Clare County Inmate Search gives families, legal professionals, and community members instant access to current detention records at the Harrison facility. The online roster shows every person held in custody, including full name, booking date, criminal charges, bond amount, housing unit, and mugshot. This system updates every 15 minutes to reflect new arrests, releases, and status changes. You can view the list directly on the Sheriff’s Office website or call the main line at 989‑539‑7166 during business hours (7 AM–5 PM). The jail sits at 255 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. All personal mail must include the inmate’s full legal name and this exact address. For phone verification, staff in the Records Division confirm your identity before sharing any details.
How to Use the Clare County Inmate Search Tool
The official inmate locator lets you search by first and last name, date of birth, or booking number. Results show custody status, projected release date, visitation schedule, and charge summary. The database pulls live data from the jail’s control room, which logs all activity 24 hours a day. If you can’t find someone online, call 989‑539‑7166 and ask for the Records Division. Have the person’s full name, approximate age, and date of birth ready to speed up the process. Staff will not give information to callers who cannot prove they are authorized contacts. The system does not include federal inmates or those transferred to state prisons.
Clare County Sheriff’s Office Contact and Administration
The Sheriff’s Office shares its location with the jail at 255 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. Main phone: (989) 539‑7166. The control room answers directly at extension 4238 and operates around the clock. Lieutenant Bryan Dunn is the Jail Administrator and can be reached at extension 4249. Sergeant Aaron Houle serves as Assistant Administrator at extension 4244. Both use protected email addresses for security. For financial services like adding money or ordering commissary, families should use the Express Account portal or call 1‑866‑422‑6833. Transactions are instant and receipts arrive by text.
Visitation Rules and Approved Visitor Process
All visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID. Minors under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present. Visits are logged digitally after the inmate signs the visitor log. The jail does not allow physical contact beyond a brief handshake. No bags, phones, or food are permitted in visitation areas. Scheduling happens through the online portal or by calling the jail. Each inmate may have up to two visitors per session. Sessions last 30 minutes and occur on weekends only. Late arrivals forfeit their time slot. All visits are recorded and may be reviewed for safety reasons.
Inmate Mail, Packages, and Correspondence Guidelines
Send all personal mail to: [Inmate’s Full Legal Name], Clare County Jail, 255 West Main, Harrison, MI 48625. Letters must include your full name and return address. The jail inspects every piece of mail for contraband. Do not send cash, stamps, or Polaroid photos. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers or bookstores. No hardcover books are allowed. Inmates receive one envelope per day unless approved for medical or legal reasons. Legal mail is opened in front of the inmate but not read aloud. Violations of mail rules can result in loss of privileges.
Bond, Charges, and Court Information Access
The online roster displays current charges and bond amounts. Bond figures update every 15 minutes based on court orders or magistrate decisions. If bond is set, families can pay through the Express Account system or at the jail in cash, money order, or certified check. Only the full amount is accepted—no partial payments. For court dates and dockets, visit the Michigan Courts website and search by case number or name. The jail does not provide legal advice or case updates. Contact the Clerk of Courts for sentencing details or probation conditions.
Commissary, Funds, and Financial Services for Inmates
Families can add money to an inmate’s account using the Express Account portal or by calling 1‑866‑422‑6833. Deposits are available immediately after processing. Receipts are sent via text message. Commissary orders include snacks, hygiene items, and stationery. Orders close at 10 PM daily and deliver the next morning. Inmates receive a spending limit based on custody level. Funds left in accounts are returned upon release. The jail does not accept cash drops at the front desk. All transactions are secure and tracked electronically.
Clare County Jail Statistics and Population Trends
The facility handles about 2,300 bookings each year. Most arrests involve misdemeanors like DUI, theft, or domestic disputes. Felony cases include drug trafficking, assault, and burglary. In 2020, the average daily population was 178 inmates. Men made up 92% of the population; women accounted for 8%. The incarceration rate stands at 1,592 per 100,000 residents—higher than Michigan’s average. Over 45 years, the inmate count grew from 7 in 1975 to 178 in 2020. This rise reflects stricter drug laws and longer sentencing guidelines.
Nearby County Jails and Regional Resources
Wexford County Jail offers a similar search tool at 820 South Carmel Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Phone: 231‑779‑9217. It serves as a backup facility during overcrowding. The Michigan Department of Corrections manages state prisons and publishes annual population reports. County jails like Clare’s hold people awaiting trial or serving short sentences under one year. State prisons handle longer sentences. Always verify which facility holds an inmate before visiting or sending mail.
Privacy, Security, and Data Accuracy in Inmate Records
All inmate data is protected under Michigan law. The Sheriff’s Office verifies identities before releasing information over the phone. Mugshots are public record but may be removed after release. The roster excludes juveniles and federal detainees. Errors in names or charges should be reported immediately to the Records Division. Updates take effect within one business day. The system uses encryption to protect personal data during online searches. No third parties can access full records without a court order.
Clare County Jail Services and Support Programs
The jail offers GED classes, substance abuse counseling, and religious services. Inmates can request medical care through the onsite nurse. Mental health screenings happen at booking. Families can refer loved ones to community programs upon release. The Sheriff’s Office partners with local nonprofits for job training and housing assistance. All programs require inmate consent and staff approval. Participation does not reduce sentence length but may improve behavior scores.
Emergency Contacts and After-Hours Procedures
For emergencies involving an inmate’s health or safety, call 911 or the jail’s control room at extension 4238. After-hours calls go to an automated system with options for urgent messages. Non-emergency questions should wait until business hours. The jail does not accept walk-in visits without an appointment. Staff respond to written requests within 48 hours. All calls are recorded for quality and safety purposes.
Clare County Inmate Search FAQ
Can I search for an inmate without their date of birth?
Yes. Use their full legal name. The system will show all matches. Adding a date of birth narrows results and reduces errors.
How often does the online roster update?
Every 15 minutes. New bookings, releases, and status changes appear almost instantly. Phone lines may have a slight delay during peak hours.
Are mugshots removed after release?
Yes. Once an inmate is discharged, their photo is taken offline within 24 hours. Arrest photos remain public record but are not displayed on the active roster.
Can I send clothes or shoes to an inmate?
No. All clothing must come from the commissary. Outside items are not allowed due to safety and hygiene rules.
What happens if I miss my visitation slot?
You lose that time. Reschedule through the online portal. No-shows count against your monthly visit allowance.
How do I check if someone was recently arrested?
Search the roster by name. If not listed, call the Records Division. Recent arrests may take up to an hour to appear online.
Can I pay bond over the phone?
No. Bond must be paid in person at the jail or through the Express Account system. Cash, money orders, and certified checks are accepted.
Official Resources and Direct Links
Clare County Sheriff’s Office: https://clareco.net/department/sheriff/
Inmate Roster Portal: https://clarecountyjail.org/inmate-search/
Express Account (Commissary & Funds): https://www.expressaccount.com
Michigan Courts Case Lookup: https://www.courts.michigan.gov
Clare County Jail
255 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: (989) 539‑7166
Visiting Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM–3 PM (by appointment only)
Control Room: Extension 4238 (24/7)
Records Division: Available 7 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday