Ionia Correctional Facility

The Michigan Department of Correction maintains a searchable public database of all of the inmates they have in custody.

In addition, the inmate search, more specifically called the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) contains information about prisoners, parolees, and probationers who are currently under supervision, or who have been discharged but are still within three years of their supervision discharge date. It also contains those inmates who have absconded or escaped.  It does not contain information about offenders, former inmates, who are beyond that three-year period.

Information about offenders who have been off supervision for more than three years can be found on the Michigan State Police ICHAT Internet Criminal History Access Tool.

The actual prison that an inmate is assigned to depends on factors such as security classification, remaining time of their sentence, gang affiliation, and location of their residence.

The Michigan State Prison System began in 1839, when the first state prison in Michigan opened in Jackson.

Today the state of Michigan Prison System maintains 31 state prisons.

With a staff of 15,000 correctional workers, as of the end of 2023 they oversee approximately 43,000 inmates, with another 150,000 on parole or supervised release.

The following will explain the instructions, tricks and hacks you can use to find any inmate in custody with the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Michigan Department of Corrections Inmate Search Instructions

The Michigan Department of Corrections provides a limited amount of information you may want to know about any inmate in their system, however they do list every inmate. Inmates in custody have their crimes listed, as well as previous convictions. They also list all inmates who have been discharged.

To look up an inmate, you need the full last name.  

• You can list all inmates who share the same last name.
• You can search an inmate using their MDOC Inmate Number.
• If you are just searching for absconders, you can list all of them without entering a name, or you can narrow it down further by entering a scar, mark or tattoo design.

The first set of results if you used the full last name will list their name, MDOC (Offender) Number, Date of Birth, Race, Sex, MCL Number, Status, and Facility/Location and date paroled if they've been discharged. Click on the linked Offender Number to get to the inmate's page.  In this example we used a last name of 'Smyth', thus the limited number of results.

The inmate's page will have quite a bit of information, including an inmate's mugshot.

Ionia Correctional Facility uses GTL Connect Network, also known as Viapath Technologies, to facilitate family members and friends to make deposits directly into their Trust Fund Commissary Account that can be used for both commissary and communication services.

The inmate can then use the money to purchase products from commissary or services such as secure messages and phone calls.

Online, Kiosk or Telephone Deposits

Deposits can be made 24/7 online or by telephone by calling 877-650-4249, or by using the Ionia Correctional Facility kiosk.

Money Order Deposits

All deposits from family members and other members of the public will be processed by GTL Financial Services.

Money orders will need to be made payable to: GTL Financial Services and sent to the address below.

A Deposit form must be included with the money order, and mailed to the following:

GTL Financial Services
10005 Technology Blvd. West
Suite 130
Dallas, TX 75220

*There will be no processing cost for any funds sent to the GTL lockbox*

Any notes or letters included with the mailing will be discarded by GTL.

Deposits may not exceed $300.00 in value and all money orders must be issued in US dollars.

Deposit forms are available at each correctional facility, on-line and here:  

Money order deposit forms:
English version   Spanish Version

Ionia Correctional Facility Visitation Information, Instructions and Schedules

All facilities in the Michigan Department of Corrections allow both in-person and remote video visitation with inmates.  

We will first lay out the instructions for in-person visitation:

Step 1 - Inmate's Responsibility

Each inmate must create a list of immediate family members, and no more than ten other friends who will be allowed to go through the approval process for visitation. A grandparent, parent, stepparent, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, child, step-child, grandchild, sibling, half-sibling, stepbrother, and stepsister. An aunt or uncle may be included if adequate verification is provided that they served as a surrogate parent. 

Step 2 - Application Process

Those persons the prisoner has placed on his/her visiting list must complete a Visiting Application (CAJ-103) to request approval to visit. The Visiting Application must be MAILED in advance to the facility Mailroom or Information Desk where the prisoner is currently housed to allow for review of the Application. You MUST include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the approval/denial can be mailed back to you. 

These are the mailing addresses for Ionia Correctional Facility and the other 30 Michigan DOC prisons.

Step 3 - General Guidelines

It is recommended that while you are awaiting approval that you read and understand the visitation guidelines for this facility.

You must also understand the Visiting Standards - ENGLISH  - SPANISH

Step 4 - The Visit

Once you are approved, you can make arrangement to schedule a visit.  Here are the in-person Visitation Schedules.

Maximum Number of Visits per Month

Level I: Eight per month
Level II: Seven per month
Level IV (GP and Protection): Five per month
Level V (GP and Protection): Four per month
Segregation (Administrative) Four per month
RSAT Parolees: Seven per month

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION - The same application as outlined above must be filled out and approved for video visits

Ionia Correctional Facility offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Ionia Correctional Facility
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-466-2832 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

Scheduling: All individuals who are approved to visit are required to schedule an appointment using the GTL Scheduler before visiting a prisoner.  Visitors are required to schedule the visit at least 72 hours prior to the visit, but not more than 7 days prior to the visit.  A maximum of FIVE visitors may visit a prisoner at one time.  The duration of a visit shall not exceed two hours.  The MDOC recommends visitors arrive at the facility 30 minutes before their scheduled visit.

Visitors may schedule up to one visit every two days, but can schedule two visits for the same day.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION - An application must be filled out and approved for video visits

Ionia Correctional Facility offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

All facilities in the Michigan Department of Corrections allow remote video visitation with inmates.  

We will first lay out the instructions for all visits, including remote video visits:

Step 1 - Inmate's Responsibility

Each inmate must create a list of immediate family members, and no more than ten other friends who will be allowed to go through the approval process for visitation. A grandparent, parent, stepparent, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, child, step-child, grandchild, sibling, half-sibling, stepbrother, and stepsister. An aunt or uncle may be included if adequate verification is provided that they served as a surrogate parent. 

Step 2 - Application Process

Those persons the prisoner has placed on his/her visiting list must complete a Visiting Application (CAJ-103) to request approval to visit. The Visiting Application must be MAILED in advance to the facility Mailroom or Information Desk where the prisoner is currently housed to allow for review of the Application. You MUST include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the approval/denial can be mailed back to you. 

These are the mailing addresses for Ionia Correctional Facility and the other 30 Michigan DOC prisons.

Step 3 - General Guidelines

It is recommended that while you are awaiting approval that you read and understand the video visitation guidelines for this facility.

You must also understand the Visiting Standards

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Ionia Correctional Facility
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-466-2832 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

Scheduling: All individuals who are approved to visit are required to schedule an appointment using the GTL Scheduler before visiting a prisoner.  Visitors are required to schedule the visit at least 72 hours prior to the visit, but not more than 7 days prior to the visit.  A maximum of FIVE visitors may visit a prisoner at one time.  The duration of a visit shall not exceed two hours.  The MDOC recommends visitors arrive at the facility 30 minutes before their scheduled visit.

Visitors may schedule up to one visit every two days, but can schedule two visits for the same day.

There are three Ways to Communicate with an Inmate in the Ionia Correctional Facility by Phone

As part of GTL telephone services, prisoners can call 20 personal telephone numbers, which becomes his/her Personal Allowed Numbers (PAN) list. PAN's will automatically reset each quarter (1/1, 4/1, 7/1, 10/1), which allows each prisoner an opportunity to update his/her calling list. 

GTL Prisoner Telephone Rates: Effective October 1st, 2023, ViaPath (GTL) Prisoner Telephone Rates will be $0.0735 per minute for all Calls.

Above rates include all costs except applicable Federal, State, Local Taxes, and Federal Universal Service Fees. 

International calls shall include the applicable per minute rate of use ($0.0735) plus the applicable call termination rate for the international destination of the call, as published on ViaPath's website. These rates can be found at: https://www.gtl.net/legal-and-privacy/federal-tariffs-and-price-lists/.

To get started you must first open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

• Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
• Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
• Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Ionia Correctional Facility, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

How to deposit money for Inmate Communications:

• Online
• By phone by calling 877-650-4249
• Deposit by cash, visa or mc debit and credit cards in the Ionia Correctional Facility lobby kiosk
• By mail... Check or Money Order made out to:
  AdvancePay Service Department
  P.O. Box 911722
  Denver, CO 80291-1722
• Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are also available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

Ionia Correctional Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Ionia Correctional Facility 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 Ionia Correctional Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

The original mail will be copied and given to the inmate.  The original will then be shredded and disposed of.

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 and MDOC#
Confirm the Facility Address

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full name and MDOC#
Confirm the Facility Address

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 Ionia Correctional Facility allows NEW books to be mailed directly to the prison from the following:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Hamilton Books
Prison Legal News
Schuler Books
Walmart

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 Ionia Correctional Facility 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 and MDOC#
Confirm the Facility Address

Ionia Correctional Facility contracts with Access Securepak for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Michigan.
3. Select Ionia Correctional Facility.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at customerservice@securepak.net.
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Ionia Correctional Facility staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
Access Securepak is the Ionia Correctional Facility's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.

Here is a sample of what you can purchase for your inmate:
Food

Hygiene

Apparel

Electronics

*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

Ionia Correctional Facility uses Jpay for Inmate Email.

Register here. 
Steps: 
1.  Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Jpay ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY send messages from the Jpay website, or with the Jpay app. (links below).
2. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can use the credit on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
1.  You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.

Other Things:
1.  Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of sending inmate messages?

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 800-574-5729
iphone app
Android app

Once an inmate is convicted and sentenced for a violation of that state’s felony laws (and their sentence is more than one year in length), they are moved from the City or County Jail and sent to a State Prison in Michigan. If the violation they are convicted of is a federal crime, they will be sent to a Federal Prison, but will not necessarily be doing their time in Michigan.

Michigan State Prisons are operated and maintained by the state government and are used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. State prisons are funded by state tax money. The fund is used to provide food and clothes to inmates and to hire employees to keep the prison running. Inmates in state prison enjoy certain privileges such as TV use and recreation, both indoor and outdoor. The number of privileges allowed depends on the security level of the prison, the inmate and the overall needs of the prison on a specific day.

Michigan has minimum, medium and maximum security prisons. The Corrections Department in Michigan also maintains low (or no) security residential settings and camps where inmates assist in state property maintenance and duties such as fighting fires. Almost all prisons provide ‘jobs’ where an inmate can earn a small hourly wage and even learn a trade. Some prisons even contract with call centers and handle phone calls on issues related to their state government. Criminals who have committed a violent crime or killed someone are likely housed in a maximum security prison. If the inmate in these prisons behave, they are also eligible to recreate and/or work as well.

In Michigan Prisons rehabilitation is the stated goal but the reality is that they exist to punish inmates for their crimes and keep them from hurting or harming innocent people on the outside who follow the laws and live and act responsibly. The fact is that most prison systems are underfunded, overcrowded and are not able to spend time and money rehabilitating offenders. This is not the fault of the people hired to work in prisons, they are just victims of the lack of resources due to budgeting constraints.

State Inmate

Most states have Department of Corrections websites that allow you to type in a felon's first and last name and pull up inmates in that state.

If you need to find a sentenced inmate serving time in a state other than Michigan, go here. To find an inmate in Michigan, just scroll to the top of the page and click on the Inmate Search button.

Once you locate them click next to the inmate's name or on the link provided and it will show you which prison the inmate is housed in. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated, but is on parole/probation or discharged, it will tell you that as well. In addition, many state prison inmate pages show recent mug shots.

Federal Inmate

The federal prison system has its own inmate locator called the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.

Type in the inmate's name and it will tell you where he or she is incarcerated and their projected release date. It also lists released federal prison inmates and the date they were released.

Federal inmates who are moved from one prison to another will show as "No longer in federal custody" on the system until they reach their next federal prison destination. This movement can take a few days to several months to complete, so keep checking back to find out where the inmate was taken.

ICE Inmates

The ICE Detainee Lookup allows friends, family members and interested parties to locate illegal and/or undocumented immigrants that are in the United States without permission.

Has the Inmate been recently arrested?... Try a County Jail

In many cases, the person you are looking for has either not been convicted or sentenced or has been sentenced and is awaiting transport to a State or Federal Prison and is still incarcerated in a City or County Jail.

To locate that person, go here to first find the State, and then the County where they were originally arrested or have been transported to. From there you can begin your search in our databases that contain the names and information of millions of inmates.

Jailexchange.com has all information on every jail and prison in the United States.