How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Franklin County Correction Center I is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Franklin County Correction Center I.

Frequently asked questions about Franklin County Correction Center I

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Franklin County Correction Center I.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Franklin County Correction Center I?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Franklin County Correction Center I. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Franklin County Correction Center I?

   Mailing address:

   Franklin County Correction Center I
   370 S Front St
   Columbus, OH 43215
   Phone: (614) 525-3368

5. What are the visiting hours at Franklin County Correction Center I?

   Visiting hours at Franklin County Correction Center I vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (614) 525-3368 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Franklin County Correction Center I?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Franklin County Correction Center I for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I?

   You can send money to an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Franklin County Correction Center I, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Franklin County Correction Center I?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Franklin County Correction Center I for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Franklin County Correction Center I, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Through comprehensive support initiatives, Franklin County Jail addresses the diverse needs of its population by providing pathways to personal growth and successful community reintegration. The facility’s approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to educational opportunities, practical skills training, and therapeutic resources that address underlying challenges. These programs are typically designed to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and strengthen connections to family and community support systems.

Educational initiatives form a cornerstone of the facility’s offerings, with programs that may supply basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and ESL classes for non-native English speakers. The population often benefits from structured learning environments that accommodate various educational backgrounds and learning styles. Also available are job training programs that focus on developing marketable skills in trades and service industries. These vocational opportunities typically emphasize hands-on learning and may include certifications that enhance employment prospects upon release.

Recovery services provide crucial support for individuals struggling with substance abuse, offering both group and individual counseling sessions that address addiction and related behavioral patterns. The facility also maintains specialized veteran services that recognize the comprehensive challenges faced by former military personnel within the correctional system. Also offered is grief counseling, which helps the population process loss and trauma that may have contributed to their current circumstances. These therapeutic programs often incorporate family involvement when appropriate, strengthening relationships that serve as vital support networks during reintegration into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of operations at Franklin County Jail, where structured routines currently govern every aspect of the population’s daily experience and continue to provide predictability within the facility environment. The population typically follows a regimented schedule that begins with early morning counts and continues through designated periods for meals, programming, and recreation. Security procedures punctuate these activities, with regular headcounts and movement protocols ensuring accountability throughout the day. Generally, the population moves between activities in supervised groups, with staff coordinating transitions to maintain order and safety.

Housing units within the facility are organized by classification levels, with the population assigned to dormitory-style or cell-based accommodations based on security assessments and individual circumstances. Living spaces typically include basic furnishings and storage for approved personal property, while common areas may offer television viewing and social interaction opportunities. Also, commissary services supply additional personal items and snacks that supplement standard-issued materials. Dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in designated areas, with the population receiving nutritionally planned meals that meet correctional standards.

However, daily life extends beyond basic routines to include various programming opportunities that supply structure and potential skill development. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or cleaning responsibilities that help maintain operations while providing the population with purposeful activity. Also, recreational periods typically offer exercise opportunities and may include access to outdoor areas when weather permits. Family connections remain important, with visitation policies generally allowing scheduled visits and communication options that may include phone calls and written correspondence, helping the population maintain relationships with loved ones during their stay.