The Alpena County Jail is a 94 bed jail in the city of W. Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 989-354-9830 Option 4.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Michigan State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 989-354-9830 Option 4, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Alpena County Jail at 989-354-9830 Option 4 to get it.
Phone: 989-354-9830 Option 4
Physical Address:
4900 M32 West
W. Alpena, MI 49707
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Alpena County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 989-354-9830 Option 4 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online for Alpena County or any county in Michigan.
Alpena County Jail Inmate Search
The Alpena County Jail maintains an average of 94 offenders in custody on any given day. The Alpena County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Alpena County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,880 offenders.
The following charts of Alpena County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Alpena County Corrections Department, the state of Michigan Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Alpena County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Alpena County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
After completing the new state of the art, 28,013 square foot Alpena County Jail in 2021, the county was able to have an increased capacity to 94 beds. It is at this jail that all those arrested on a misdemeanor or a felony in Alpena County will remain as they wait for their court date or they are serving a short sentence, usually under one year.
Upon booking there will be an update provided in the files and system that will help to ensure friends and family are able to locate someone after an arrest by calling the jail at 989-354-9830 Option 4, and it will also be used to determine housing assignment, medical care, mental health support, programs they will engage in, and other decisions for their incarceration.
A commissary account is also created to work as a bank account during incarceration and will be used to pay for commissary purchases such as hygiene supplies, snacks, drinks, and phone cards. There are two main ways to fund this account, by accessing the lobby where there is a kiosk for this purpose, or through an online account, but also by mailing a money order to the jail.
Money orders, along with all personal mail, can be sent directly to the address of the jail in the name of the inmate:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
Each piece of mail must be in a plain white envelope that contains only the address, return name and address, and postage. Mail is opened upon arrival and money orders will be noted and then deposited to their account, contraband will be removed, and remaining mail will be given to the inmate shortly after it’s arrival.
Phone calls are funded through this account, and they are able to purchase phone calls that allow them to make outgoing calls every day, ensuring they are able to have contact with their friends and family.
Visits can be either onsite at the visitation area Monday through Friday 9am-3:30pm or remotely every day 6:30am-9:30pm. Remote visits will require online access and an account to schedule visits.
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Alpena County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 989-354-9830 Option 4.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Alpena County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Alpena County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Alpena County and other Michigan and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Alpena County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
In Alpena County, a person can be bonded out at any time by paying cash, credit card or on-line through JailATM. There are booking fees, warrant fees and processing fees for most cases that will not be returned. The sheriff's office gives detailed instruction of how to post bonds at any time at their website bond page.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail? What is the Schedule?
4900 M32 West
W. Alpena, MI 49707
989-354-9830 Option 4
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - GO ONLINE TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE AND MAKE VISITATION APPOINTMENTS.
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 3:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 3:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 3:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 3:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 3:30PM |
No visits on these holidays:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve Day
Alpena County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.
In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:
Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail?
Alpena County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.
In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:
Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail?
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Alpena County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Alpena County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
To deposit money online for an inmate in Alpena County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Alpena County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Alpena County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Alpena County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
For all the information regarding phone calls with Alpena County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
How do I Mail an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Alpena County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Alpena County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Alpena County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Alpena County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
For inmates receiving mail in the Alpena County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Alpena County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Search for JailATM services for Alpena County Jail.
Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Alpena County Jail.
Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Alpena County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
Send Gift Packs
Alpena County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Alpena County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Alpena County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Alpena County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Alpena County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
Here's how it works:
Cost of Chirping:
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Alpena County Jail follow these steps:
- Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
- This product allows Alpena County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
- Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
- Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.
Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Alpena County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Alpena County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Do Inmates in the Alpena County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis (or are given to the inmate use for a limited time) and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
Questions:
Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis (or are given to the inmate use for a limited time) and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
Questions:
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Alpena County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 989-354-9830 Option 4 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Alpena County?
This facility, known as "Alpena County Jail" is also known as Alpena County Jail , Alpena County Jail , Michigan, Alpena.
