What You Can and Can't Bring to Visiting at Ohio Reformatory: Quick checklist
Visiting at Ohio Reformatory goes smoother when you show up with the right ID, the right paperwork, and nothing that could get you turned away at the door. Use this checklist to avoid common problems at check-in.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) takes a zero-tolerance approach to contraband. Assume you can't bring drugs, alcohol, weapons, cash, or any electronic communication device into the facility. Even attempting to bring prohibited items onto the grounds can lead to criminal prosecution under Ohio law. It's not worth the risk.
- ✓ Cell phones, smart watches, pagers, two-way radios, and other electronic devices/communication devices
- ✓ Weapons, dangerous ordnance, ammunition, or any parts of these items
- ✓ Drugs (including “drugs of abuse”) and intoxicating liquor/alcohol
- ✓ Cash
- ✓ Any other contraband (if you’re unsure, leave it in your car rather than bringing it to the entrance)
Note: Bringing - or trying to bring - drugs, alcohol, weapons, cash, or electronic communication devices into an ODRC facility can lead to criminal prosecution under Ohio law.
Plan your outfit like you're trying not to draw attention. Ohio Reformatory requires visitors to follow clothing and dress restrictions, and staff can turn you away for inappropriate attire. When in doubt, go more conservative - don't let your visit end before it starts.
- ✓ See-through clothing of any kind
- ✓ Torn or ripped jeans, or any holes in clothing where skin can be seen
- ✓ Clothing that shows skin through the fabric or openings (the rule is: no skin visible through clothing)
- ✓ Skirts, dresses, skorts, shorts, or culottes with a hem or split above mid-knee
- ✓ Skin-tight clothing (examples listed in the visiting packet include jeggings, leggings, spandex, or tights)
You'll need bona fide photo identification and must follow the facility's visitor approval process. Each visitor has to complete the required ODRC visitation paperwork and provide a copy of their ID before being approved. Once approved, you still need to register for each visit and show bona fide identification at check-in.
- ✓ Visiting Application (DRC2096)
- ✓ Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554)
- ✓ General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274)
- ✓ A copy of your bona fide photo identification (required for approval)
Note: Even if you use an approved visit-registration system (such as GTL VisitMe when applicable), you still need to register for each visit and present bona fide identification at check-in.
A lot of visit-day stress comes from everyday items people assume are fine - until they aren't. At Ohio Reformatory, some items are flat-out prohibited (especially electronics), and others may be allowed only under specific rules but are still subject to search. For the smoothest entry, bring as little as possible.
- ✓ Infant carriers: permitted, but subject to regular search procedures
- ✓ Strollers: not permitted
- ✓ Purses, handbags, backpacks, or similar items: not permitted
- ✓ Any electronic device (including smart watches and cell phones): not allowed
Don't plan to hand anything directly to the incarcerated person during your visit. Visitors cannot deliver packages, correspondence, money, or printed materials in person - those items must go through the approved process. Need to add funds? Only approved visitors may deposit money to an incarcerated person's account, and it has to be done through the approved ODRC process.
- Use the approved ODRC deposit process - deposits can only be made by approved visitors, and they must go through the process ODRC allows.
- Double-check the incarcerated person’s details - use their full name and confirm you have the correct ID number before you submit anything.
- Keep your receipt or confirmation - if there’s a delay or problem, having proof of the deposit makes it easier to follow up.
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