G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility: visiting, mail, money and current status
G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is a Michigan state prison run by the MDOC in Jackson. Official links, a family guide, and what families report right now.
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Official notices
We have not found a current official notice for this facility.
Family reports are not official information. They come from visitors and are not checked by the facility or OutSooner. Always confirm with the facility or the DOC before you travel.
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Address and phone
G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility
3500 N. Elm Road, Jackson, MI 49201
517-780-5000
From the official MDOC page. Official facility page (opens in new tab)
Find someone here
MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) (official) (opens in new tab)
How to search: enter the person's legal last and first name, or their MDOC ID number if you have it. Nicknames and misspellings usually return nothing; try fewer letters or a different spelling of the name. MDOC calls the ID the prisoner number; mail needs it after the name (for example #123456).
What the dates mean: any dates shown, such as admission, sentence or projected release dates, come from MDOC's own records. Projected dates can change (for example with earned credits, discipline or parole decisions) and are not a guarantee. Ask MDOC or the facility before making plans around a date.
Release and transfer alerts: Michigan takes part in VINE (official source (opens in new tab)). Families can sign up free on VINELink (opens in new tab) for release, transfer and court-date alerts. It's built mainly for crime victims.
OutSooner does not store or list anyone's name, date of birth or ID number. The search runs on the official site.
Sentence credits
Credit rules come from Michigan law and are the same at every MDOC prison. Read Michigan's good-time and earned-time rules.
FAQ
How do I find someone at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility?
Use the official MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS). The record shows the person's current facility.
What is the address of G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility?
3500 N. Elm Road, Jackson, MI 49201. Phone: 517-780-5000. Source: the MDOC facility page.
How do I send mail to someone at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility?
Personal mail address listed by MDOC: Name and prisoner number, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility, 3500 N. Elm Road, Jackson, MI 49201.
How do I send money to someone at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility?
All deposits are processed by the state's approved provider, which MDOC lists as GTL Financial Services: money order by mail, credit or debit card online or by phone, or at the facility. No single deposit can be more than $300.
How do I get notified when someone is released in Michigan?
Michigan takes part in VINE. Sign up free on VINELink (https://vinelink.vineapps.com) for release, transfer and court-date alerts by phone, email or text.
Family guide: money, calls, visits and mail
From official MDOC pages. Vendors are named only as the state's approved provider. OutSooner has no affiliate or sponsor links. Our promise and how we check facts.
Sending money
- All deposits are processed by the state's approved provider, which MDOC lists as GTL Financial Services: money order by mail, credit or debit card online or by phone, or at the facility.
- No single deposit can be more than $300.
- MDOC warns that requests to send money through Cash App, Apple Pay, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo or any other service may be a scam.
- Deposits can be collected for court-ordered or MDOC obligations.
- Packages: one pre-authorized Friends and Family (SecurePak) order per quarter, up to $125 before tax and shipping. Talk to the person first; only the first order each quarter is processed.
Fees change. Check the official MDOC page (opens in new tab) for current fees before you pay.
Official pages: ConnectNetwork (approved provider) (opens in new tab) · Access SecurePak (approved package program) (opens in new tab)
The state's approved app (ConnectNetwork): App Store (opens in new tab) Google Play (opens in new tab)
Source: MDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Phone calls and video visits
- Phone service comes from the state's approved provider, which MDOC lists as ViaPath (GTL). Each prisoner can call up to 20 numbers on their allowed list, which resets each quarter.
- To receive calls on a cell phone, set up a prepaid AdvancePay account at ConnectNetwork or 855-466-2832. Collect calls can't go to cell phones.
- MDOC warns that third-party companies claiming to cut call costs are not affiliated with MDOC or its provider.
- To block calls from a facility, press 6 when prompted and set a PIN.
Fees change. Check the official MDOC page (opens in new tab) for current fees before you pay.
Official pages: ConnectNetwork (approved provider) (opens in new tab)
The state's approved app (ConnectNetwork): App Store (opens in new tab) Google Play (opens in new tab)
Source: MDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
In-person visiting
- Once your application is approved, schedule in-person or video visits on the MDOC Visitation Scheduling website, 48 hours to 7 days ahead.
- Up to 5 visitors at a time. Visit blocks are 3 hours on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends; you can schedule 2 visits the same day.
- Check the facility's visiting schedule and quarantine status before you go. Bring approved ID and follow the dress code.
- Video visits are up to 20 minutes; see MDOC's page for the current price.
Source: MDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Becoming an approved visitor
- Immediate family, clergy, attorneys and up to 10 other people the prisoner chooses may visit. You generally must be 18 or an approved minor, and not on felony parole or probation; MDOC lists exceptions.
- Ask the prisoner to add you to their visiting list first, then submit an application online through MiLogin or by mail to the facility with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- MDOC says processing can take up to 4 weeks.
Official pages: Visiting application (PDF) (opens in new tab)
Source: MDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
Personal mail address for this facility:
Name and prisoner number, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility, 3500 N. Elm Road, Jackson, MI 49201
- Send USPS mail to the facility address with the person's name and prisoner number (for example: John A. Smith, #123456, then the facility address).
- Personal mail is photocopied in black and white; the person gets the copy and originals are shredded.
- Email goes through the state's approved provider, which MDOC lists as JPay. Messages are screened and read on a housing-unit kiosk.
- Books must be new and shipped directly from an MDOC-approved vendor. Hard-cover books are not allowed from Feb. 9, 2026.
Official pages: JPay (approved email provider) (opens in new tab)
The state's approved app (JPay): App Store (opens in new tab) Google Play (opens in new tab)
Source: MDOC (official) (opens in new tab) · Last checked · Report an error
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