Jail

The Franklin County OH Jail, operated by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, is a key institution in the local correctional system. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the jail's operations, its facilities, the services it offers, and how it works to maintain public safety. Whether you are looking for inmate information, visitation details, or general information about the jail's services, this guide will provide you with essential insights.

The Role of the Franklin County Jail in Public Safety

The Franklin County Jail system, which includes two main facilities—the James A. Karnes Corrections Center and the Franklin County Corrections Center II—plays a crucial role in the judicial and correctional processes. The facility’s mission is to ensure the safety of the community while providing secure detention for individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office Division of Corrections is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the jail. Their primary goals are to provide a safe, secure environment for inmates and staff while upholding the principles of respect, dignity, and constitutional rights.

The James A. Karnes Corrections Center

Located at 2551 Fisher Rd, Columbus, OH 43204, the James A. Karnes Corrections Center is one of the primary detention facilities in the county. It offers a variety of services for both inmates and their families, including health care, visitation, and rehabilitation programs.

Inmate Information Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3368
Fax: (614) 525-4327

The Franklin County Corrections Center II

Located at 2460 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223, the Franklin County Corrections Center II provides additional detention capacity. This facility is equipped with modern technology for inmate tracking, security, and visitor management.

Inmate Information Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3368
Fax: (614) 525-7620

Inmate Information and Online Search Tools

For those seeking information on inmates held at the Franklin County Jail, the Sheriff's Office provides a comprehensive online inmate information search. This tool allows users to look up:

Current inmates
Current charges
Case numbers
Inmate location for visitation
Court dates

You can access this service through the Franklin County Sheriff's Office inmate information page.

Inmate Visitation at Franklin County OH Jail

Visiting an inmate at the Franklin County Jail has evolved with technological advances, including virtual visitation options. As of recent changes, in-person visitation at the Franklin County Corrections Center II is being replaced with virtual visits to offer more frequent communication opportunities for families.

Virtual Visitation Services

Virtual visits can be scheduled through GTL Viapath Technologies, and individuals can participate from their home or other locations. There are two ways to schedule these visits:

Online registration via GTL’s Visitation Website.
Mobile app available on the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Each inmate is entitled to two free 20-minute virtual visits per week. Additional visits can be purchased at a low cost.

In-Person Visits (Virtual Technology)

For in-person visits, kiosks are located at both detention centers for payment of commissary funds or to schedule in-person appointments. These systems are available for both cash and card transactions.

Commissary Services and Money Deposits

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has partnered with Keefe Commissary Network to facilitate easier access to funds for inmates. Family and friends can deposit money into inmate accounts through a variety of channels:

Keefe Kiosks at both the James A. Karnes Corrections Center and the Franklin County Corrections Center II.

Online deposits through Access Corrections.

Retail locations through CashPayToday.com for in-person deposits.

Commissary Information

Phone for Commissary Services: (614) 525-7133
Location for Commissary Services: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Identification Bureau and Inmate Processing

The Identification Bureau within the Franklin County Sheriff's Office plays an essential role in processing inmates, ensuring accurate identification through biometric data collection such as fingerprints, palm prints, and DNA. This data is shared with law enforcement agencies and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for recordkeeping and case processing.

Identification Bureau Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3835

Health and Social Services for Inmates

Inmates at the Franklin County Jail receive comprehensive care, including medical and mental health services. The Armor Healthcare team manages health care services for inmates, providing both emergency and routine medical care, including mental health support.

Social Services are also available for inmates, including counseling, religious services, and rehabilitation programs. These services aim to help reduce recidivism and aid in inmates' reentry into society.

Social Services Contact:

Phone: (614) 525-3903

The Jail’s Operational Philosophy: Strategic Inmate Management

The operational philosophy at the Franklin County Jail emphasizes Strategic Inmate Management. This approach aims to minimize risks by assessing the needs and risks posed by individual inmates. By doing so, the corrections division can create tailored housing assignments and rehabilitation programs, which foster a safer, more productive environment for both staff and inmates.

The division operates under strict adherence to the Ohio Revised Code, Bureau of Adult Detention Standards, and National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards.

Departments and Their Contact Information

Here are the essential departments within the Franklin County Sheriff's Office related to jail services:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

James A. Karnes Corrections Center
Phone: (614) 525-3368
Address: 2551 Fisher Rd, Columbus, OH 43204

Franklin County Corrections Center II
Phone: (614) 525-7100
Address: 2460 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223

Civil Process Unit
Phone: (614) 525-3343
Address: 410 South High St, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Commissary
Phone: (614) 525-7133
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Inmate Information
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Emergency Communications Center
Phone: (614) 525-3333
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Public Records
Phone: (614) 525-6096
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Identification Bureau
Phone: (614) 525-3835
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Social Services
Phone: (614) 525-3903
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Finance Department
Phone: (614) 525-3397
Address: 373 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215

These departments work together to ensure smooth operations within the jail and provide inmates with necessary services. For more detailed information, you can visit the official Franklin County Sheriff's Office website.

Franklin County Jail FAQs

How Can I Find Inmate Information at Franklin County Jail?

To access details about an inmate, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office offers an online Inmate Information Search. This tool allows you to check the current inmates, their charges, case numbers, visitation locations, and upcoming court dates. However, bond details must be obtained through the Clerk of Courts office.

What Are the Visitation Policies at Franklin County OH Jail?

Visitation at Franklin County Jail is primarily virtual, with the GTL Viapath Technologies system allowing inmates at Franklin County Corrections Center II to receive two free 20-minute virtual visits each week. Additional visits can be purchased. In-person visitation is available through kiosks at both detention centers for scheduling and payments. For a detailed breakdown, visit the official visitation information page.

How Can I Send Money to an Inmate at Franklin County Jail?

Money can be sent to inmates through several methods, including Keefe Kiosks at both correctional facilities, online payments via Access Corrections, or through CashPayToday.com. Cash deposits are limited to $300 per day at kiosks and up to $900 at retail locations, with some restrictions in place for phone payments and online transactions.

What Health and Social Services Are Available for Inmates?

Inmates at the Franklin County Jail receive healthcare managed by Armor Healthcare, which includes emergency and routine medical care. Additionally, the Social Services team offers counseling, rehabilitation programs, and religious services to support inmates' well-being and prepare them for reintegration into society.

How Do I Mail Items to an Inmate at Franklin County Jail?

Starting May 28, 2024, inmate mail will be digitized. To send mail, use the new address format and ensure it is sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Printed materials must be new, soft-bound books or magazines ordered from authorized retailers. Items like clothing, money orders, or reading glasses will no longer be accepted through the visitation window.