Kent County Correctional Facility – Grand Rapids, MI

Kent County Correctional Facility is in Kent County, MI and is the main correctional facility for that region. Looking for somebody locked up at Kent County Correctional Facility? This page tells you about anything related to Kent County Correctional Facility,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Kent County Correctional Facility mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And much, much more.

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give information that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any tips or comments that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know somebody who’s been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To search who is in jail at Kent County Correctional Facility you have to click on their web site and use the inmate search.

The Kent County Correctional Facility Inmate List has information on persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get the same information for anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get the information fast if you have their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be in another jail you will want to check our guide to other Michigan jails: Michigan County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a booking photograph, is the photo that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. They take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will appear on the photos, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Kent County Correctional Facility inmates are online, or you can view them at the Kent County Correctional Facility. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input the person’s name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Kent County Correctional Facility website? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you’re in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail will be determined by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that day you can’t travel out of the county.

Usually, prisoners can earn time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is determined by how serious your crime is. You will have to pay to the courts ten percent of the total set so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

You need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you will not be able to use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes with a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman might require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

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The intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, it will take a while to get processed.
• You will have to answer some simple questions, such as your full legal name, home address, date of birth and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will get to use the phone in order to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that will help others to get through jail intake?

Speak Your Mind

When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get released. It also might depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if the magistrate needs to figure out your bail amount. For lesser charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get discharged in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you need to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if they find one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Just bring approved items with you, like a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will go into the visitors log as an approved visitor. Each visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so you should visit the jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are a lot pricier than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Kent County Correctional Facility phone number is: (616) 632-6400

All mall sent to inmates is required to be sent using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Kent County Correctional Facility is:

Kent County Correctional Facility
703 Ball Avenue Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Kent County Correctional Facility
703 Ball Avenue Ne
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Kent County Correctional Facility inmate mail policy can change, so be sure to check the official Kent County Correctional Facility site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being your right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you call them. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click here: Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual attorneys who are members of the Michigan State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in Michigan.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a file with a docket and each of the documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access your court records with the internet service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records related to your court case are maintained at the Kent County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Kent County magistrate is the person that rules on your case. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about your background and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will review when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Remember you can request to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, you will have to query the Kent County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the Kent County court website or call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Kent County jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and this is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these offenders online, but you should know that you will not be able to get the street address, but only the block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that contains a court docket and all documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, you will not be able to see if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the Kent County courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Kent County, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Kent County Correctional Facility is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up every morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Kent County Correctional Facility, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Kent County Correctional Facility uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending money to inmates at Kent County Correctional Facility is always changing, so we suggest that you double check the site before you send money to an inmate.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Kent County Correctional Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Kent County Correctional Facility, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Kent County Correctional Facility

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If you have, then please leave a comment below about it. Tell us about what you experienced because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could write in your review:

• Conditions in Kent County Correctional Facility.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


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Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Kent County Correctional Facility? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to send a message to someone from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to people still locked up at Kent County Correctional Facility


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