Understanding Ohio's Zero Tolerance Policy: What Happens If You Bring Prohibited Items to Marion C.I.

If you're visiting Marion Correctional Institution, take "zero tolerance" literally. ODRC's Declaration of Understanding makes clear the department has zero tolerance for bringing drugs, alcohol, or weapons into its facilities - and backs that up with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2921.36. That statute covers knowingly conveying, or even attempting to convey, prohibited items onto detention facility grounds, including ODRC prisons.

"Contraband" goes well beyond the obvious stuff like drugs or weapons. The Declaration of Understanding and visiting packet flag everyday items people forget they're carrying - especially electronics and tobacco. Cell phones, smart watches, pagers, and other electronic communication devices aren't allowed in visits and can't be brought onto the grounds. Same goes for cash. Tobacco trips people up constantly. The declaration treats all tobacco products and smoking paraphernalia as prohibited: cigarettes, loose tobacco, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco substitutes, plus matches, lighters, cigarette papers, and rolling machines. If it's tobacco or helps someone smoke, leave it behind.

• ✓ Drugs (drug of abuse)
• ✓ Alcohol (intoxicating liquor)
• ✓ Weapons (deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance), including parts or ammunition
• ✓ Electronic devices and electronic communication devices (including smart watches, cell phones, pagers)
• ✓ Cash
• ✓ Tobacco products (cigarettes, loose tobacco, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco substitutes)
• ✓ Smoking paraphernalia (matches, lighters, cigarette papers, rolling machines)

Even items that aren't technically contraband can slow you down at the door. The visiting packet lists things that set off metal detectors and delay entry - hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots and shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, and excessive jewelry. Want a smoother visit? Keep what you wear and carry simple.

The consequences are clear: ODRC says it will make every effort to prosecute anyone found in violation of ORC 2921.36 to the fullest extent of the law. That means attempting to bring in prohibited items - especially drugs, alcohol, or weapons - can go beyond getting turned away. You could face criminal charges.

1. Assume you’ll be screened - all visitors are subject to search, so plan like anything in your pockets or bag will be found.
2. Do a full “electronics and cash” check before you leave the car - don’t bring electronic devices (including smart watches, cell phones, and pagers) into the visit, and don’t walk in with cash.
3. If you’re bringing a baby, use a clear diaper bag and stick to the limits - only bring the allowed baby items in the allowed quantities.
4. Dress to clear the metal detector - hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots/shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, and excessive jewelry can set off detectors and delay entry and your visit.

• ✓ Clear diaper bag
• ✓ A reasonable number of diapers and baby wipes
• ✓ Up to three clear plastic baby bottles
• ✓ Up to three clear plastic containers of baby food
• ✓ One pacifier