Hamilton County OH Justice Center

County Jail

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
1000 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Beds
1240
County
Hamilton
Phone
513-946-6300
Fax
513-976-6616
Email
sbarnett@sheriff.hamilton-co.org
Mailing Address
900 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Hamilton Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of 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.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Ohio. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Hamilton County OH Justice Center.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Hamilton County OH Justice Center - Visitation

Visits at the Hamilton County Justice Center are limited to 15 minutes. No visiting on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. Maximum of four (4) people to visit, including children. We do not limit it to two adults and two children. Visitation can be one adult with three kids, or three adults and one kid, or any combination that equals up to four people. At least one adult must be present. Visitation is determined by the first letter of the last name according to the jail records.

Visiting Hours & Info

Tuesday-Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A – K Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
L – Z Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

1617 Reading Road – Visits are limited to 15 minutes.

1st floor
Monday 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 3:00-5:00 p.m.

2nd floor
Tuesday 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Thursday 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:00-8:00 p.m.

3rd floor
Monday 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Saturday 6:00-8:00 p.m.

2605 Woodburn Ave. (Turning Point)
Saturday-Sunday 3:30-5:30 p.m. Visits are limited to 15 minutes.

VISITING PROPERTY

  • Glasses (prescription only)
  • All property, including property for Reading Road (Talbert House) and Woodburn Avenue (Turning Point), can be delivered to the Mini Property window located in the South Building of the Justice Center, Monday-Friday, 2:30 pm -3:30 pm.
  • Starting November 12th, 2019 we will begin taking court clothing between 0800-1100.
  • You must provide a valid state photo ID when you drop off at the Mini Property window. ALL ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hamilton County OH Justice Center - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Hamilton County OH Justice Center, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Hamilton County OH Justice Center directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Hamilton County OH Justice Center before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Hamilton Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Hamilton Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Hamilton Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Hamilton Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Hamilton County OH Justice Center?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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