Hamilton County OH Justice Center

You can support your loved ones at Hamilton Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 513-946-6300.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Hamilton Co Jail is a detention center located at 1000 Sycamore St Cincinnati, OH which is operated locally by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Hamilton County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Cincinnati Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Ohio here.

The Hamilton County Jail Services Division oversees all adult detention facilities under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office, ensuring a secure environment and comprehensive care for inmates. The primary facility, known as the Justice Center, is often referred to as a “city within a city” due to its extensive infrastructure and services. It has an inmate capacity of 1,240 and offers a wide range of programs and services to support inmate welfare. Additionally, the Division manages the Reading Road Facility, accommodating 172 inmates, and the Woodburn Avenue Facility, housing 60 inmates. Together, these facilities have a total court-limited capacity of 1,472. They also extend their services to inmates admitted to the University Hospital and juveniles awaiting trial as adults.

The Justice Center provides accredited health services including medical, dental, and psychiatric care. It features a commercially equipped laundry and an institutional kitchen that prepares approximately 120,000 meals each month. Division staff supervise inmate recreation programs and efficiently manage the commissary, mail, and property room services.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at $8.00.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Adult Education Classes: The Division's Adult Education Program serves about 450 inmates annually, addressing the needs of learners from illiteracy to some college-level education. Notably, Hamilton County is the only Sheriff’s Office in Ohio that provides on-site final GED testing for qualifying inmates. Additionally, the "Mentoring Against Negative Actions" (MANA) program is designed to help young men develop into responsible adults.

Veteran Unit: This unit provides specialized housing and support for veteran inmates, fostering a supportive community environment. Participants receive post-incarceration placement and support from various agencies, including the Veterans Administration, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, the American Legion, Shelter House, and Joseph House.

Substance Abuse Counseling: Recognizing the high prevalence of addiction among inmates, the Division collaborates with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to offer continuous support and counseling to those dealing with substance abuse issues.

Religious Services: In partnership with Transforming Jail Ministries, the Division provides religious services for all denominations through a network of hundreds of volunteers. This initiative addresses the spiritual needs of inmates and is part of the broader Adult Jail Chaplaincy Program.

Re-Entry Unit: To facilitate a smoother transition back into society, the Division has partnered with the Hamilton County Commissioners' Re-Entry program. Inmates nearing the completion of their sentences are placed in the Re-Entry Unit to better equip them for reintegration into the community.

Technological Integration - The Division employs a computerized Jail Management System that aids staff and criminal justice agencies in tracking and managing inmate information. This system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of operations, supporting the diverse needs of the inmate population.

Through these comprehensive services and programs, the Jail Services Division demonstrates a strong commitment to inmate care, rehabilitation, and the responsible management of resources, ultimately contributing to a safer community and more effective correctional system.