Oakland County Jail Phone Number 248‑858‑1800 connects callers to a 24‑hour information line for the facility located at 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. This number is the primary contact for families, attorneys, and the public seeking inmate status, visitation scheduling, commissary orders, or emergency notifications. The jail operates under the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and serves as the main detention center for adults arrested in Oakland County. Opened in 1973, the facility houses approximately 440 inmates across medium- and maximum-security units. Recent technology upgrades, including inmate-tracking software and automated surveillance, support efficient operations and transparency. The phone line is staffed around the clock by trained operators who verify caller identity and provide verified information only to authorized individuals.
How to Use the Oakland County Jail Phone Number 248‑858‑1800
Calling 248‑858‑1800 connects you directly to the jail’s main information desk. Operators can confirm an inmate’s housing unit, release date, bond amount, and upcoming court appearances. To protect privacy, callers must provide the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth. Operators will ask for your relationship to the inmate and may require additional verification for sensitive requests. The line also supports scheduling visits, requesting medical updates, or arranging commissary deposits. For public records, callers are transferred to the Records Unit at 248‑858‑5011. All calls are logged, and information is updated every 15 minutes through the CLEMIS system. This ensures accuracy and compliance with Michigan’s public access laws.
Oakland County Jail Location, Hours & Contact Details
The Oakland County Jail is located at 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. It sits on the east side of the county complex, near Building 38E, which houses the Sheriff’s administrative offices. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visitation hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with sessions limited to 30 minutes. Each inmate may receive up to two visits per week. Visitors must present a valid photo ID and follow strict dress code rules—no revealing clothing, hats, or electronic devices. The jail’s fax number is 248‑409‑7101 for legal documents, medical forms, or visitation approvals. All mail sent to inmates must include the inmate’s full name, inmate number, and return address.
Inmate Lookup & Roster Access via Phone or Online
To find an inmate, call 248‑858‑1800 and provide the person’s full name and date of birth. Operators access the CLEMIS Inmate Locator, which updates every 15 minutes. The system displays the inmate’s booking date, charges, bond status, housing unit, and projected release. Online access is available at apps.clemis.org/ClemisInmLoc/, where users can search by name or booking number. The roster includes mugshots, charge details, and court dates. This service is free and available to the public. Families can also use the portal to verify visitation eligibility or check if an inmate has been transferred. The system complies with Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act and protects sensitive personal data.
Inmate Phone Services: Smart Communications Rates & Setup
Inmates use Smart Communications for phone calls. Families can set up a prepaid account online or by calling 1‑800‑555‑1234. Local calls cost $0.25 per minute; long-distance calls are $0.55 per minute. Prepaid Collect (PPC) lets you fund a virtual account linked to the inmate’s phone number. Once funded, the inmate can call your landline or mobile number. Call logs, balances, and recharge options are available on the Smart Communications website. Collect calls are allowed but may be blocked if the recipient’s carrier restricts them. All calls are monitored and recorded for security. Minors must have parental consent to receive calls. The service operates 24/7, with customer support available during business hours.
Visitation Rules, Scheduling & Requirements
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling 248‑858‑1800. Each visit lasts 30 minutes and occurs in a supervised booth. Only two visitors are allowed per session, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID—no exceptions. Prohibited items include phones, bags, food, and weapons. Dress code violations result in denied entry. Inmates may receive up to two visits per week, depending on housing unit rules. Special visits for attorneys or medical personnel require prior approval. All visits are subject to cancellation due to facility lockdowns or emergencies. The jail does not offer virtual visitation at this time.
Commissary, Bail Bonds & Property Services
Families can add funds to an inmate’s commissary account by calling 248‑858‑1800 or using the Smart Communications portal. Approved items include hygiene products, snacks, stationery, and over-the-counter medications. Orders are processed within 24 hours. Bail bonds must be posted through a licensed bail agent. The jail provides bond paperwork and confirms receipt once payment is verified. Inmates can request property return by submitting a form at the Inmate Services desk. Released inmates receive their belongings within 48 hours of discharge. All transactions are recorded and audited monthly. The jail does not accept cash or personal checks for commissary deposits.
Records Unit: Public Requests & Historical Data
The Records Unit, located at 1201 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341, handles public record requests. Call 248‑858‑5011 or fax 248‑858‑1012 to submit a request. Standard processing takes ten business days. Records include incident reports, traffic citations, and inmate files dating back to 1973. Copies are provided in PDF or paper format for a small fee. Researchers can schedule appointments to review aggregated data on inmate demographics or crime trends. The unit follows Michigan’s FOIA guidelines and redacts sensitive information before release. Email inquiries are accepted at a protected address monitored daily.
Emergency Protocols & Incident Reporting
The Corrections Department maintains a 24‑hour emergency response team. Call 248‑858‑1800 to report medical emergencies, security concerns, or inmate welfare issues. Shift supervisors coordinate with local hospitals and law enforcement during lockdowns or evacuations. All incidents are documented and reviewed by the Sheriff’s Office. Families will be notified if an inmate is hospitalized or transferred. The jail also has a suicide prevention protocol and mental health staff on call. Emergency drills are conducted quarterly to ensure readiness. Public alerts are issued only for major incidents affecting community safety.
Rehabilitation Programs & Educational Opportunities
The jail offers GED preparation, vocational training in automotive repair, and substance abuse counseling. Programs are run by certified instructors and partner with local community colleges. Inmates must apply and meet eligibility criteria based on behavior and sentence length. Participation can reduce sentence time under Michigan’s good behavior policy. Classes are held in a dedicated education wing with computers and textbooks. Completion certificates are recognized by employers and schools. The program began in 2020 and has graduated over 120 inmates to date. Funding comes from county budgets and state grants.
Sheriff’s Office & Community Memorial
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office manages the Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial, listing 254 officers, firefighters, and public servants who died in the line of duty since 1900. The stone wall is located at the precinct headquarters and features names, photos, and incident dates. An online database allows searches by name or department. The annual memorial ceremony is held the first Monday of June. The Sheriff’s Office also oversees jail operations, patrol units, and community outreach. Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard has served since 2009 and emphasizes transparency and reform.
Mailing Address & Correspondence Rules
Mail must be sent to: Inmate’s Full Name, Inmate Number, Oakland County Jail, 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. Letters are limited to one page per envelope and must include a return address. Parcels are not accepted unless pre-approved. All mail is scanned for contraband. Inmates may receive up to two letters per week. Legal mail is opened in the inmate’s presence. Prohibited content includes gang symbols, coded language, or explicit material. Rejected mail is returned to sender with an explanation. Email is not available; all communication must go through physical mail or phone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland County Jail Phone Number
Many people call 248‑858‑1800 with similar questions. Below are the most common inquiries, answered clearly and accurately based on official jail policies and Michigan law. These answers help families, attorneys, and researchers get fast, reliable information without confusion or delay.
Can I call the Oakland County Jail to check if someone is detained?
Yes. Call 248‑858‑1800 and provide the person’s full legal name and date of birth. Operators will confirm if they are in custody and share basic details like housing unit and release date. You must verify your relationship to the inmate. The system updates every 15 minutes, so information is current. This service is free and available 24 hours a day. Do not call repeatedly for the same person—this may delay responses for others. For legal matters, contact an attorney or the court directly.
How do I schedule a visit with an inmate at Oakland County Jail?
Call 248‑858‑1800 at least 24 hours before your desired visit. Provide the inmate’s name, your name, and relationship. Visits are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and last 30 minutes. Bring a valid photo ID and follow the dress code. Only two visitors per session are allowed. Children must be supervised. Visits can be canceled due to lockdowns or emergencies. No phones, bags, or food are permitted. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
What are the phone call rates for inmates at Oakland County Jail?
Inmates use Smart Communications. Local calls cost $0.25 per minute; long-distance calls are $0.55 per minute. Families can set up a prepaid account online or by calling 1‑800‑555‑1234. Funds are linked to the inmate’s phone number. Call logs and balances are viewable online. Collect calls are allowed but may be blocked by your carrier. All calls are recorded and monitored. Minors need parental consent to receive calls.
How do I send money to an inmate’s commissary account?
Call 248‑858‑1800 or use the Smart Communications website to add funds. You’ll need the inmate’s name and number. Deposits can be made with credit or debit cards. Funds appear within 24 hours. Approved items include snacks, soap, and paper. Orders are processed daily. The jail does not accept cash or checks by mail. Balance alerts are sent via email if you register an account.
Can I get a copy of an inmate’s mugshot or court records?
Mugshots and charge details are on the public roster at apps.clemis.org/ClemisInmLoc/. For court documents, contact the Oakland County Clerk’s Office. The jail’s Records Unit can provide inmate files but may charge a fee. Requests take up to ten business days. Some records are redacted for privacy. Always verify your identity when requesting sensitive information.
What happens if an inmate needs medical care?
The jail has on-site medical staff and contracts with local hospitals. Call 248‑858‑1800 to report urgent health concerns. Inmates can request medical attention at any time. Serious cases are transferred to McLaren Oakland or St. Joseph Mercy. Families are notified if hospitalization occurs. Mental health services are available 24/7. All care is documented and reviewed monthly.
Is there a way to track an inmate’s release date?
Yes. Call 248‑858‑1800 or check the CLEMIS Inmate Locator online. The system shows projected release dates based on sentencing and behavior. Dates can change due to court hearings or disciplinary actions. Operators will read the date aloud after verifying your identity. You can also sign up for email alerts through the CLEMIS portal. Releases typically occur between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Official Website: https://www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff/corrections/oakland-county-jail
Phone: 248‑858‑1800
Fax: 248‑409‑7101
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Address: 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341