Wayne County Jail Lookup Help: Search the Roster, Then Know the Next Step
Use this guide when you need to find someone in Wayne County custody, confirm where they are housed, understand why the jail search may not show everything, call the right office, check court/bond routing, schedule video visitation, send funds, request records, or visit the Criminal Justice Center.
Start Here: What Are You Trying to Do?
Most visitors do not need a long article. They need the correct official route, the right phone number, and the exact detail to prepare before calling.
| Need | Use this official route | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find a current inmate | Wayne County Sheriff Inmate Search | Last name, first name, subject number, booking number, booking date range if known. | Try spelling variations, hyphenated names, middle initials, and “In Custody” filter. |
| Confirm charge, court case, or bond type | Contact the court of jurisdiction; do not rely only on the jail portal. | Full name, DOB if available, case number, booking number, arrest date. | WCSO says specific charge, court case, and bond type information must be confirmed with the court. |
| Ask general inmate information | 313-224-0797 | Full legal name, date of birth, booking number if known. | Staff may not release information beyond what is public through the official search. |
| Visit an inmate | WCSO Inmate Visitation | Visitor ID, inmate name/booking number, visit account, approved device if remote. | All social visitation is by video; visitors must be at least 17 with acceptable ID. |
| Post bond | WCSO Bond Information | Inmate name, charge/case, bond amount, ID, payment method. | Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, cash bonds/fines should be paid at the court of jurisdiction. |
| Add commissary money | TouchPay | Wayne County facility number #248211 and inmate 10-digit booking number. | TouchPay phone option: 866-204-1603. |
| Request records beyond portal | Online FOIA Request | Inmate name, date range, records requested, your contact details. | Use FOIA for information not shared through the public jail search. |
| Visit the Criminal Justice Center | Visiting the CJC | Department suite, parking lot address, ID, appointment/case information. | Wayne County says there is no visitor parking or drop-off area at the CJC site. |
Important: arrest or jail roster information is not a conviction. Court details can change quickly after arraignment, bond review, dismissal, transfer, or release. Confirm urgent legal, bond, and court information with the correct court or attorney.
Official Wayne County Jail / CJC Contact Box
Criminal Justice Center
Address:
5301 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48211
The CJC houses the Adult Detention Facility, Sheriff’s Office, Third Judicial Circuit Criminal Division, Prosecutor, and Clerk criminal records functions.
Key phone numbers
Inmate information: 313-224-0797
Sheriff’s Office: 313-833-0864
Adult Detention Center: 313-202-7155
Emergency: 911
Department suites at CJC
Adult Detention Center: Suite 500
Sheriff’s Office: Suite 400
County Clerk – Criminal Records: Suite 100
Third Judicial Circuit Court: Suite 700
| Office / function | Official location / number | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Detention Center | Suite 500, CJC • 313-202-7155 | Facility routing, detention-center arrival questions, general facility location. |
| Wayne County Sheriff’s Office | Suite 400, CJC • 313-833-0864 | Administration, official contact, legal document routing questions. |
| Inmate Information | 313-224-0797 | Questions after searching the roster, if public information is unclear. |
| Attorney visit scheduling | attorneyvisits@waynecounty.com | Attorney-client meeting scheduling for a person currently in custody. |
| Professional visitation request | attorneyvisits@waynecountymi.gov | Professional remote video visits and case-by-case in-person professional visit requests. |
| County Clerk – Criminal Records | Suite 100, CJC • 313-224-2502 | Criminal records and court filing questions, not jail housing questions. |
| Third Judicial Circuit Court | Suite 700, CJC • 313-224-5261 | Circuit criminal case routing, court location, case status after bindover. |
| 36th District Court | 421 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226 • 313-965-2200 | Detroit district-court questions, arraignment questions, case/balance lookup. |
How to Search the Wayne County Jail Roster
The official inmate inquiry can be searched by name, subject number, booking number, custody status, booking date range, and housing facility.
Open the official inmate inquiry
Use Wayne County Sheriff Inmate Search. If the page is slow, open the Sheriff’s Inmate Search information page first and use its official search link.
Search broad first
Start with last name and first name. If there are no results, remove the first name, try spelling variations, check hyphenated names, or use booking date range if you know the arrest date.
Use ID numbers when available
A subject number or booking number is more precise than name-only searching. Families often get the booking number from the inmate, attorney, court paperwork, or jail information line.
Check custody status and housing
Use the “In Custody” and “Housing Facility” fields when the search returns too many people or when you need to confirm whether the person is still housed by Wayne County.
Do not treat the roster as the full court record
For charge, court-case, and bond-type details, confirm with the court of jurisdiction. The jail search is useful for custody lookup, but the court controls many case and bond updates.
If you cannot find the person: they may not be processed yet, may be under a different spelling, may have been released or transferred, may be in a police lockup before jail booking, or the case may be handled by a different Wayne County court or outside agency.
How to Read the Search Result
Booking number
Use this for commissary deposits, phone/account support, visitation setup, and calling with a precise reference.
Housing facility
Shows where the person is listed inside the Wayne County system. Housing may change after classification, court, medical, or transfer.
Charge / bond / court
Use the roster as a starting point. Confirm official case, bond, and hearing information with the court of jurisdiction.
| What you see | What it usually means | Next best action |
|---|---|---|
| Name / subject number | Identity match inside the jail management system. | Confirm spelling, DOB, and booking number before sending funds or scheduling visits. |
| Booking date | When the person entered the Wayne County jail system. | If just arrested, wait for processing before assuming the person is not in custody. |
| In custody | Whether the person is currently shown in custody in the portal. | If “not in custody,” check releases, court records, transfer, or another agency. |
| Housing facility | Listed supervised facility or housing location. | Do not visit without checking visitation rules and appointment setup. |
| Bond / charge info | May be limited or may change after arraignment or court update. | Contact the court of jurisdiction before posting or relying on the figure. |
| No result | Could mean misspelling, not processed, released, transferred, sealed/suppressed info, or not Wayne County custody. | Call inmate information or check court/agency where the arrest occurred. |
Court and Case Lookup: Which Court Should You Check?
Families often search the jail roster when the real answer is in court. Use this routing table to avoid calling the wrong place.
| Situation | Likely official route | Useful detail from official sources |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit arraignment question | 36th District Court Criminal Division | For arraignment questions, 36th District Court lists Room 120, 421 Madison, Detroit, MI 48226, phone 313-965-5029. |
| Felony arraignment / preliminary exam | District Court first, then Third Circuit after bindover. | 36th District Court says felony arraignments are by video at 12:00 noon and 2:00 PM weekdays, and preliminary exam must be scheduled within 14 calendar days after arraignment. |
| Case moved to circuit court | Third Judicial Circuit Criminal Division | The Criminal Division is housed at the CJC and handles criminal matters and appeals from district courts in Wayne County. |
| Public circuit case lookup | Odyssey Public Access | Use for public case-record lookup; documents filed by parties may not be available online. |
| Clerk criminal records | CJC Suite 100, 313-224-2502 | Use for criminal records and court filing questions, not emergency jail housing questions. |
| 36th District Court general contact | 36th District Court | 421 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226; Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; phone 313-965-2200. |
Scam warning: 36th District Court warns about text-message scams claiming you owe court fines and must pay immediately. Do not click suspicious links or provide payment/personal information from a text demand.
Bond Information: What Families Should Know Before Paying
Bond accepted
WCSO says bonds are accepted at the Wayne County Jail 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, with listed court-hours exceptions.
Court-hours exception
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, cash bonds and fines should be paid at the court of jurisdiction, such as 3rd Circuit Court or 36th District Court.
Age and ID
Only people 18 or older can post bonds. Acceptable ID includes state driver’s license/ID, federal military ID, or passport.
| Bond topic | Official rule / detail | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| New inmate processing | New inmates from other agencies/courts cannot be released until processed through the Wayne County Jail Registry Unit. | Ask whether the person has arrived and completed processing before going to post bond. |
| Line/order at bond window | Bond officer writes names on the bond list first come, first served. | Bring ID, exact payment, case details, and patience; release may be delayed by processing or additional holds. |
| Warrants / additional charges | LEIN inquiry is conducted; additional wants/warrants must be paid before release. | Ask if there are other holds before assuming one bond payment releases the person. |
| Cash/check rules | Denominations of $20 or larger accepted; cashier’s checks and certified checks must be made to Sheriff of Wayne County. | Do not bring personal checks, money orders, loose coins, or rolled coins for bond. |
| Separate checks | A separate check must be made for each charge. | Confirm each charge and amount before getting certified checks. |
| Cards | Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted; credit-card bonds subject to 8% Government Payment Services processing fee. | Calculate fee before arriving; confirm card limit and available funds. |
| 36th District Court arraignment bond | 36th District Court says criminal bond posting can be done there Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; all other times at Wayne County Jail. | For Detroit arraignment, call the court if unclear whether to pay at court or jail. |
Visitation: Video Visits, ID, Hours and Rules
Social visitation
All social visitation is by video. Visitors age 17 or older with acceptable ID are allowed one non-contact video visit per week for up to 30 minutes.
ADF social windows
WCSO lists ADF social visitation windows as 8:00 AM-2:00 PM and 4:00 PM-9:00 PM.
On-site video suite
The public video visitation suite is on the 1st floor of the CJC Administration Building and is listed as open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday, closed holidays/weekends.
| Visit type | Official detail | Prepare before scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Remote social video visit | Use the WCSO sign-up link from the visitation page and your own phone, computer, or tablet. | Stable internet, ID, approved account, inmate name/booking number. |
| ADF in-person video portal | Visitors report to the visitation window with acceptable ID and use provided video visit portals. | Government-issued photo ID and scheduled visit. |
| Video visitation time windows | WCSO lists video visitation hours as 8:00-10:30 AM, 12:30-2:00 PM, and 6:00-9:00 PM. | Check the current facility schedule because hours are subject to change. |
| Professional visits | Professional visits are generally remote video, with in-person requests case-by-case based on availability. | Attorney/professional ID and request through the attorney visit email route. |
| Attorney visit | Attorneys must present a valid bar card with P-number plus acceptable ID. | Use the professional visit scheduler email before arrival. |
| Professional privacy | WCSO states the professional visitation rooms are not recorded. | Confirm current policy when scheduling a legal visit. |
Do not bring prohibited items: WCSO lists electronic devices, smoking products, weapons, and any security-risk items as prohibited. Officers cannot accept prohibited items from visitors to secure them.
Official visitation link:
Commissary, Inmate Funds, Care Packs and Phone Time
Deposit funds
Use TouchPay. WCSO says to have Wayne County facility number #248211 and the inmate’s 10-digit booking number.
Deposit by phone
WCSO lists TouchPay direct phone as 866-204-1603.
Care packs
WCSO links care packages through JailATM.
| Item | Official detail | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Commissary vendor | Wayne County Sheriff’s Office says it contracted with Continental Distributors dba Canteen Correctional Services. | Do not send personal checks or money orders directly unless the facility says to do so. |
| What commissary sells | Snack foods, hygiene products, clothing, and phone time. | Commissary availability is not the same as immediate delivery. |
| Deposit information | Facility number #248211 and 10-digit booking number are required for TouchPay deposits. | Confirm the booking number before depositing; wrong-account deposits can be difficult to fix. |
| Lobby kiosk | WCSO visitation page says inmate fund deposits can be made via lobby kiosk, internet, and telephone; lobby kiosks are on the 1st floor of the CJC Administration Building near the Visitation Center. | Check current facility access before traveling. |
| Phone time | Commissary can include phone time. | Phone accounts, commissary accounts, and care packs may be separate systems. |
Mail, Property Release and Pickup Rules
Personal mail
WCSO says personal mail from family/friends is digitally delivered to inmates through inmate tablets under “Facility Messages.” Personal mail is not accepted directly by WCSO-ADF and will be returned to sender.
Do not send
No books, packages, checks, or money orders are accepted through the personal mail route listed by WCSO.
| Task | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Send incoming mail | Wayne County Adult Detention Facility, Detroit, MI; Inmate First and Last Name (Booking Number); P.O. Box 247; Phoenix, MD 21131. | Include full name and booking number exactly as shown in the inmate system. |
| Mail delivery problems | WCSO says family/friends should report mail delivery issues to TextBehind Support at info@TextBehind.com. | Keep tracking, sender address, inmate booking number, and date mailed. |
| Property release hours | Inmate property is released Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; property office closed holidays and weekends. | Call before going and bring valid ID. |
| Third-party property pickup | Inmate must sign official Property Release Form identifying authorized third party; third party must present valid ID. | Do not travel until the inmate has completed the release form. |
| Unclaimed property | WCSO says property/clothing not picked up 90 days after release may be destroyed or eliminated through escheatment process. | Pick up property quickly after release. |
FOIA and Records: When the Public Search Is Not Enough
Online FOIA
Submit a Wayne County FOIA request when the information is not publicly available through the jail search.
FOIA Coordinator
Cynthia Golson
cgolson@waynecountymi.gov
313-833-0562
Mailing address
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
5301 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48211
Be specific: broad FOIA requests are slower. Include name, booking number, date range, type of record, and whether you want electronic delivery.
Jail Dashboard: Population, Bookings, Housing and Releases
The Wayne County Jail Dashboard is useful when you want population-level information, not just one person’s custody record.
Inmates
Current supervised population and demographic views.
Bookings
Booking and arrest-type summaries from the jail management system.
Housing
Facility/housing availability and supervised facility information.
Releases
Counts of people released from county supervision.
Official dashboard links:
Criminal Justice Center Map, Parking and Department Locations
Wayne County says there is no parking or drop-off area for visitors at the CJC site. Use the listed parking lots and follow posted signs.
| Location | Address / suite | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Center | 5301 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48211 | Adult Detention Center, criminal court, prosecutor, sheriff, clerk criminal records. |
| Parking Lot B | 5560 Rivard Street, Detroit, MI 48211 | Visitor parking route listed by Wayne County. |
| Parking Lot C | 5300 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48211 | Visitor parking route listed by Wayne County. |
| Adult Detention Center | Suite 500 • 313-202-7155 | Facility and detention routing. |
| Sheriff’s Office | Suite 400 • 313-833-0864 | Sheriff administration and legal document routing questions. |
| County Clerk – Criminal Records | Suite 100 • 313-224-2502 | Criminal records and court-file questions. |
| Third Judicial Circuit Court | Suite 700 • 313-224-5261 | Circuit criminal court routing. |
| 36th District Court | 421 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226 | Detroit district court, arraignment questions, case/balance lookup. |
Wayne County Local Routing: Detroit and Nearby Communities
The CJC is a Wayne County criminal-justice hub in Detroit. Arrests from different cities or agencies may begin in local police custody, district court, or another agency before appearing in the county jail system.
| Locality / search phrase | What the searcher likely wants | Best route |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit inmate search | Someone arrested in Detroit or appearing at 36th District Court. | Check Wayne County inmate search, then 36th District Court for arraignment/case questions. |
| Dearborn / Livonia / Westland / Taylor arrest | Whether the person is in city custody, district court, or Wayne County jail. | Search Wayne County roster; if no result, check the arresting city/agency and district court. |
| Felony case in Wayne County | Case moved from district court to circuit court. | Use Third Judicial Circuit Criminal Division and Odyssey Public Access. |
| Recently arrested person not listed | Person may not be booked, may be in police lockup, or may have been released. | Call jail information or the arresting agency; search again after processing. |
| Bond after court hours | Where to post after court closes. | Check WCSO bond page; 36th District Court says after-hours bond can be posted at Wayne County Jail. |
Wayne County Jail Inmate Search FAQ
What is the official Wayne County Jail inmate search?
The official search is the Wayne County Sheriff Inmate Inquiry. You can search by name, subject number, booking number, custody status, booking date range, and housing facility.
What is the Wayne County Jail inmate information phone number?
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office lists inmate information at 313-224-0797.
Where is the Wayne County Jail / Adult Detention Facility?
The Wayne County Adult Detention Center is located at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48211. The Adult Detention Center is listed in Suite 500.
Why can’t I find someone in the Wayne County inmate search?
The person may not be processed yet, may be listed under a different spelling, may have been released or transferred, may still be with a police agency, or may not be in Wayne County custody.
Can the jail give me the charge, court case, or bond type?
WCSO says charge, court-case, and bond-type details should be confirmed with the court of jurisdiction. Use the jail search for custody lookup, then confirm court details separately.
How do I post bond for a Wayne County inmate?
Use WCSO bond rules. Bonds are accepted at the jail 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, with court-hours exceptions. Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, cash bonds and fines should be paid at the court of jurisdiction.
What payment methods are accepted for bond?
WCSO lists $20-or-larger denominations, cashier’s checks and certified checks payable to Sheriff of Wayne County, and Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Personal checks, money orders, loose coins, and rolled coins are not accepted for bond.
How do I add money to an inmate’s account?
Use TouchPay with Wayne County facility number #248211 and the inmate’s 10-digit booking number. WCSO also lists TouchPay phone deposits at 866-204-1603.
How do Wayne County Jail video visits work?
WCSO says all social visitation is by video. Visitors age 17 or older with acceptable ID are allowed one non-contact video visit per week for up to 30 minutes.
What ID is accepted for visitation?
WCSO lists City of Detroit Municipal ID, federal military ID, passport, state ID, and state driver’s license as acceptable visitor identification.
Can attorneys schedule visits?
Yes. WCSO lists attorney visit scheduling through attorneyvisits@waynecounty.com. The visitation page also lists professional visit requests through attorneyvisits@waynecountymi.gov.
How do I send mail to a Wayne County inmate?
WCSO lists incoming mail to Wayne County Adult Detention Facility, Detroit, MI; inmate first and last name plus booking number; P.O. Box 247; Phoenix, MD 21131. Personal mail is digitally delivered through inmate tablets.
How do I request jail records not shown online?
Submit a Wayne County FOIA request online through NextRequest or contact the WCSO FOIA Coordinator. Include the inmate name, booking number if known, date range, and specific records requested.
Is jail roster information a conviction?
No. A jail listing, booking, charge, or arrest record is not a conviction. Court outcomes can change after arraignment, bond review, dismissal, plea, trial, sentencing, release, or transfer.
Is this the official Wayne County Sheriff website?
No. This is an informational guide. Use official Wayne County Sheriff, Wayne County, 36th District Court, and Third Judicial Circuit pages for live inmate, case, bond, visitation, and records actions.
30-Second Wayne County Jail Checklist
Find inmate: search name → try booking/subject number → check in-custody status → call 313-224-0797 if unclear.
Confirm case/bond: jail portal first → court of jurisdiction for charge, case, bond type, and hearing updates.
Post bond: verify court vs jail location → bring ID → confirm processing and extra holds → know card fee/check rules.
Visit: video only for social visits → acceptable ID → schedule through WCSO visitation link → do not bring prohibited items.
Funds/mail: TouchPay facility #248211 + 10-digit booking number; mail uses TextBehind/P.O. Box route, not direct personal mail to ADF.