Alcona County Jail Inmate Search 2026 – Arrest Records, Mugshots & Jail Roster -

Alcona-to-Iosco custody route Bond and court help Family action guide

Arrested in Alcona County? Confirm Local Booking, Iosco Housing and the Next Court Step

Alcona County does not operate like a typical county with a continuously staffed overnight jail and a single live inmate roster.

A defendant may be booked and bonded through the Alcona County Sheriff on a limited basis, or may be transported directly to the Iosco County Jail. This guide shows exactly which office to call, what to ask, where bond and court information come from, and how families can arrange medication, visits, calls, money and mail after custody is confirmed.

Find the correct location Someone was just arrested

Alcona custody route Live decision path

Alcona Sheriff Booking and bond on a limited basis

BOND
OR
HOLD

Iosco Jail Overnight housing when detention continues

Alcona Court Arraignment, bond and case progress

214 W Main Alcona Sheriff

428 W Lake Iosco Jail

106 5th St Alcona Court

No routine overnight housing Alcona jail is not fully staffed

Iosco transfer Detained defendants may be housed there

989-724-6271 Alcona Sheriff

989-362-6164 Iosco County Jail

989-724-9500 81st District Court

MI-VINE Custody-change notifications

Do not search only for an “Alcona County jail roster.” A person arrested in Alcona County may be booked locally, released after bond, or lodged directly at the Iosco County Jail. Confirm the route by telephone before paying money, mailing property or driving to a facility.

Save these numbers before calling Use 911 only for an immediate police, fire or medical emergency.

989-724-6271 Alcona Sheriff and limited booking 989-362-6164 Iosco Jail custody and bond confirmation 989-724-9500 Alcona 81st District Court

Stop searching the wrong jail

Alcona Arrest Location Planner

Select what you know. The tool creates the correct call sequence without collecting a name, birth date or private information.

What is happening?

What location information do you have?

First 30-minute family workflow

Someone Was Just Arrested in Alcona County—Do This in Order

Confirm the arresting agency

Identify whether the arrest was made by the Alcona County Sheriff, Harrisville Police, Michigan State Police or another agency.

First

Call Alcona Sheriff before searching private sites

Ask whether the person was booked locally, bonded out, taken directly to Iosco or remains in transport or intake.

989-724-6271

Call Iosco Jail when detention continues

Iosco staff can confirm whether the person is lodged and the bond or fines necessary for release.

989-362-6164

Record the booking identifiers

Write down the booked name, inmate or booking number, facility, arrest date, charges, bond type, holds and next court.

Write it down

Confirm the Alcona court case separately

Jail custody tells you where the person is. The 81st District Court explains arraignment, charges, bond conditions and the next hearing.

989-724-9500

Report medication before arranging visits

If the person is lodged in Iosco, ask about approved medication delivery and medical review immediately.

Health first

Request appointed counsel at arraignment

A defendant who cannot afford an attorney should request appointed counsel and complete the financial form immediately.

At arraignment

Do not pay until every hold is checked

A posted bond may not release the person when another warrant, case, probation hold, parole hold or detainer exists.

Before money

Recorded-call warning: do not discuss alleged facts, witnesses, evidence, deleted messages or legal strategy during an ordinary jail telephone call.

The local process is different

How Alcona County Booking and Iosco Housing Actually Work

Possible route 1

Limited Alcona booking and bond

Arrest, citation or surrender

A defendant may report to or be brought to the Alcona County Sheriff for booking when staffing and procedure allow.

Booking and arraignment process

The person is identified, booked and routed to the first court appearance through Alcona County.

Bond is posted

When the court permits release and the required bond is posted, the defendant may be released without overnight Iosco housing.

Possible route 2

Direct or later transfer to Iosco Jail

Alcona jail is not staffed for housing

A person arrested during an unstaffed period may be taken directly to the Iosco County Jail.

Bond is not posted

A defendant booked or arraigned through Alcona may be transported to Iosco when detention must continue.

Iosco provides housing services

Calls, visits, mail, commissary and medication procedures then follow Iosco County Jail rules.

Important: housing in Iosco does not automatically make the criminal case an Iosco County case. The arrest, arraignment and court proceedings may remain in Alcona County.

No dependable Alcona live roster

How to Search for an Alcona County Detainee

Step 1

Call Alcona Sheriff

Phone: 989-724-6271

Ask one direct question:

“Was [FULL NAME, DATE OF BIRTH] booked in Alcona, released, or transported to the Iosco County Jail?”

Read Official Alcona Corrections Information

Step 2

Confirm Iosco custody

Phone: 989-362-6164

Iosco staff’s published policy limits family information to:

Whether the person is lodged in the jail
The bond or fines necessary for release

Obtain other details from the inmate, court or attorney.

Step 3

Register with MI-VINE

MI-VINE provides free, confidential custody information and available release, transfer or escape notifications.

Phone: 800-770-7657

Open Official MI-VINE

Continue to VINELink.
Select Michigan.
Search the full legal name.
Confirm the correct facility.
Register a safe notification method.

Do not use OTIS for a new Alcona arrest. MDOC OTIS is designed for state prison, parole and MDOC probation records, not ordinary Alcona or Iosco county-jail custody.

Ask questions staff can answer

Exact Call Scripts for Alcona Sheriff and Iosco Jail

Alcona Sheriff script

Read this: “Hello. I am trying to locate a person arrested in Alcona County. The full legal name is [NAME], date of birth [DOB], and the arrest may have happened in [CITY OR TOWNSHIP] on [DATE]. Was the person booked locally, released, or transported to Iosco County Jail? If booked, what booking or case information should I give the court?”

Iosco Jail script

Read this: “Hello. I am checking whether [FULL NAME], date of birth [DOB], is currently lodged in the Iosco County Jail after an Alcona County arrest. Can you confirm custody and the current bond or fines required for release? I also need the inmate number and the approved procedure for urgent medication information.”

Write down

Name exactly as booked
Booking or inmate number
Current facility
Bond amount and type
Additional holds
Arresting agency
Alcona court and case number
Next hearing date

Do not ask jail staff

Whether the person is guilty
What plea should be entered
How the judge will rule
Which lawyer should be hired
Whether charges will be dismissed
Exactly when release processing will finish

Keep the jail and court records separate

Alcona Arrest and Iosco Housing Worksheet

Full legal name

Date of birth

Arresting agency

Arrest city or township

Alcona booking status

Iosco custody confirmed

Booking or inmate number

Charge wording

Bond amount

Bond type

Other hold or detainer

District Court case number

Next court date

Attorney name and phone

Medication information sent

Release conditions received

A displayed dollar amount may not be enough

How to Verify and Pay Bond After an Alcona County Arrest

Confirm five items before paying: amount, bond type, court, additional holds and authorized payment location.

Personal recognizance

No financial deposit

The defendant may be released on a promise to appear and comply with court conditions.

Family action: confirm processing, pickup location, written conditions and the next Alcona court date.

Percentage bond

Pay only the amount ordered

The order may allow a stated percentage rather than the entire face amount.

Family action: ask the court or jail for the exact payment due, accepted method and receipt instructions.

Cash bond

Full payment may be required

A cash or cash-only order may require the complete stated amount through the authorized payment channel.

Family action: verify whether payment belongs with Iosco Jail, Alcona court or another authorized office.

Cash or surety

A bonding agent may be allowed

The court order may permit either full payment or a surety bond from an eligible bonding agent.

Family action: request the current approved list from the jail and review the premium, collateral and cosigner terms in writing.

No bond

Money cannot create release

The defendant may need a hearing, bond review or resolution of another legal restriction.

Family action: identify counsel and the next Alcona court hearing. Do not pay a person claiming they can override the order.

Hold or detainer

Another authority controls release

Another court, county, probation office, MDOC or other authority may have a separate hold.

Family action: ask which agency placed the hold and obtain its case or warrant number.

Bond-verification script: “I am calling about [NAME AND BOOKING NUMBER]. Has a judge set bond? What is the exact amount and bond type? Is this an Alcona County case? Are there other holds? Where is payment authorized? What identification is required? After payment, where will release occur?”

Iosco online payment

Use only when the jail instructs you

Iosco County publishes an online payment page for bond, booking fees and jail-related fines or costs.

Open Iosco Payment Page

First call Iosco Jail.
Confirm the payment belongs in the Iosco system.
Obtain the correct booking and case information.
Review the amount and service fee.
Save the confirmation number.
Call the jail to confirm receipt and remaining holds.

Bond scam screen

Stop if someone requests

Gift cards
Cryptocurrency
Cash sent through a courier
Payment to a personal social account
Secrecy from the court or jail
Immediate payment without a booking or case number

Counsel can address bond and case strategy

How to Request an Appointed Lawyer or Hire Private Counsel

Appointed counsel

Request counsel at arraignment

The defendant should say: “I cannot afford to hire an attorney. I want appointed counsel and I want to complete the financial eligibility form immediately.”

Answer the financial questions accurately.
Return the form promptly.
Ask who assigns the lawyer.
Record the attorney’s name and office number.
Do not privately pay an appointed attorney on the assigned case.

Jailed client follow-up

If counsel has not contacted the inmate

Confirm that counsel was appointed.
Ask the Alcona court for the attorney’s name.
Call the attorney’s office.
Provide the Iosco booking number and next court date.
State that the client remains in custody.
Do not leave detailed facts in voicemail.

Michigan indigent-defense guidance calls for jail contact within three business days after appointment.

Private attorney

State Bar of Michigan referral

Phone: 800-968-0738
Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Published fee: $25 administrative fee for up to a 25-minute consultation.

Request a Lawyer Referral

Select criminal defense.
Provide Alcona County as the court location.
Explain that the client may be housed in Iosco.
Ask whether the lawyer handles bond hearings.
Get the complete fee agreement in writing.

Questions for counsel

Can you meet the client at Iosco Jail?
Will you appear at the next Alcona hearing?
Will you review or argue bond?
Who handles calls when you are unavailable?
Are investigator or expert costs separate?
What documents should the family preserve?

Protect the case

Do not contact an alleged victim.
Do not coach witnesses.
Do not delete text messages or social posts.
Do not move or hide evidence.
Do not discuss case facts on a recorded jail call.
Do not post booking details online.

The jail location does not determine the court

Track the Alcona County Criminal Case

81st District Court

Arraignment and early criminal proceedings

The 81st District Court handles Alcona misdemeanor criminal cases and preliminary proceedings for felony cases.

Address:
106 5th Street
Harrisville, MI 48740

Phone: 989-724-9500
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch

Open Official District Court Page

23rd Circuit Court

Felony proceedings after transfer

A felony matter may begin in district court and later continue in the Alcona Division of the 23rd Circuit Court.

Address:
106 5th Street
Harrisville, MI 48740

Circuit clerk: 989-724-9410
General court: 989-724-9400

Open Official Circuit Court Page

Online case check

Use MiCOURT, then confirm with the clerk

Open Official MiCOURT Search

Select the court connected to Alcona County.
Search by case number when available.
Otherwise search the full legal name.
Open the individual case detail.
Review charges, register of actions, bond and hearing dates.
If a felony was bound over, check circuit court.
Call the clerk before traveling because schedules can change.

Failure to appear can cause additional court action or a warrant. Save the next hearing in two calendars and confirm it one business day before attendance.

Iosco rules apply after transfer

Visiting an Alcona Detainee Housed in Iosco County Jail

Waiting period

72 hours

Sentenced and non-sentenced inmates must be lodged for 72 hours before ordinary family visitation eligibility.

On-site visit

One 30-minute visit

Iosco publishes one 30-minute on-site visit per inmate each week.

Published hours

9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Current on-site visiting hours are published as daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Remote visits

CIDNET

Family or friends must set up and pay for remote visitation through the provider named by Iosco.

Before scheduling

Confirm the inmate remains in Iosco custody.
Confirm the 72-hour waiting period has passed.
Ask whether approval or scheduling is required.
Bring government-issued photo identification.
Visitors under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Review clothing and conduct rules.

Remote visit micro-steps

Open Official Iosco Visitation Page

Confirm the inmate is eligible.
Use the remote provider linked by Iosco.
Create the visitor account.
Select the correct inmate.
Review the rate before paying.
Choose a quiet, private location.
Do not discuss alleged case facts.

Iosco phones are outgoing only

How to Receive a Call From an Iosco County Jail Inmate

Published system

Combined Public Communications / InmateSales

Provider help: 877-998-5678

Iosco states that inmate telephones are located in the housing cells and are for outgoing calls only.

Create the account through the provider named by Iosco.
Use the same telephone number the inmate will call.
Review the current rate before funding.
Save the payment confirmation.
Contact provider support for account or blocking issues.

Call rules

All inmate calls are recorded

Iosco publishes telephone availability from approximately 7:00 a.m. to midnight.

Do not discuss alleged facts.
Do not discuss witnesses.
Do not ask anyone to delete information.
Do not communicate with a protected person.
Do not create or rehearse an alibi.

For a verified emergency notification only, call the jail at 989-362-6164.

Trust account and commissary

How to Send Money or a Care Package at Iosco County Jail

Trust account

Confirm the inmate number first

Money taken during booking is deposited into the inmate trust account. Family or friends may also deposit funds, subject to jail restrictions.

Confirm the full booked name.
Confirm the inmate or booking number.
Ask which deposit methods are currently accepted.
Review fees before paying.
Save the receipt.

Commissary

Orders arrive on Thursday

Iosco states that inmates may order food and other approved items when sufficient trust-account funds are available.

Outside items are not accepted merely because the family purchased them.

Care packages

Use the provider linked by Iosco

Iosco currently directs friends and family to JailATM for approved care packs.

Open Official Commissary Page

Confirm current Iosco custody.
Use the provider linked by the county.
Select the correct inmate.
Choose only approved products.
Review tax, delivery and cancellation terms.

Iosco publishes a basic indigent hygiene pack for eligible inmates, with the cost deducted from the trust account when funds later become available. Contents and prices may change.

Use the Iosco address after transfer

How to Mail an Alcona Detainee Housed in Iosco

Current mailing format

Address the envelope: Inmate’s Full Booked Name
428 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48763

Include your complete return name and address. Mail without a return name and address will not be delivered.

Do not use the former P.O. Box 59 address. Iosco states that mail sent there will be returned by the Postal Service.

Mail screening

Mail is processed for inmate kiosks

Iosco states that incoming mail is opened and searched for contraband before being uploaded to inmate kiosks.

Do not send cash.
Do not send Polaroid photographs.
Do not send pornographic images.
Do not send prohibited drawings.
Do not send staples, clips or contraband.
Do not send irreplaceable original documents.

Verify Current Iosco Mail Rules

Do not hide medication in property or mail

Medication, Eyeglasses and Urgent Medical Concerns

Confirm Iosco custody

Do not drive to the jail until staff confirms the inmate is lodged there.

Call the jail

Ask for the current procedure for prescription medicine or medical information.

Use original containers

Iosco permits prescription medication drop-off only in original pill containers, subject to approval.

Medical approval

Medication and eyeglasses are provided to the inmate only after medical or jail-administrator approval.

Prepare this information

Full booked name
Booking or inmate number
Medication name and dosage
Last dose taken
Prescribing doctor
Pharmacy name and phone
Known allergies
Diabetes, seizure or withdrawal risk
Mobility, hearing or communication needs

Medical call script: “I am calling about [FULL NAME], currently lodged after an Alcona County arrest. The inmate or booking number is [NUMBER]. I need to provide urgent information about [MEDICATION OR CONDITION]. The medication is [NAME AND DOSAGE], prescribed by [DOCTOR], and filled by [PHARMACY]. What is the approved procedure for medical review or medication drop-off?”

For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 and identify the facility. Do not place medication inside mail, clothing, books or property.

Release processing is not an exact appointment

Prepare for Release From Iosco Jail on an Alcona Case

Confirm every hold

Ask whether all Alcona and outside-agency holds have cleared.

Confirm pickup location

Release occurs through the housing facility, not the Alcona courthouse.

Bring basics

Bring transport, phone, charger, clothing, food and necessary medication.

Read conditions

Obtain the next Alcona court date and all written bond conditions.

Before leaving home

Call Iosco Jail to confirm processing.
Do not rely on a third-party “released” label.
Ask which entrance is used.
Ask whether identification is required.
Prepare weather-appropriate clothing.
Arrange safe housing and transport.

First 24 hours after release

Read every bond condition.
Save the court date in two calendars.
Contact the defense attorney.
Follow pretrial reporting instructions.
Do not contact protected people.
Restore medication and medical care.
Preserve all court documents.

For victims and protected people

Custody Notifications and Local Victim Assistance

Immediate danger

Call 911

Do not meet the defendant.
Do not share your location.
Preserve threatening messages.
Report release-condition violations.
Ask how no-contact conditions will be communicated.

Alcona Victims Rights

Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Phone: 989-724-9460

Address:
106 5th Street
Harrisville, MI 48740

Ask for the administrative assistant or Victims Rights contact.

Domestic and sexual violence

Hope Shores Alliance

24-hour crisis line: 800-396-9129

Services include advocacy, safety support and emergency shelter assistance for Alcona-area victims.

MI-VINE: call 800-770-7657 or register online for available release, transfer or escape notifications.

Jail information is not the police report

How to Request Alcona Arrest, Booking or Court Records

Police or sheriff report

Request from the arresting agency

The agency that created the incident or arrest report normally controls the releasable copy.

Report or incident number
Date and approximate time
Location
Arrested person’s name
Specific documents requested
Preferred delivery method

Alcona FOIA

Use the county request forms

Open Alcona FOIA Page

Identify the department holding the record.
Download the current request form.
Describe the record precisely.
Keep a copy of the submission.
Respond to any cost estimate.

Court disposition

Request from the court clerk

Use the district or circuit clerk for certified proof of dismissal, conviction, plea, sentence or another final court outcome.

District Court: 989-724-9500
Circuit Court Clerk: 989-724-9410

An arrest or booking is not a conviction. Charges may be dismissed, reduced, amended or resolved differently from the initial jail entry.

No online result does not mean no custody

Alcona County Inmate Search Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely explanation	Exact next action
No Alcona roster appears	Alcona does not operate a normal fully staffed overnight jail	Call Alcona Sheriff, then Iosco Jail
Alcona says the person was transported	The person may still be in transit or intake	Call Iosco and recheck after intake
Iosco cannot find the name	Booking may use a middle, former or differently spelled name	Try full legal name, date of birth and spelling variations
The person disappeared from custody	Release, transfer or another-agency pickup may have occurred	Check MI-VINE and call the court
Bond was paid but release did not occur	A separate hold, warrant or processing step may remain	Ask Iosco which hold prevents release
The court case is not visible	Data entry may be pending or the wrong court was searched	Call the 81st District Court criminal clerk
The felony case stopped in district court	The case may have been bound over to circuit court	Search or call the 23rd Circuit Court clerk
OTIS shows no result	The person remains in county custody rather than MDOC custody	Use Alcona, Iosco, MiCOURT and MI-VINE

Local numbers and physical locations

Alcona and Iosco Jail, Court and Family Contacts

Arrest and limited booking

Alcona County Sheriff

214 W. Main Street
Harrisville, MI 48740

Main: 989-724-6271
Non-emergency: 989-724-0911
Emergency: 911

Open Sheriff Website

Overnight housing

Iosco County Jail

428 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48763

Phone: 989-362-6164
Fax: 989-984-1103

Open Iosco Sheriff Page

Criminal court

Alcona County Trial Court

106 5th Street
Harrisville, MI 48740

81st District Court: 989-724-9500
Circuit Court Clerk: 989-724-9410

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Victim assistance

Alcona Prosecutor

Phone: 989-724-9460

Ask for the Victims Rights contact for notice, safety and court-process assistance.

Supervision

Alcona Parole and Probation

106 5th Street
Harrisville, MI 48740

Phone: 989-724-9590

Use only when an MDOC probation or parole status is involved.

Crisis help

Northeast Michigan CMH

Main: 800-968-1964
After-hours crisis: 800-442-7315

For immediate suicide or mental-health crisis support, call or text 988.

Alcona County Sheriff Map

Iosco County Jail Map

Confirm the destination before traveling. The Alcona Sheriff address is not the ordinary family-visitation location for a detainee housed overnight at Iosco County Jail.

10 practical local answers

Alcona County Jail Inmate Search FAQs

1. Does Alcona County operate an overnight jail?

The Alcona County Sheriff states that its jail is not fully staffed and is not housing inmates overnight in the normal manner. It can conduct limited booking and bonding. Defendants who remain detained may be transported or lodged directly at Iosco County Jail.

2. Where are people arrested in Alcona County usually housed?

A person may first be booked through Alcona County, but if detention continues, the person is generally housed at Iosco County Jail, 428 W. Lake Street in Tawas City. Call Alcona Sheriff first and Iosco Jail second to confirm the route.

3. How do I find someone arrested today in Alcona County?

Call Alcona County Sheriff at 989-724-6271 and ask whether the person was booked locally, released or transported to Iosco. If transported, call Iosco County Jail at 989-362-6164 with the full legal name and date of birth.

4. What information will Iosco Jail give a family member?

Iosco’s published policy says staff may confirm whether the person is lodged and the bond or fines required for release. Other information generally must come from the inmate, court or attorney.

5. How soon can I visit an Alcona detainee in Iosco?

Iosco publishes a 72-hour waiting period before ordinary family visitation. Eligible inmates receive one 30-minute on-site visit each week. Current on-site visiting hours are published as 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, subject to jail rules and availability.

6. How do I safely pay bond?

First confirm the amount, bond type, Alcona case, additional holds and authorized payment location with the jail or court. Use the Iosco online payment page only when Iosco staff confirms that it is the correct route. Save the receipt and confirm that every hold has cleared.

7. How does the defendant request a court-appointed lawyer?

At arraignment, the defendant should state that they cannot afford counsel, request appointed counsel and complete the financial form immediately. The family can later call the Alcona court to obtain the assigned attorney’s name when the defendant remains housed in Iosco.

8. How do I send medication to an inmate housed in Iosco?

Call Iosco Jail before traveling. Prescription medication must be in its original pill container and is provided to the inmate only after approval by medical staff or the jail administrator. Do not place medication inside mail, clothing or property.

9. Which court handles an Alcona arrest when the inmate is in Iosco?

Housing in Iosco does not automatically move the case. Alcona misdemeanor cases and early felony proceedings generally begin in the 81st District Court. A felony may later continue in the Alcona Division of the 23rd Circuit Court.

10. Why can’t I find the inmate in OTIS?

OTIS is for people under Michigan Department of Corrections jurisdiction or supervision. A person held at Iosco County Jail after an Alcona arrest remains in county custody and should be located through Alcona Sheriff, Iosco Jail, MiCOURT and MI-VINE instead.