Why You Can’t Bring Cash into Dayton Correctional (and What to Bring Instead)
Visiting Dayton Correctional? Leave your cash at home. It's prohibited on facility grounds, personal bags aren't allowed inside, and the vending machines only take credit or debit cards.
Cash isn't just discouraged at Dayton - it's explicitly listed as a prohibited item in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Declaration of Understanding. Bring it onto the grounds and you risk being turned away at the gate.
Cell phones and other electronic communication devices are banned too. Cash and electronics fall into different categories, but the rule is the same: leave them behind before you arrive.
Note: ODRC enforces zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, and weapons entering its facilities. Strict item rules - including bans on cash and electronics - support that broader safety mission.
Dayton's visiting rules also limit what you can carry. Purses, handbags, and backpacks aren't allowed inside, so plan for a hands-free entry.
Most people keep cash in a purse or bag - and neither is allowed here. Cash is prohibited on facility grounds, and the bags you'd normally use to carry everyday items can't come inside either. Plan ahead: assume you won't have cash or a bag with you.
Hoping to grab snacks or drinks during your visit? The vending machines only accept credit or debit cards - no cash.
Alternatives and Prep
- ✓ Leave cash at home (it’s prohibited on facility grounds).
- ✓ Don’t bring a purse, handbag, backpack, or similar bag you’ll need to carry into the visit.
- ✓ If you do arrive with prohibited items, plan to secure them in your locked vehicle before you go through the entry process.
- Bring a credit or debit card - Dayton’s vending machines are card-only.
- Bring a backup card if you have one - if your first card gets declined, you’ll still have a way to pay.
Want to get money to the person you're visiting? You can't hand it to them directly. All funds must go through mail processing or approved ODRC channels. Only approved visitors can deposit money to an incarcerated person's account, and it has to follow the official ODRC process.
First time visiting Dayton Correctional? You'll need to complete an orientation session before your visit. Orientation starts promptly at noon for the first session (12:15–3:15 p.m.) or 4 p.m. for the second session (4:30–7:30 p.m.). Plan your day around those times.
Quick recap: Leave cash and personal bags at home. Bring a credit or debit card for vending machines. Don't try to hand money to the incarcerated person - use the approved ODRC process instead.
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