History
The Emmet County Correctional Facility was built in 1967. At that time the total housing capacity was 20 inmates, with an average daily inmate population of 6 inmates. In 1983, the facility was expanded to house 27 inmates. The average daily inmate population in 1984 was 15 inmates. As a result of an increase in the inmate population, double bunking was added in 1988 and 1990, which increased the total housing capacity of the facility to 33 inmates.

In 1997, in order to provide housing for inmates on work release, an additional 14 beds were added to the facility bringing the total housing capacity to 49, with an average daily inmate population of 38 inmates. Again in 1999, the facility was expanded bringing the total housing capacity to 69, with an average daily inmate population of 52 inmates.

To keep up with the rising inmate population our county was experiencing, the facility was again expanded in 2006, bringing the total housing capacity to 103. The average daily inmate population in 2006 was 82 inmates.

Staffing
The jail began in 1961 with one Deputy/Dispatcher on duty at all times to operate both the county central dispatch and the jail. In 1980, the county hired ten Correction Officers/Dispatchers in order to provide for two Correction Officers/Dispatchers on duty around the clock to operate the county central dispatch and jail.

In 1997, Emmet along with Charlevoix and Cheboygan Counties formed a tri-county central dispatch center which relieved jail staff of that duty. The jail still maintained two Correction Officers on duty until the year 2000 when the county increased the jail staff to three Correction Officers on duty around the clock to operate the jail.

The facility currently operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, with staffing of a Jail Administrator, two Sergeants, two Corporals, and twelve Correction Officers working two twelve hour shifts.

Visitation
Visitors must be on the inmates approved visitors list to visit. All visitors must be 18 years of age to visit with the exception of minor or step children accompanied by an adult or guardian that is on the approved list. Improper or lack of verifiable identification by a visitor may be reason to terminate and/or not allow the visit.

General Visitation Day: Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Family Visitation Day: Thursday - 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (By appointment only)
Each inmate is allowed only one appointment for a family visit. Family members must call to make an appointment prior to visiting day. Visitors are not allowed to visit both Thursday and Saturday.

Inmate Programs
There are several programs available at the facility for inmates to participate in. Most of the programs are provided to inmates by community volunteers. These volunteers are greatly appreciated for their dedication and efforts which make our programs successful. The following is a list of the programs available:

• General Educational Development (GED) assistance and testing
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Substance Abuse Education
• Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
• Spiritual Counseling/Church Services
• Bible Study
• Work release
• Work crew/Trustee

Property Allowed In For Inmates
Inmates are allowed to have the following property brought in or mailed to them.

• Cash or money orders (no personal checks).
• Family pictures (limit 5).
• New pre-packaged white underwear, tee shirts, and socks.
• Books mailed direct from an approved local book store or internet resource.
• Approved newspaper or magazine subscriptions delivered direct from the publisher.
• Letters or cards may be brought in on visitation days only.
• Bible (soft cover only).