Keweenaw County Released Inmates
Released inmates records for Keweenaw County involve a unique setup because this is the smallest county in Michigan by population. With only about 2,000 residents and no county jail of its own, Keweenaw County contracts with neighboring Houghton County for jail services. If someone is arrested in Keweenaw County, they get booked into the Houghton County Jail. That means released inmates records for Keweenaw County arrests are split between two agencies: the Keweenaw County Sheriff handles the arrest records, while Houghton County holds the jail and custody data.
Keweenaw County Overview
Keweenaw County Sheriff and Jail Arrangement
The Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office operates out of Eagle River at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It is a very small department. With a population of roughly 2,000, Keweenaw County does not have the volume of arrests or the budget to run its own jail. Instead, the county has a contract with Houghton County to house inmates.
When someone gets arrested in Keweenaw County, the sheriff's deputies transport them to the Houghton County Jail in Houghton. All booking, custody, and release processes happen at that facility. The Keweenaw County Sheriff keeps the arrest report and case records. Houghton County keeps the jail records. If you are looking for released inmates from a Keweenaw County arrest, you may need to contact both agencies to get the full picture.
This split arrangement is not unusual in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Several small UP counties share jail services with larger neighbors. But it does make record searches a bit more work. The sheriff office can tell you about the arrest itself. Houghton County can tell you about the jail stay and release.
| Office | Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 5095 4th Street, Eagle River, MI 49950 |
| Phone | (906) 337-0528 |
| County Seat | Eagle River |
Note: Keweenaw County does not have its own jail, so all inmates are held at the Houghton County Jail. Contact Houghton County for custody and release details.
Searching Keweenaw County Released Inmates
Start by calling the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office at (906) 337-0528. They can confirm whether an arrest was made and provide basic case information. For custody and release details, you will need to reach out to the Houghton County Jail. The Houghton County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (906) 482-0055.
The OTIS database covers state prison records. If someone was convicted in Keweenaw County and sent to a Michigan state prison, OTIS will show their record. It is free to search and includes current inmates, parolees, probationers, and people discharged within the last three years. Search by name or MDOC number.
VINELink lets you check custody status for inmates across Michigan. Since Keweenaw County inmates go to the Houghton County Jail, you would search under Houghton County in VINELink. You can also set up release notifications. When the person's status changes, you get an alert by email or phone.
The Michigan State Archives holds historical prison records going back to 1839, which can help with older Keweenaw County cases.
Keweenaw County FOIA for Released Inmates Records
You can request records from both the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office and the Houghton County Jail under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. MCL 15.231 gives you the right to access public records from either agency. Put your request in writing and be clear about what you need.
Since records for Keweenaw County arrests are split between two agencies, you might need to file two separate FOIA requests. One to the Keweenaw County Sheriff for the arrest report and case file. Another to the Houghton County Sheriff for the booking, custody, and release records. Each agency has five business days to respond, with a possible ten-day extension.
Fees are low. Copies run about $0.10 per page and labor charges apply if the search takes time. Under MCL 791.230a, some inmate information is protected. Medical records and certain personal data cannot be released. Basic booking facts and release dates are generally public.
State Tools for Keweenaw County Inmate Searches
The Michigan ICHAT system provides criminal history checks for $10 per search. Run by the Michigan State Police, it covers arrests, convictions, and dispositions from across the state. ICHAT is useful for getting a complete criminal background on someone connected to Keweenaw County. It pulls from more sources than OTIS does.
Court records for Keweenaw County are available through MiCOURT. The 97th District Court covers Keweenaw County cases. MiCOURT lets you search by party name or case number. Coverage may be limited for this small court, but it is worth checking.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry tracks offenders under MCL 28.721. You can search by county or zip code. The Michigan State Archives in Lansing holds historical prison records from 1839 through 1987. The Michigan Department of Corrections handles all state prison FOIA requests.
Nearby Counties
Keweenaw County is at the tip of the Upper Peninsula. Houghton County is its only neighbor and handles jail services for Keweenaw.