1. Home
  2. All Facilities
  3. Facility Visitation

Ottawa Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: March 24,2025


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 616-738-4095 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

Visitor Guidelines & Procedures

  • No contact visitation will be allowed.
  • Visitations will be restricted if a visitor has a no-contact order with an inmate.
  • Visitations need to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and can be scheduled up to three weeks from the visitation date.
  • Inmate visitation reservations can be scheduled or canceled by calling (616) 738-4650 during normal business hours, or online by going to www.miottawa.org, under inmate lookup.
  • Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled visit time.
  • Inmates may receive one 45-minute face-to-face visit per week.
  • A maximum of two adults and two children will be permitted to visit an inmate at any one time.
  • Children visiting inmates must be deemed age-appropriate by the parent or guardian accompanying the child. A minor child under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. The minor must have ID such as a birth certificate, Social Security Card, or photo ID described above.
  • A valid identification or a state-issued picture ID is required for all adults. A valid photo driver's license, state ID, or passport is required.
  • Inmates as a general rule are not eligible for visitation until they have been placed into the general housing areas.
  • Please stay home if you have any symptoms of illness.
  • All visitation days and times are subject to cancellation without notice.

Visitation Code of Conduct

  • Visitation is a privilege and both visitors and inmates are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times during a visit.
  • Suggestive clothing will not be permitted. Whether or not clothing is appropriate will be determined by the Sheriff's Office personnel.
  • Visitors are expected to conduct themselves properly, no disorderly, disruptive, or vulgar behavior will be tolerated.
  • If during your visit you are observed communicating using any other method than the phone system, your visit may be terminated.
  • Only keys and identification are allowed in the visitation area. No cell phones, food, beverages, or other personal property is allowed. Lockers are available or you may leave property in your vehicle.
  • Weapons of any sort will not be permitted into the visitation rooms.
  • Violations of visitation rules by either inmate or visitor may be suspended or permanently revoked by the Jail Administration.
How Video On-Demand Works

SmartJailMail.com provides a two-way, real-time, on-demand video visitation system that can be used to speak to your loved ones directly in their housing location within the jail. Video on-demand visits are billed per minute and are scheduled in 15-minute increments. To receive a video on- demand visit you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account. This process is quick and easy, just follow these simple steps:

  1. Sign Up
    Creating an account is fast, simple, and completely free. SmartJailMail will ask you to choose a username and password to identify your account along with some basic contact information. SmartJailMail will send you an e-mail or text message to verify and activate your account. There is no cost to create an account and search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with. You will need your phone to receive the activation code through text message or e-mail to activate your account.
  2. Make Connections
    • The public user will select the inmate(s) to connect with under the "Contacts" and then "Find an Inmate"
    • Once an inmate is selected, the public user will then choose the connection "Friends/Family" and send a connection request
    • The inmate will then accept or decline the connection request.
    • Once connected, the public user will receive an email notifying them they are connected to the inmate
    • The public user will then go to their smartjailmail.com account and upload the required documentation to apply for visitation.

You must be pre-approved before receiving video-on-demand communications with inmates. For approval, you are required to submit a proof of identification and one photo of yourself.

  • A copy or photo of a valid State Identification card, Driver's license card, U.S. Military Identification card, valid passport/visa, or Alien Registration card can be used.
  • A current self-photo, picture can be uploaded right from your phone or PC (provided it has a camera) in a pdf or jpg file format. The photo should be cropped to include the upper body only, with a natural background (no digitally generated backgrounds or filters allowed).
  • These images will be added to your online account and will be submitted to the correctional facility for approval by the county. You will be notified via email when your request has been approved.
  • If any proof of identification or photo is rejected you will be notified of what is needed. Delete the rejected item and upload a new picture. Then resubmit your application.

Once the application is approved, the inmate can now send out a video-on-demand request on the tablet.

Visiting Inmates at Ottawa County MI 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 West Olive 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 Ottawa Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Ottawa County MI Jail, located in West Olive, 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.