What You Can't Bring to Marion C.I.: A Visitor's Guide to Prohibited Items
Marion Correctional Institution follows Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) rules on prohibited items. Bring the wrong thing—even by accident—and you could be delayed, turned away, or treated as attempting to smuggle contraband under Ohio law.
Marion C.I. enforces ODRC visiting rules strictly, and prohibited items aren't treated lightly. Your safest bet? Arrive with as little as possible. Assume anything not explicitly allowed could cost you your visit - especially items that fall under Ohio's contraband law (ORC 2921.36).
Quick heads-up: Leave electronics (like phones and smart watches) and anything tobacco-related at home or locked in your vehicle. These are two of the most common items that get visitors stopped.
Electronics
- ✓ Smart watches
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Two-way radios
- ✓ Other electronic communication devices
Electronics aren't just discouraged at Marion C.I. - they're treated as contraband if you try to bring them in. Under ORC 2921.36, attempting to convey cell phones, two-way radios, or other electronic communication devices is a violation subject to ODRC enforcement. Even an honest mistake can jeopardize your visiting privileges. The Visiting/Mail Restriction Guidelines allow escalating consequences: a warning for a first offense, then 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or permanent restriction.
Leave your purse or bag behind. Marion C.I. doesn't allow purses, handbags, backpacks, or similar items in the visiting area - plan your outfit and pockets accordingly.
Visiting with an infant? There are limited exceptions, but expect everything to be searched. Infant carriers are allowed and will go through standard search procedures. For diaper bags, use a clear bag. You can bring: a reasonable number of diapers and baby wipes, up to three clear plastic baby bottles, three clear plastic containers of baby food, and one pacifier. Stick to that list exactly to avoid delays at entry.
Tobacco
- ✓ Cigarettes
- ✓ Loose tobacco
- ✓ Cigars
- ✓ Snuff
- ✓ Chewing tobacco
- ✓ Tobacco substitutes
- ✓ Matches
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Cigarette papers
- ✓ Rolling machines
Anything containing tobacco - or used to smoke it - stays home. These items count as prohibited contraband, and bringing them can trigger enforcement action.
Contraband Sanctions
- ✓ Deadly weapons
- ✓ Parts of weapons or ammunition
- ✓ Drugs of abuse
- ✓ Intoxicating liquor
- ✓ Cash (money)
- ✓ Cellular telephones
- ✓ Two-way radios
- ✓ Other electronic communication devices
ODRC's Visiting/Mail Restriction Guidelines spell out what happens when contraband is found on a visitor or someone tries to bring it inside. Sanctions escalate: a warning, then 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, or permanent restriction. Do a final pocket-and-bag check before you leave home. One forgotten item - cash, a phone, anything on the contraband list - can mean a long break from visits.
Not sure if something's allowed? Assume it'll be found. All visitors entering Marion C.I. are subject to search. The best way to protect your visit is to show up with only what you truly need - and nothing that could be considered prohibited.
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