How Many People Work at Lake Erie Correctional and What That Means for Families

Lake Erie Correctional Institution has a designated capacity of 1,820 inmates. During the onsite PREA audit (August 27–30, 2018), the reported population was 1,765 inmates. Those figures come from a point-in-time review that included a facility tour, interviews with staff and incarcerated people, and file reviews (personnel, volunteer, training, investigation, and inmate files). Population levels shift over time, but this gives you a grounded baseline for understanding the facility's scale.

During that same audit window (August 27–30, 2018), the facility reported 289 staff who may have contact with inmates. The audit also recorded 74 staff hired during the prior 12 months who may have contact with inmates. For families, that "hired in the past 12 months" figure can prompt useful follow-up questions. A higher number could mean the facility was expanding, replacing departures, or both. It's reasonable to ask how staffing levels and staff experience affect daily routines: movement schedules, program access, and how quickly concerns get addressed.

The audit also counted people who aren't regular employees but are authorized to enter and may have contact with inmates. At the time of the onsite review (August 27–30, 2018), Lake Erie reported 211 volunteers and individual contractors in that category. If your loved one participates in programming that involves outside providers, this number can help you frame questions about what services are available and how access works.

• ✓ Ask whether any volunteer-led or contractor-led programs are currently operating, and which housing areas can access them
• ✓ Ask who to contact if your loved one is interested in participating (or if you are trying to confirm enrollment)
• ✓ Ask what identification or approval process is required if you are exploring volunteer opportunities

How Families Can Use Info

• ✓ “What is the current population today, and how does it compare to the 1,765 reported during the August 27–30, 2018 onsite PREA audit?”
• ✓ “How many staff currently may have contact with inmates, compared to the 289 reported in that audit?”
• ✓ “Since the audit recorded 74 hires in the prior 12 months, what does hiring look like now? Are you still onboarding new staff at a similar pace?”
• ✓ “Are staffing levels consistent across housing units and shifts, or are some areas short at certain times?”
• ✓ “The audit listed 211 volunteers and individual contractors authorized to enter who may have contact with inmates. What volunteer or contractor programs are active right now?”
• ✓ “If I have a safety concern, what is the best way to report it, and who should I ask for when I call?”

1. Call the facility and ask for the right office: Start with the main line, (440) 599-4101, and ask to be directed to the most appropriate contact for your question (population, staffing, or programming).
2. Confirm today’s numbers: Ask for the current population and current staffing levels, then compare them to the audit snapshot so you understand what has changed.
3. Ask targeted follow-ups: If your concern is safety, response time, or access to services, ask how staffing is handled in your loved one’s housing area and whether volunteer or contractor programs are available there.
4. Write down what you are told: Keep the date, time, and the name/title of the person you spoke with, plus any next steps they give you.
5. Escalate if needed: If you are not getting clear answers, ask who the best next contact is. The warden listed in the audit materials is Brigham Sloan.