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Antrim County Jail


The construction of the Antrim County Correctional facility dates back to 1955, and since then, various renovations have been undertaken to accommodate the increasing inmate population and comply with updated regulations set by the Michigan Department of Corrections. According to the Department’s rating, the Antrim County Jail has the capacity to hold up to 56 inmates at a time.

To ensure the smooth operation of the facility, the Antrim County Jail employs a dedicated team of staff members. This team consists of 9 full-time Corrections Deputies, 1 full-time Food Service Director, 2 part-time cooks, 1 full-time nurse, 1 part-time nurse, 1 part-time Doctor, 4 Corporals, and one Sergeant/Jail Administrator. These professionals work diligently to maintain order and provide essential services within the jail.


In addition to their responsibilities at the jail, the Antrim County Jail staff also oversees and manages the Antrim County Work Leave Center (WFC), which is located in close proximity to the prison. This center offers opportunities for inmates to engage in productive work while serving their sentences, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The coordinated efforts of the dedicated staff ensure the effective functioning of both the jail and the work leave center.


Visitation Rules

Inmates housed at the Antrim County Jail have the opportunity to engage in two scheduled onsite video visits each week, with each visit lasting 45 minutes. These visits must be prearranged and can be scheduled between the hours of 8:15 am and 4:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. However, it’s important to note that these visits may be restricted if either the inmate or the visitor fails to comply with the established rules and regulations.


To ensure a smooth visitation process, it is essential for visitors to be included in the approved guest list. It is advisable to confirm with the jail authorities before planning a visit to ensure that all necessary requirements are met. Visitors must also adhere to certain essential appearance guidelines, including not having a prior criminal record and presenting a valid government-issued identification. For visitors below the age of 16, a parent or guardian must accompany them during the visitation.

 

Visiting Hours (On-site)

Weekdays: 7.30 am to 9 pm

Weekends: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm


Delivering A Mail/Package

Inmates housed at the Antrim County Jail have the privilege of sending and receiving mail during their incarceration. When sending mail to inmates, it is crucial for the sender to include a valid return address to ensure proper delivery. The designated mailing address for inmate mail is as follows:

 
Inmate Name- ID Number

107 Grove Street

PO Box 568, Bellaire, MI, 49615.


In addition to regular mail, inmates are permitted to receive publications; however, these publications must be directly mailed from the publishers. This requirement ensures that the publications meet the necessary guidelines and regulations of the correctional facility. It’s important to note that care packages containing items such as clothing, snacks, and seasonal items can only be obtained from approved third-party vendors. For any inquiries or clarifications regarding mail, care packages, or other related matters, individuals can contact the administration at 231-533-8627.


By providing inmates with the opportunity to stay connected through mail correspondence and receive approved publications, the Antrim County Jail aims to facilitate communication and support their well-being during their time of incarceration.


Depositing Money For Inmates

The Antrim County Jail employs the Jail Mail system for prisoners to communicate with the administration. Within the prisoners’ housing units, designated stands are available for accessing Jail Mail services. This convenient service enables inmates to send messages to their loved ones while ensuring the safety and security of both prisoners and staff, as well as their families.


To facilitate monetary transactions, inmates have the option to receive funds into their commissary accounts through various methods such as checks, money orders, or deposits made by visitors at the jail’s administrative office. This enables inmates to have access to funds for purchasing items from the jail commissary.


By implementing the Jail Mail system and providing accessible options for monetary transactions, the Antrim County Jail aims to maintain a secure environment while allowing prisoners to stay connected with their support networks and have access to necessary resources during their incarceration.


Telephone Access For Inmates

Prisoners at the Antrim County Jail have the privilege of making phone calls to individuals listed on their approved contact list. These calls can be made between 7:00 AM and 7:30 PM, allowing inmates to maintain communication with their loved ones. It’s important to note that the recipient of the call is responsible for covering the call charges. Each call has a maximum duration of 30 minutes, providing inmates with ample time to connect with their contacts.


During periods of high call volume, when the phone lines are congested, the call duration may be reduced to 10 minutes. This temporary adjustment ensures that all inmates have the opportunity to make their calls and minimizes the waiting time for others who are also eager to use the phone service. By implementing these guidelines, the Antrim County Jail strives to facilitate effective communication for inmates while efficiently managing the phone system’s capacity.


Antrim County Sheriff Department

County Sheriff:  Daniel S. Bean

Address:  107 Grove St. PO Box 568 Bellaire, MI 49615

Email:  sheriff@antrimcounty.org

Phone:  231-533-8627

Fax:  231-533-5803


Overview of Antrim County

Antrim County, located in Michigan, is a county with a population of 23,431 according to the 2020 Census. The county seat is Bellaire, and its name is derived from County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Antrim County is notable for being home to Torch Lake, which is Michigan’s second-largest inland lake and boasts clear, blue waters. Torch Lake is part of the Chain of Lakes Watershed, with a significant portion falling within Antrim County. To the west, the county shares a border with Grand Traverse Bay, a bay of Lake Michigan.


Originally established in 1840, Antrim County was initially known as Meegisee County, separated from Michilimackinac County. The name “Meegisee” was chosen in honor of a Chippewa chief who played a role in the Treaty of Chicago in 1821 and the Treaty of Mississinewas in 1826. The term “Meegisee” is derived from the Ojibwe word “migizi,” meaning bald eagle. However, in 1843, the county was renamed Antrim County, along with four other Michigan counties, with the intention of acknowledging the growing Irish population in the state. Interestingly, the legislative act of 1843 misspelled the name as “Antim.” Antrim County was briefly attached to Grand Traverse County for administrative purposes in 1851 before gaining its own separate county government in 1863. Initially, the county seat was located in Elk Rapids but was eventually moved to Bellaire in 1904 following a 25-year legal dispute. In 1950, Antrim County had a population of 10,721.


Antrim County is also notable for hosting YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha, the oldest American summer camp that remains on its original site. The camp was established in 1904 and is situated along the shoreline of Torch Lake in Central Lake Township.

During the 2020 presidential election, Antrim County gained national attention due to initial election night results indicating a significant shift in voting patterns. The reliably Republican county appeared to heavily favor the Democratic party, but it was later determined to be a result of human error. This incident has since been referenced by various conspiracy theorists.


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