About Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Use this website for informational purposes only.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) oversees the state's correctional facilities and their respective operations. The primary purpose of the system is to ensure public safety while providing necessary rehabilitation and educational opportunities for the inmates. The ODRC administers a range of programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates and facilitating the reintegration of offenders into society upon release.
In addition to state-run facilities, correctional institutions in Ohio include county jails and city jails, which are under the supervision of their respective local authorities. All these facilities conform to specific guidelines set forth by the state and federal government regarding inmate treatment, safety, and security.
Types of Correctional Institutions in Ohio
- State Prisons: These are administered by the ODRC and house inmates who have been convicted of state-level crimes. As of 2021, there were 27 state prisons in Ohio.
- County Jails: These are operated by individual county sheriff's departments, and they primarily hold inmates awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences for misdemeanor offenses. Each of Ohio's 88 counties has at least one county jail.
- City Jails: Managed by city police departments, these facilities typically house individuals arrested for minor infractions or who are awaiting trial. They are usually smaller and have shorter average stays compared to state and county facilities.
- Federal Prisons: There are two federal prisons in Ohio, managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). These institutions hold inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes.
Inmate Search Options for Correctional Facilities in Ohio
State Prisons
- Online: You can search for an inmate in an Ohio state prison using the ODRC's Offender Search tool. You can search by the offender's number, or by their first and last name.
- Offline: If you cannot access the online system, you may also contact the ODRC directly via telephone or in person to request information. It's recommended that you have the inmate's full name and birth date or offender number ready to facilitate the process.
County Jails
- Online: Many counties in Ohio provide online inmate lookup tools on their sheriff's department websites. For example, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office has an Inmate Search tool that allows you to search by name, booking number, or case number.
- Offline: If an online tool isn't available or doesn't provide the needed information, you can contact the respective county sheriff's office directly.
City Jails
- Online: Some city police departments offer online search capabilities. If this option is available, it can usually be found on the city police department's website.
- Offline: In cases where online lookup isn't possible, you can contact the city police department directly for information on inmates held in city jails.
Federal Prisons
- Online: You can use the BOP's Inmate Locator tool to search for inmates held in federal prisons. This database includes inmates from all over the country, including those in Ohio federal prisons.
- Offline: For offline inquiries, you can contact the specific federal prison where you believe the inmate may be located, or reach out to the BOP central office.
Each institution or law enforcement agency may have different policies regarding inmate contact, visiting hours, and allowed items. It's always best to verify this information directly with the institution to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues.
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