Ohio State Penitentiary

Visiting is limited to a maximum of three visitors per inmate at one time, including all children, unless special arrangements have been made in advance. Each visiting session counts as a separate visit. Therefore, two visits on the same day shall count as two of the three visits allowed per inmate each month. 

Visiting Hours

Wednesday through Sunday:

• 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Closed on all Mondays, Tuesdays, and all state holidays.
• Visiting hours are subject to change without notice. Please call the institution to verify visiting hours before planning a visit.

OSP Correctional Camp (Security Level 1) - Reservations Required

Wednesday through Sunday:

• 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Camp inmates may receive 4 visits per month
• Closed on all Mondays, Tuesdays, and state holidays
• Visiting hours are subject to change without notice. Please call the institution to verify visiting hours before planning a visit.

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.

Reservations

• Visiting reservations are required for all visiting sessions. 
• When making reservations, all visitors being scheduled for the visit must be listed on the reservation and be an approved visitor on the inmate's list.
• Reservation requests will be accepted no less than 4 days and no more than 30 days in advance of visit.
• Cancellations are accepted five days prior to the scheduled visit without penalty. 
• Approved visitors may make a reservation up to 30 days in advance by calling directly to 330-743-0700 x2111. If you have any questions, you can call the shift office at any time at x2056.

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

The Ohio State Penitentiary maintains video visiting kiosks in every general population housing unit. Approved visitors may visit www.jpay.com for additional information.

The inmate’s name and DOC number must be clearly written 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
Please visit JPay for additional information about sending an email to your inmate.

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.

Inmates at Ohio State Penitentiary 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.

You can send money to your inmate at Ohio State Penitentiary 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 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.

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 Ohio State Penitentiary — you can find out more information about available jobs by clicking here.