FOIA Request To obtain detailed records beyond basic custody information, a written FOIA request may be submitted to the Branch County Sheriff's Office at 14 McCollum Street, Coldwater, MI 49036, or by contacting the agency's designated FOIA coordinator. Under MCL § 15.235, the agency must respond within five business days of receiving a request.
Step 5 — Branch County Circuit Court For court case records associated with an inmate's charges, members of the public may contact the Branch County Circuit Court.
Branch County Circuit Court 31 Division Street Coldwater, MI 49036 (517) 279-4306 Branch County Circuit Court
How To Find an Inmate in Branch County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Branch County or under Michigan state supervision.
- Branch County Sheriff's Office Website — The official website at Branch County Sheriff's Office may provide a free online inmate roster for individuals currently held in the county jail.
- Michigan OTIS Portal — The Michigan Department of Corrections provides free public access to the state offender search tool for individuals under MDOC supervision.
- Telephone Inquiry — Members of the public may call the Branch County Jail at (517) 279-4321 at no charge to inquire about a specific individual's custody status.
- In-Person Inquiry — Members of the public may visit the Branch County Sheriff's Office at 14 McCollum Street, Coldwater, MI 49036, during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) to request custody information in person.
- Branch County Court Records — Basic case information may be available through the Branch County court system at no cost for viewing in person.
How To Visit an Inmate In Branch County
Visitation at the Branch County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable regulations.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visitors are subject to screening, which may include metal detector screening and inspection of personal items. Visits may be denied if the visitor is on a restricted list, is under the influence of substances, or fails to comply with facility rules.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the Branch County Jail administration and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the jail directly at (517) 279-4321 or visit the Branch County Sheriff's Office website for current visitation hours.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons of any kind
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Unauthorized food or beverages
- Electronic devices not permitted by facility rules
- Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays offensive imagery may result in denial of entry. Specific dress code requirements should be confirmed with the facility prior to visiting.
Visit Types The Branch County Jail may offer in-person contact or non-contact visits, as well as video visitation options depending on facility resources and inmate classification. Remote video visitation may be available through a contracted service provider.
Visit Restrictions Individuals with active felony warrants, individuals on probation or parole (unless approved by their supervising officer), and individuals previously banned from the facility may be denied visitation. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How To Send Money to a Branch County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase items from the jail commissary, make telephone calls, and cover other approved expenses.
Methods for Sending Money:
- Online — Funds may be deposited through a contracted third-party service provider. Members of the public should contact the Branch County Jail at (517) 279-4321 or visit the Branch County Sheriff's Office website to identify the current approved provider.
- In Person — Deposits may be made in person at the jail facility using approved methods (cash, money order, or kiosk, depending on current facility policy).
- Mail — Money orders made payable to the inmate may be accepted by mail; personal checks are generally not accepted.
Amount Limits Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by facility policy. Members of the public should confirm current limits with the jail administration.
Fees Third-party service providers may charge transaction fees for online or telephone deposits. These fees are set by the service provider and are not controlled by the county.
What You Cannot Send
- Cash sent through the mail
- Personal checks
- Funds intended for unauthorized purposes
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved services. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without authorization.
How To Send Jail Mail In Branch County
Mail sent to inmates at the Branch County Jail must comply with facility rules to ensure delivery and the safety of the facility.
Methods for Sending Mail: All inmate mail should be addressed with the inmate's full legal name, their booking or identification number if known, and the facility address:
Branch County Jail 14 McCollum Street Coldwater, MI 49036
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by jail staff for contraband and security purposes.
- Letters must be written on plain white paper; cards and photographs may be subject to restrictions.
- Hardcover books and magazines must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from individuals may be rejected.
- Envelopes must not contain staples, glitter, stickers, or other non-paper materials.
- Return address must be included on all correspondence; anonymous mail will not be delivered.
- Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and may be opened only in the presence of the inmate, consistent with constitutional protections.
- Packages containing food, clothing, or other items are generally not accepted through the mail and must be sent through approved channels.
Members of the public should contact the Branch County Jail at (517) 279-4321 to confirm current mail policies prior to sending correspondence, as rules are subject to change at the discretion of facility administration.