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Ingham Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 29,2024


Visitation Hours

Ingham Co Jail - Visitation

Times and days are subject to change without notice

  • Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 517-676-2431, and ask for the "visiting room CO on duty" for more information, alerts, or rule changes.

General Visitation Information

INGHAM COUNTY JAIL - Visitation

The Visitor’s Lobby of the Correctional Facility can be easily accessed from the Cedar Street (exit 66) of US 127. Proceed East on Cedar Street to Buhl Avenue. Visiting hours are listed below.

VISITING HOURS

Monday through Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Holiday Closures

Effective 7-31-17, the Lobby will be closed for general public visitation on the following County holidays:

  • New Year's Eve
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • President's Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday Following Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day

VISITATION SCHEDULE
Visitation will occur five (5) days a week (Monday through Friday).
Each inmate who is not on discipline will be allowed one free visit. The duration of that visit is 20 minutes.

Visitation is on a first come, first serve basis as follows and as scheduling permits:
Monday – Friday

  • 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

SCHEDULING VISITS
All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Visits will be scheduled via the Internet or by using the video visitation kiosk located in the visitation booths at:
Jail Lobby 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Human Services Building 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

PROFESSIONAL VISITATION
Clergy, attorneys, medical social services, parole/probation, police personnel and other associated agencies may visit and/or interview inmates face-to-face during the course of normal working hours. Personnel using this privilege must be able to show proper identification.

REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR VISITS
1) Valid driver’s license, government-issued identification card or other valid picture identification.
2) Children/infants are considered visitors and must show valid identification (examples: School identification, birth certificate, Social Security card or Amber Alert identification).
3) Home address
4) Valid telephone number

VISITATION RULES
1. The Lobby has the ability to monitor all visits. Attorney visits will be monitored by video only.
2. Any misuse or abuse to the visitation machines will result in termination of the visit and possible criminal/disciplinary action.
3. The inmate and visitor must remain properly dressed. No underclothing shall be exposed. No nudity.
4. Inappropriate gestures, profanity, yelling, loud talking, excessive emotionalism or any type of disruptive behavior will not be permitted.
5. No more than two (2) visitors will visit at a time; this includes children of all ages. Visitors under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
6. Each visitor must check in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled visit. Visitors arriving late will only receive the balance of the remaining visiting time or may not be allowed to visit, dependant on the circumstances.
7. Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted in the visitation area.
8. Cell phones or other similar recording or communication devices (audio or visual) are prohibited in the Jail Lobby or visitation rooms and while having a home visit.
9. Only those scheduled to visit will be allowed in the visitation area. Visitors are required to remain in the visitation booth during visits. If the visitor leaves the visitation booth than the visit will be terminated.
10. Any problems with audio or video reception must be reported to the staff immediately.
11. The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to cancel any visitation times if it is in the best interest of the security of the facility.

Visiting Inmates at Ingham County Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Mason MI location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Ingham Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Ingham County Jail, located in Mason, MI, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.