Marion Correctional Institution
Marion Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison for male inmates that is located in Marion, Ohio. Operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Marion Correctional Institution has a population of approximately 2,564 inmates.
This facility uses some of the most innovative prison programs in the country which has resulted in a high rate of inmates earning certifications and gaining employment upon their release. Marion Correctional Institution was the first prison in the United States to host a TEDx event.
On April 18, 2020, approximately 50 National Guardsmen were activated to assist staff after nearly two thousand prisoners and staff tested positive for the coronavirus. At that point, one correction officer had died and nearly 75 percent of prisoners had tested positive.
In May 2020, Jay Z and rapper Meek Mill donated 10 million protective masks to correctional systems throughout the United States, including MCI, through their REFORM Alliance.
Prison Insights
Marion Correctional Institution
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Visiting Hours and Rules
Visiting is available seven days a week by reservation only. Reservations can be made by calling 740-382-5781, selection Option #2, during the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; by completing the reservation form while on a visit and either mailing the form back or checking with visiting staff at the conclusion of the visit; or by emailing your request to [email protected] (please give up to 48 hours for a response).
Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Admittance for visits is 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Processing of visitors will be from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
No holiday visitation.
In your visiting request, please include the name of the inmate, the inmate ID number, date requested, and names of all approved visitors (up to five, including children).
All adults need a valid state ID or passport. For children, all required paperwork must be presented (birth certificate – Minor Child Authorization Form – Custody Papers, if needed).
Visiting hours are subject to change. Please call the institution to verify hours before planning a visit.
Reservations can be made for the next day up to sixty days from today's date (no same day reservations are permitted). Also, all in state/out of state visitors are required to make reservations (walk-ins will not be accepted due to security concerns).
Visiting Applications, Reservations, and Procedures
Each potential visitor must complete a Visiting Application and have it approved before visiting an inmate. This application may be sent through the mail, emailed, faxed, or dropped off in person. Visitation will not be allowed until your application has been processed and you have been approved and notified. For complete details, click here.
Dress Code
Appropriate clothing and undergarments must be worn (i.e., bra, slip, and underwear) to visit an inmate.
Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to:
- See-through clothing of any kind.
- Tops or dresses that expose the midriff or have open backs or open sides (such as any sleeveless clothing such as halter tops, tube tops, cropped tops, tank tops, and muscle shirts).
- Low-cut clothing cut in a manner that exposes the chest.
- Any clothing that inappropriately exposes undergarments.
- Skirts, dresses, shorts, skorts, or culottes with the hem or slit above the mid-knee.
- Wrap-around skirts/dresses or break-away type pants.
- Clothing with any gang related markings.
- Clothing with obscene and/or offensive pictures, slogans, language and/or gestures.
- Form-fitted clothing made from Spandex or Lycra or other similar knit material such as leotards, unitards, bicycle shorts, tight jeans, or tight pants.
- Clothing with inappropriate holes/rips, including shoulder cut-outs.
- No smartwatches or fitness monitors (such as fitbits).
Purses, handbags, and backpacks are not permitted. Diaper bags and infant carriers are allowed, but clear plastic bags are preferred. You may bring:
- A reasonable number of diapers and baby wipes
- Three plastic baby bottles
- Three plastic containers of baby food
- One pacifier
Video Visitation
Marion Correctional Institution maintains video visiting kiosks in every general population housing unit. The hours of availability for video visits are as follows: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visits are 30 minutes in duration; however, an additional 30 minutes can be requested if there is no one scheduled at the same kiosk immediately after the conclusion of the initial video visit.
Approved visitors must create an account and register with JPay. Video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Physical Address
Marion Correctional Institution
940 Marion-Williamsport Road
Marion, OH 43302
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/xsLdFdewrRkMp6c17
General Phone Number
740-382-5781
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Marion Correctional Institution
PO Box 57
Marion, OH 43301
You must include the offender’s name and DOC number on the envelope of all inmate mail. You can find your inmate’s DOC number by calling Central Inmate Records at 614-752-1076, or you can use the online tool.
JPay Email Option
JPay allows family and friends to email their incarcerated loved one. Please visit JPay for additional information.
The Inmate Food and Sundry Package Program
Family, friends, and inmates may order food and sundry packages from approved vendors Keefe Group/Access Securepak, Union Supply Direct, and Walkenhorsts. Inmates have access to catalogs, flyers, and order forms for these programs.
How to Call an Inmate
Inmates at Marion Correctional Institution do have access to phones, but they can’t receive incoming calls. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Ohio, please click here.
How to Send Money
You can send money to your inmate at Marion Correctional Institution through JPay or the ConnectNetwork only if you are an approved (or tentatively approved) visitor.
- MAIL - You can make deposits by U.S. Mail through JPay. Each money order must be accompanied by the Money Order Deposit form, found on the JPay Website and a copy of your driver's license (or state ID or passport). This will be used to match your name to the visiting list. The name on the money order must exactly match:
- the name on the driver's license, state ID, or passport; AND
- the name and date of birth used to register as a visitor with DRC
- Money orders may not exceed $200, unless approved in advance by the institution Warden.
- You will not be able to send any letters to the inmate with the money order. Any letters sent to inmates with the money order will be discarded.
- Please visit the JPay website for additional information.
- ONLINE - Send money through the ConnectNetwork website with deposits using credit or debit cards. OffenderConnect charges a transaction fee for using this service.
- TELEPHONE - Call 1-888-988-4PMT (4768), reference Site ID 86 when prompted by the automated attendant. Deposits can be made through the toll-free number using credit or debit cards. There is a transaction fee for using this service.
Programs For Inmates
F.Y.I. - Finding Your IT
Periodic educational, recreational, community-building events which bring together young men and those who support them to explore their "IT."
H.O.P.E. (Helping Ourselves/Others Pursue Excellence)
Mentorship focusing on self transcendence, communal self-awareness and introspection.
Kairos Torch
Kairos is an encounter with the Christian Community at a retreat weekend. It continues with a six-month mentoring program after the initial weekend.
Reading Room
The reading rooms encourage family literacy by providing a pleasant and comfortable setting for both child and incarcerated parent. Each room is stocked with a wide variety of children’s books and has an inmate narrator who reads to the visiting children twice a day.
Life After the Game
A peer led group designed to challenge the negative principles and values of a criminal lifestyle.
Wander Inn Apprenticeship
Food service manager apprenticeship that includes daily restaurant business operation.
Weinbrenner Theological Seminary
Pastoral training institute.
Marion Reintegration Center
Housing unit providing reentry programming and job skill opportunities.
Coffee Crafters
Barista training program that includes coffee business operation.
Serenity Program
Recovery Services modified therapeutic community.
Stonewall Columbus & EDUCATE
LGBTI initiatives.
Recycling Program
MCI specific and community recycling initiative.
Community Services
- Dog Program
- Wildlife Program
- Reptile Program
- City of Marion
- Karl Road Christian Church - Crocheting
- Fraternal Order of Police
- Crayons to Computers
- Sewing
- Painting
- Props
- PNN - Printing/Video Work
- Colonel Crawford Schools
Academic
- Adult Basic Education (ABLE)
- Marion Technical College
- GED
- Industries
- OPI Dumpster Refurbishing
- OPI Metal Fabrication
Vocational
- Welding
- Auto Mechanics
- Agriculture
- Barber School
- Small Engine Repair
- Administrative Professional Support (APS)
Pictures of Marion Correctional Institution
Careers at Marion Correctional Institution
If you are interested in a career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections — and would like to apply for a job at the Marion Correctional Institution — you can find out more information about available jobs by clicking here.