Click here for other contact numbers       Dispatch:  269-657-3101      Admin:  269-657-2006     Jail Information:  269-657-2171

Inmate Mail    Inmate Visitation   Inmate Allowed Items   Inmate Programs & Services   
Donated Items     Alternative Work Program     Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network  
Court Transport Officers

Click on blue underlined links for more information.

To contact the jail call 269-657-2171.

Sergeant Ray Guminski

Sergeant Virg Franks

Sergeant Charity Cummins

Lieutenant  Robert Kirk

MISSION STATEMENT
To Provide the public with a safe, humane and secure environment with professional team oriented staff working to reduce the rate of recidivism while respecting the rights and dignity of all.

Frequently Asked Questions:

INMATE MAIL

Inmates receive regularly delivered mail on all dates operated by the US Postal Service. All mail received at the Van Buren County Jail is opened and inspected for contraband. To send mail to an inmate at this facility, use the following format:

(Inmate Name)
205 S. Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, Mich. 49079

INMATE VISITATION

Visitation is on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Persons 16 years of age and older are allowed to visit inmates unaccompanied, with a picture ID. Persons less than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian 18 years of age or older.

Inmates and visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. Visitors with children are responsible for the actions of these children, unruly visitors and/or children will be asked to leave the visitation area.

Denial of visits:
A visitor may be denied access to the secure facility if they cannot produce required identification, is disruptive, dangerous, under the influence of drugs/alcohol, has a prior felony conviction, is inappropriately dressed, or deemed a security risk, the visit shall be denied. All visitors are subject to search.

Other specific visitation criteria is posted at the Sheriff’s office.

ITEMS ALLOWED FOR INMATES

• Cash or Money orders for deposit to inmates account. Exact change must be presented, we cannot make change. 

• Valid medical prescriptions are accepted after review/verification by medical staff.

• Work release inmates may have 1 set of clean clothing dropped off.

• Inmates scheduled for Jury Trial may have clothing dropped off for wear during trial.

DONATED ITEMS

Any person may donate appropriate books and or magazines to the Van Buren County Jail. Inmates having books or magazines dropped off must remember that these items are donated to the Jail Library, and will remain the property of the Van Buren County Jail. Games and puzzles will be accepted, only in new, unopened condition. These items will also be donated to the Van Buren County Jail.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED TO ALL INMATES

• Adult basic education and GED services

• Substance abuse programs

• A A programs

• Church services

• Bible study

• Work Release program-(must be approved and ordered by sentencing court)

• Recreation

• Medical services

• Mental Health services

• Alternative work programs

• Weekend Alternative work programs

• My Child Too / Parenting

Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network

The Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding their offender's custody status and register to receive telephone and e-mail notification when the offender's custody status changes. This service is brought to you by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Crime Victim Services Commission.

Click here to register for notification from the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network.

Contact the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network at 1-800-770-7657.

YEAR-END REPORT - CORRECTIONS

Jail Operations
In 2005 the Van Buren County Jail was inspected by the Michigan Department of Corrections – County Jail Services Unit. This inspection resulted in Van Buren County being awarded its fifth consecutive 100% compliance award. Van Buren County is the first county known to have received this award five consecutive years.

The Corrections Division was able to operate within budget and secured funds to enhance jail operations and maintain the jail population at manageable levels.

Jail Collections


Office of Community Corrections (OCC)

The OCC again faced a very busy year and the staff continues to work very hard at monitoring the jail population and diverting appropriate offenders to alternative sentences.

Office of Community Corrections
2008 Stats

Beds Saved/Cost Savings:

Number of Projects

• WWAP - 121 completed projects for non-profit organizations.

• AWP - 226 completed projects for non-profit organizations.

• Drain - 20 cleaned drains for Van Buren County.

Alternative Work Program
The Alternative Work Program (WAP) is in its 23rd year of serving Van Buren County communities and governmental units. In addition to providing needed services to Van Buren residents, the AWP provides another method to reduce the jail population.

Court Transport Officers
Four part-time officers provide service to the Corrections Division. These officers ensure the appearance of scheduled court proceedings for inmates within the facility. Transport officers allows the Uniform Response Division to focus on criminal calls for service.