Access Kent County Recent Bookings
Kent County recent bookings are available through the EIS Jail Viewer, one of the most complete online inmate search tools in Michigan. This western Michigan county, home to Grand Rapids, processes a high volume of arrests and keeps detailed booking records accessible to the public. The jail viewer shows inmate photos, charges, booking dates, bond info, and the arresting agency. Whether you need to find someone who was just arrested or check on an older booking, Kent County makes it easier than most counties in the state. Here is how to search the system and get the records you need.
Kent County Overview
Kent County Correctional Facility
The Kent County Correctional Facility sits at 703 Ball Avenue NE in Grand Rapids. This is the main jail for the county and handles all adult bookings. The facility is run by the Kent County Sheriff's Office corrections division. It processes arrests from Grand Rapids police, Wyoming police, and dozens of other agencies in the county.
Kent County is the fourth most populated county in Michigan. With about 660,000 residents, the jail sees a steady stream of bookings. The corrections staff manage intake, housing, and release of inmates around the clock. You can reach the jail at (616) 632-6100. For inmate lookup by phone, call (616) 632-6300. The fax number is (616) 632-6122.
The Kent County Jail Viewer, shown in the screenshot below from the EIS Jail Viewer website, provides public access to current inmate records.
| Facility | Kent County Correctional Facility |
|---|---|
| Address | 703 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
| Phone | (616) 632-6100 |
| Inmate Lookup | (616) 632-6300 |
| Fax | (616) 632-6122 |
Search Kent County Booking Records
The EIS Jail Viewer is the primary tool for searching Kent County recent bookings. It is free and open to anyone. The system shows current inmates with photos, charges, booking details, and bond amounts. Data updates regularly, though it is not guaranteed to be real-time.
Here is how to use it:
- Go to eisjailviewer.kentcountymi.gov
- Enter the last name (this field is required and must be complete)
- Add a first name if you want to narrow results
- You can also filter by booking date range
- Click search and review the results
Each result shows the inmate's mugshot, the offenses listed by arresting agency, and the booking date. This is more detail than most Michigan counties offer online. The Kent County inmate lookup page also links to the same system. If you are looking for someone who has already been released, the viewer may not show them. In that case, contact the records unit or file a FOIA request.
The screenshot below shows the Kent County inmate lookup page on the county website, which directs you to the Jail Viewer tool.
Kent County Public Records Access
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, makes booking records public. You can request copies from Kent County through the FOIA process. The records unit handles all requests. An appointment is required for in-person record checks. Email requests are also accepted.
When you file a FOIA request, be specific. Include the person's full name, date range, and any booking numbers you have. The county has five business days to respond. Copy fees are standard. If the request involves a lot of searching, labor charges may apply. Indigent requesters can file an Affidavit of Indigency to waive the first $20 in fees. Mugshots are public records in Michigan and can be requested along with the booking file.
Records exempt from release include medical information, mental health records, and juvenile files, all per MCL 15.243. Active investigation files may also be withheld if release would compromise the case.
Kent County Corrections Division
The Kent County corrections division is a large operation. The corrections page on the county website has details about facility programs, policies, and contact info. Staff handle everything from intake processing to inmate classification and release.
Booking records from Kent County include the inmate's name, date of birth, race, gender, booking number, all charges, bond amounts, the arresting agency, and a mugshot. Court dates and next appearances are noted when available. The arresting agency field is useful because Kent County has many different police departments. Grand Rapids PD, Wyoming PD, Kentwood PD, and the sheriff's department all book into the same facility. Knowing which agency made the arrest helps if you need to follow up on the case.
Note: Appointments are required for in-person record checks at the Kent County records unit.
Other Search Tools for Kent County
Beyond the Jail Viewer, there are state-level tools. The ICHAT system from Michigan State Police costs $10 and shows felony and serious misdemeanor convictions statewide. The MDOC OTIS search tracks state prison inmates and parolees but not county jail bookings.
The VINELink notification system is free and lets you track any Michigan inmate. Sign up for alerts and you will be told when the person's custody status changes. This works for Kent County inmates and people held in other counties too. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is another free tool that covers all registered offenders in the state.
Cities in Kent County
Kent County includes Grand Rapids and Wyoming, both of which have their own police departments but book all arrests through the county jail.
Other cities in Kent County include Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Walker, and Grandville. All book through the same county jail system.
Nearby Counties
Kent County shares borders with several counties. Arrests near the border may be handled by a neighboring jurisdiction. Check these counties if you cannot find someone in the Kent County system.