Branch County Released Inmates
Branch County released inmates records can be found through the Branch County Sheriff's Office in Coldwater. This south-central Michigan county sits along the Indiana border and operates a mid-size county jail. You can search for released inmates from Branch County using state tools like OTIS or by calling the sheriff office directly. The jail handles bookings for arrests made by both the sheriff department and local police agencies in the area. For state prison records tied to Branch County cases, the MDOC database is your go-to resource. VINE alerts are also set up for this county so you can track custody changes in real time.
Branch County Overview
Branch County Sheriff and Inmate Records
The Branch County Sheriff's Office handles jail operations in Coldwater. The jail has about 130 beds. It serves as the main holding facility for all of Branch County, processing inmates from arrests made by the sheriff department and city police in Coldwater, Bronson, Quincy, and the surrounding townships.
You can reach the sheriff office at (517) 278-2325. The office sits at 570 N. Marshall Road in Coldwater. Staff there can answer questions about someone's custody status and whether they have been released. They deal with these kinds of calls regularly. If you want a formal record, you will need to submit a written request. The front desk accepts walk-in questions during regular hours, but calling ahead saves time. Branch County does not maintain a public-facing online jail roster, so phone contact is the main way to get quick answers about released inmates.
| Office | Branch County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 570 N. Marshall Road, Coldwater, MI 49036 |
| Phone | (517) 278-2325 |
| County Seat | Coldwater |
Search Branch County Released Inmates Records
Looking up released inmates from Branch County takes a few steps depending on where the person was held. County jail and state prison records are stored in different systems. You should check both if you are not sure.
For people held at the Branch County Jail, the sheriff office is your main source. Call (517) 278-2325 and provide the person's name. They can check whether someone is still in custody or when they were released. For formal documentation, submit a FOIA request in writing. Include the person's full name, date of birth if known, and the approximate dates you are interested in. You can mail, fax, or hand-deliver the request to the sheriff office in Coldwater.
The OTIS system handles state prison records. If a Branch County conviction led to state prison time, OTIS will show the inmate's status. It covers current inmates, parolees, and anyone discharged in the last three years. The search is free and works by name or MDOC number. This is the fastest way to check on someone who served time in a Michigan state prison after a Branch County case.
The VINELink system provides another way to search. You can look up someone in Branch County custody by name. VINE also lets you register for notifications. When the person's status changes, you get an alert by phone, email, or text. This works for both jail and prison holds across Michigan.
The VINE page above allows you to search for inmates in Branch County or any Michigan facility and sign up for release alerts.
Branch County FOIA for Released Inmates
Under MCL 15.231, you have the right to request jail records from the Branch County Sheriff's Office through a FOIA request. Booking logs, release dates, charges, and other custody records fall under this law. Your request needs to be in writing. Include your name, contact details, and a clear description of what you need.
Branch County has five business days to respond after they get your request. An extension of up to ten additional days is allowed for requests that require more time to process. Copies cost around $0.10 per page. Labor charges may be added if the search takes considerable staff time. The rate is set by the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the work. Send your request to 570 N. Marshall Road, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Some records are off-limits. Under MCL 791.230a, medical records and certain personal inmate information are exempt from disclosure. Basic facts like the charge, booking date, and release date are public. Most requests for Branch County released inmates records go through without problems.
Note: Branch County does not have an online FOIA portal, so send your written request by mail, fax, or drop it off in person at the sheriff office.
State Resources for Branch County Inmates
The Michigan Department of Corrections runs OTIS and oversees all state prison operations. If someone from Branch County went to state prison, MDOC tracks them from intake through release and parole. The Corrections Code under MCL 791.201 sets out the rules for how the state handles inmates, including record keeping and public access to information.
The ICHAT system from the Michigan State Police offers criminal history checks for $10 per name. This pulls up arrests, convictions, and court dispositions from across Michigan. ICHAT goes further than OTIS by covering the full criminal history, not just prison records. Under MCL 28.243, the state police are required to keep and make available these criminal history records.
Court records from Branch County cases are available through MiCOURT. You can search by the person's name or case number. This shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. It helps you see what happened in court after an arrest in Branch County. Not all records are online, but more get added over time.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry lists registered offenders under MCL 28.721. Search by name or zip code to check if a released inmate from Branch County has to register as a sex offender.
Nearby Counties
Branch County borders these Michigan counties. If you are unsure where an arrest took place, check with these neighboring sheriff offices as well.