Please Post more details on Ohio Prisons

[whynow2007]

We have new people asking for information about specific prisons. We must have members who could provide that info for every prison in Ohio. One lady did a good one on Lorain. So how about getting more details on what to expect when arriving at one of our prisons? It would help to ease the worry and questions for those who are new to the system. Questions like: how long before you get a letter from them, what are the visiting areas like, are they in dorms or cells, are there lots of activities to help the time pass daily. You get the idea.

[Dannie]

My son just transferred to Lebanon last week. He's in a 7 x 12 cell; upper bunk. He has outside rec in the morning and day room in the afternoon and vice versa the next day. His phone schedule is 8:30-10:30am one day, 12:30-2:30pm the next day, and 5:30-8:30pm the next day and it just keeps rotating. (I'm not sure everyone's schedule is the same, though.) Has to wait 8 days for visiting. Can receive mail right away. I think he sent us mail within 2 days of getting there but I think it was more a time thing more than not being allowed. He's on the upper bunk; has plenty of room to turn over (I pictured him squished close to the ceiling) but says he's getting to old to get in a bunk without a ladder! Says the food is much better than what he had at Madison but he also said he was the only one he's talked to that likes it. Had real roast beef with gravy (although lukewarm) one day and real chicken another day. Commissary every two weeks. Because of budget cutbacks, he didn't get a pillow or blanket (they took the one he bought at Madison!) and could be a month or so before he gets them. Luckily, he met someone who had two and was able to "purchase" a pillow. That's all I know so far. Hope this is useful to someone interested in Lebanon.
Peace and Blessings....
D

[worriedmama]

I'd like to thank Why Now for starting this thread. My son is a newbie and has been at PCI for less than a month. I haven't been able to visit him yet.I have been all over PTO trying to learn anything I can about PCI. I realize alot of you might not realize how uninformed some of are. I am '' thirsty'' as my teenager would say about any and all info. about what PCI is like. And I am sure other newbies are interested about institutions where their loveones are guest. I do talk to my son but he is more interested in what we are doing out here. And besides he doesn't want to worry me more than I allready am. So those of you with info please let it flow. It will be appreciated. Thanks.

[whynow2007]

Madison Correctional. A Mother told me today that her son says things are so much better than at CRC. He was processed the first day, and was able to call home the next day. Visiting is Mon. Thursday and Friday from 8am to 3pm. Sat. and Sun visits by reservation only. Commissary is not real expensive. They can get foods, pop, and personal items. Her son even was able to get a photo album there. She has heard that he could also buy shoes for about $35. to $40. I hope that more people will post the facility their loved one is in, so we have current info on them for newbies. Thanks in advance to all who help with this project.

[rottn]

My husband is at Madison, but he's in the dog program there. He has free time from 6 am until 11:30 pm, only having to be in his cell for count times.
I know he has a key for his cell and can and will call me ALL day long.

Packages can be ordered by going to www.ohiopackages.com and looking around there. When my husband wants a package, I have him fill out the order form and send it to me, that way I can take my time and use the product numbers to save me time. When he calls and I order, he takes so much time explaining why he wants something, I get tired already of the whole thing and just want to stop.

[sara_11781]

Lorain Correctional Institution (LoCI). My man just got to Lorain 6-24-08, but I was determined to know everything that I possibly could, so I can pretty much answer any questions anyone may have...
When they first get to Lorain, they go through an orientation that lasts about 5-7 days. THey are given a very thorough medical exam, asked millions of questions and their "class" is determine. THey are then placed in a pod with the general population.
THey are not allowed to use the phones during thier orientation, but they will be able to set up their phone lists during that time.
They are able to receive mail as soon as they get there...you can send pictures (no more than 3 per envelope) and they are allowed to have no more than 25 total while they are there. You can send them envelopes and paper (3 envelopes at a time and 5 sheets of paper)--they are given one free envelope per week.
The only other thing you can send is money...must be a money order, and for no more than $100. (You have to sign the money order, but make sure its legible)
Everything you send them must have their full name and inmate # on it.
Visitation is Monday-Friday 8-11 or 12-3. They are allowed 2 visits per month. Going by the inmate # (the last digit)...odd #'s can visit on the odd days of the month, and even on the even.
During visitation, you are allowed to hug/kiss hello and goodbye, and you are able to bring money for the vending machines (no more than $20, no bills larger than $5).
Dress code for visits are strict...no shorts or skirts, cleavage, etc. For all dress code limits, please see http://www.drc.state.oh.us/Public/lorci.htm
My man said the food sucks, so he usually scarfs down tons of food when I go for my visits and am able to get him stuff from the vending machines.
Other than that, he said the cells are small, they get very little time for rec and he is usually really bored. Best thing to do is send your loved one as much mail as you can to keep them entertained...letters, pics, print stuff off the internet, etc.
If anyone has any more questions about Lorain, please feel free to post them, or PM me. Im always here to help...this sight was such a huge help to me!

[Kalanchoe]

My ex is in Madison he is a SO and is staying in a dorm with two guys to a cubicle that have waist high walls and a foot locker for each guy and one desk and one chair as opposed to a cell, I don't visit because of many reasons (his/my family, distance, to name a couple). We do write and he states that Madison isn't really too bad of a place to be if you have to be in prison. He is an early riser and gets up at the crack of dawn, he makes his own coffee every morning, jogs out on the track when able too and has had a few jobs since being there (August 07), his latest job is in maintenance/repair. He was working in the kitchen before this. They have a TV room with microwave, so he can eat popcorn whenever he wants. The guys in his dorm are older, so it is cleaner and quieter at night then the first dorm he was put in when he arrived. He has been invovled in MANY programs, mostly about relationships. There are four counts throughout the day two of which the guys have to physically stand. Commissary isn't too bad, it's amazing the amount of products they can purchase (junk food, pop, photo albums etc.). The food is so-so it is mostly processed, but he claims you can eat A LOT if you wanted too(and I guess many guys do!!). Hope this helps someone on the SO side.

[awesumdove]

MARYSVILLE, Oh_Basic INFO newbies
MARYSVILLE info - new person
My daughter is in Marysville since June 10. She is still in "reception", however I can tell you what little she has been able to tell me in phone conversations. My first visit is on July 14th, and hopefully will get more information.

She is in "Hale Cottage" (while in reception), with about 300 other inmates in a dorm like setting. Reception is about 6-8 weeks.

AIR CONDITIONING: NONE; there are only ceiling fans, AND it's hot.

INMATES: About 300 in DORM like setting in different bays ??

PHONES: There are only 5 phones, and calls are limited to 15 minutes.

TOILETS: There are about 10 toilets and SHOWERS: about 8 showers

Lights Out: 9 PM, but says by then you are ready to turn in.

GET UP: 4:30 AM, but she has to go over & take meds, not sure if for all

CO's: All they do is yell at you whether you are wrong or RIGHT!!

DRUG Program: YOU have to sign up for, they do nothing for anyone...

MEDICAL: I'm surprised, because she has already had Mammogram, Pap test, Dentist visit, Doctor visit, and Psychiatric visits.

MAIL enclosures: You can not send regular envelopes/stamps from home. You can only enclose/send 3 "embossed stamped envelopes" (bought from the US Post office at $ .51 cents each) per envelope and don't send any stickers or the such. You can send no more than 5 pc blank stationary per envelope, and you can send no more than 3 photos (no larger than 5x7") per envelope however no polaroid pics. Don't know why.

PACKAGES: NO packages while in reception. Not sure after reception.

MONEY: Money Orders can be sent with Inmates First NAME and Last NAME on line for who to, and put their Inmate/ID # on line for address.

Do not put the address of the correctional faciltiy in the address line; use their ID NUMBER only. You will probably want to keep a xerox copy of money order for the "what if" lost senario. Everything must be LEGIBLE.
Also you must put your full name and complete address on M.O. as the sender, and be LEGIBLE.

MAIL: All mail must have YOUR return name & address on your letter and envelope, and must be LEGIBLE.
All mail must have inmates NAME along with ID NUMBER & address of the correctional facility, & include which COTTAGE they are located in.

ATTUTUDE: Leave at home, and tell loved one to 'BITE THEIR TONGUE".

LETTERS & Sentimental: Says she has some type of container & LOCK w/key. However if you leave lock open, they will take your lock, and then you have to take your key and go thru hundreds of locks til you find yours. So make sure you keep your box/container LOCKED at all times. Hard lesson. Also buy marker pen & put your name on everything. Inmates take your private stuff.

My daughter is very depressed because nothing you do is right. I'm hoping things will change as she learns the ropes around there (and fast.)

I sincerely hope some of this information is helpful. If any is erroneous, please let me know.

Love ya all, and thank you's to everyone for helpful information & support.

[worriedmama]

My son is at Pickaway Correctional Inst.(PCI). PCI is located next to CRC in Orient. Primarily the inmates are level 1-2. Its nothing like the prisons you see on TV. I've heard that most of the inmates consider it one of the dirtier prisons,but it's also considered one of the more peaceful prisons.Fights usually start due to a gambling debt. My son lives in a barracks like area,with approximately 100 inmates in one sleeping area. Bunk beds are about 3 feet apart.with a storage area where inmates can store up their things. About 7 feet away my son says there is another sleeping area with about 100 men. Inmates are allowed to have TVs and CD players. My son just was able to recv. cd player I sent him over a month ago because it had to be engraved first. The men have access to microwaves. They can go to commissary once a week 3 out of four weeks a month. There is a waiting list for most of the programs. They have both GED and College classes available. Phone availability is great my son has called as late as 1030PM.It's hot in the summer and I hear its cold in the winter. My son works,reads,and plays basketball. My son hates the food and has lost a lot of weight but he is a very picky eater. You have to schedule appointments a month in advance. Exspect to be on hold a long time and be prepared to write down your reservation number. Vending machines work with vending card that you buy and load in the waiting room before your visit. During your visit you are assigned a table to sit at or you can sit outside in a visiting area that can be seen from the general visiting area. Visitors make purchases from the vending machines. The inmates can't cross a line that is approx. 2 feet from machines ans microwaves. You can bring in a deck of cards. You can hug at begining and end of visiting. Currently you aren't able to take pictures due a conflict between vender and prison authorities over fees. Mail in is sometimes slow. And I forgot phone calls last for the quickest 15 minutes ever. General rules-mind your own business,don't exspect to get something for nothing, be leary of anyone offering favors,respect everyones privacy such as it is.

[babymama118]

My son is at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility (Lucasville). They have individual cells and are locked down primarily 23 out of 24 hrs per day. They are allowed only commodities that are bought through Access Securepak (an agency that is more or less a Meijier store online); mostly. I can send things like cd's, paperback books, embossed envelopes, pictures, etc. 'Luke' is a max prison but houses mostly an older crowd.

[shady1]

Here is an except from a diary project about toledo correctional -
(the entire diary can be found at http://www.pen.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/2708/prmID/1622 )

My cell is about 6 feet by 10, and it contains a toilet, sink, and bed. Built into the underside of the bed is a 2.4 foot long drawer where we’re supposed to store all our stuff. All our property, with a few exceptions, is supposed to be able to fit in this drawer, and we must get rid of any excess property. Since it’s inconvenient trying to keep all my stuff in this drawer, like trying to live out of a suitcase, I store some of my property other places, such as my “table” and “chair.” Two metal slabs that project out of the wall are supposed to serve as a table and chair, but since I’m hard-pressed for storage space, I keep stuff on them and just sit on the bed as I’m doing now. Contrary to popular belief, my door is not made of bars. The doors here are solid metal slabs with a rectangular window pane in the middle (the phrase “behind bars” is an antiquated misnomer with most semi-modern prisons). The cell’s windows are two long, thin, parallel rectangular slots that look like the number 11. My cell also contains a mirror, a small garbage can, a light, two vents, and a slab projecting from the wall where we’re supposed to store our TVs.

[believeinhim]

does anyone have info on Lucasville? visits? how often? CO's? any info very appreciated

[whynow2007]

Lucasville is the town where the Southern Ohio Correctional is located. Look up Ohio Dept of Rehabiltation and inquire on Southern Ohio Correctional. It will give you visiting info. Maybe someone will come along that has a loved one there that can give you more details

[Tawansbaby]

Ok so I"ll try to tell you everything I know about CRC (correctional Reception Center) in Orient. My boyfriend didn't have a long enough sentence to be placed at his parent prison so they kept him at CRC after he got through reception. I know during reception he was locked up for 23hrs of the day. He was allowed to write as soon as he got there but no phone calls or visit for the first 8 days. When he got moved to the CADRE unit he was able to get a job and start taking classes. I know he took and graduated from anger management and some sort of soul searching class. He was working as a cook from 6am until 8pm. I know there are only certain times he can use the phone but Im not sure when they are because I gave up on trying to deal with GTL. The prison seems quite and it looks clean from the outside. When you go for visitation you sign-in to your right off the door. If it's your first visit you can go up to the desk and they have you fill out some paper work. you will sit and wait until they call the last name of the inmate you are visiting and then take your ID up to them. They put your ID in a plastic sleeve that you have to wear and give you a locker key. You can take $20 in cash to the visiting room they say $1's and $5"s but the vending machines dont take $5's so I wouldnt just take $1's it will be easier for you plus you can take in loose change as well. Hmm lets see what else. Once in the visiting room they will assign you a table, well at least that's what they call it. It's more like a step stool. You have to sit across from your inmate and you get a hug and a kiss at the begining and at the end and you can occasionaly hold hands for a few minutes at a time when your sitting there. Make sure to wear a T-shirt. The first time I went I wore a dress shirt that had a "v" neck with no problems it even showed a small bite of cleaveage. Everytime after that I got in trouble and had to go out and put a t-shirt on, Im not sure if it was because they were different CO's or because they found out my boyfriend who I was visiting is black. We got in trouble all the time for stupid stuff. Tawan got yelled at for leaning to far over the table...lol no privacy at all. I've heard several times that the CO's there are racist so just be careful if your an interracial couple at CRC. well that's everything I know about CRC if you have any questions about CRC feel free to PM me or email me it. I might have just forgot to put it in here or my bf will be home in 4 days so I'll just ask him since he was the one on the inside.

[diane2]

My son is in belmont in St.Clairsville, Ohio. He's been there since July. He is in a house with about 200 men, its barack style, they have bunk beds lined up on both sides, he has a small lock box at the bottom of his bed.He's allowed 2 visits a month 3 hrs. long, you can go to
a morning visit, something like 8 till 11 or afternoon which is 11;45 till 3, or you can have an all day visit which would use up both your visits for the month.he pretty much can call home anytime he wants as long as its not there time for bed. They told him after his 90 day eval, if he has no tickets and is good, he can sign up for the camp which is a lot better, you get more visitation, u get to go to chow first, and u can be considered for litter pick up on the outside, speaking at schools and other things, not to mention that if u get excepted to the camp, it looks better to the judge when u file for your release TY Diane

[diane2]

Sorry, forgot to add, you have to pay 2 dollars for a plastic like credt card which you load up with money , then you insert this card into the vending machines to buy them goodies, everytime u use it, the vending machines deducts from your credit on the card, but when u enter the building, the little box to buy and load your card with credit is right next to the bathrooms, at visitor check point. TY Diane

[His Outmate]

Visiting at Lucasville is pretty laid back, considering. You have to call to schedule a visit 72 hours in advance, call 740-259-5544 x 3208. You can bring 2 decks of cards in along with 30 photos. Like most other places you have to have a debit card for the vending machines and pictures. A $5 bill must be used to buy the card and you receive the card with $3 on it. Pictures are $3 each and can be bought from the sandwich machine. At the very bottom you'll see the tickets to buy.
A hug and kiss and the beginning and hug and kiss at the end. ANY type of shoes are acceptable, including sandals. I dont remember the measurements on dresses/skirts because I wasnt really paying attention. Visiting hours are from 9am to 4pm. It's pretty relaxed and the officers are very nice for the most part.
Hope that helps

[phoebegirl]

Thank you for the information on CRC.

[Lorax]

We did 2 years at Luc before my guy got transferred to OSP (Grrrrrrr) so if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.

I never had any problems with the male officers. In fact, they often went out of their way to be helpful. The female officers on the other hand, were downright HATEFUL at times, and invariably went out of their way to make things unpleasant.

[His Outmate]

Hey Lorax...How do you guys like OSP compared to Luke? He's been on the list for OSP for a while now, but they're talking 2 years or so because everyone wants to go there. I just want the move so I dont have to drive so darn far.
Does he seem to like OSP more or less?

[Lorax]

Well the truth is that he got moved for disciplinary reasons which led to a our temporary break-up of several months and a major level change for him. He went from 4A to 5B. We are now back together and I'm still trying to get reacclimated to the whole prison thing.

I don't like it because it's farther for me to drive by about 3 hours (hence the grrrr above). He seems to like it better though. Unfortuantely because of his disciplinary status he is on phone and visiting restriction so what I know, I know from letters. While I generally get 6-8 letters per week and he does mention things kinda in passing, the focus has been on getting things right between us.

Anyway, the long answer to your short question is that he seems to like it better but I'm not exactly sure why. If you have any specific questions. I'd be happy to ask him and pass along his responses.

[Timswifey08]

My boyfriend is at Ohio State Pen Camp (OSP), visits are wendsday thur sunday, you can visit from 830 to 230 during those days. You have to make your appointment 24 hours in advance. They have vending machines you can only bring in up to $20.00 nothing larger then a $5. They are very stricted about hugging or kisses only when you arrive and leave. No low cut tops. I've even worn a top that was not and got told to change it.

Phone calls on weekends are aloud till 230 AM on weeknights it's 11 or 1130.

[determined25]

Although I have yet to met anyone with loved ones or friends at CMC(not to be confused with CRC), I'll give some information on the facility just in case.

Contrary to popular belief, CMC is not just a facility for the sickly inmates throughout the state. It also houses about 80 cadres, the hospital unit is on one side and the 80 cadres are on the other side. Its a very laid back atmosphere and pretty small facility. My good friend says they treat them good and offer many programs and activities for them to participate in. During visiting, I noticed they were pretty lenient on the dress code, because several women had on sandals and big jackets and they allowed them in, but sticklers on the time, not a minute more or less.

Those are the essentials. I can try to answer any specific questions about CMC to the best of my ability.

[Vic'sLady]

Can anyone really tell me anything about London??? My boo is getting sent there within the month....I have still yet to see him The female caseworker at Lebanon takes her sweet %^*(&) time getting visitation apps approved ITS ANNOYING!!! I sent my paper work in a month ago and still not approved!! Well thanks in advance for any help on London!

[ddkrussell]

The visiting at Ross you have to call to schedule visits you will be given a visit exactly 30 days later. The phone is constantly busy so it takes a while to schedule one. You can't take anything in with you other than your car key your drivers license and the money you are going to put on the vending machine card. Make sure you don't wear bras with underwires in them,or any tops with low necks of any kind, the last visit I had scheduled with my son my jeans didn't pass the metal detector and I had worn them on 2 previous occasions go figure any way I had to go buy a pair of pants to get in so if in doubt put some extra clothes in the car with you. As far as mail to my son I have mailed in newspapers magazines and crossword puzzle books so far he has gotten them okay I put them in large manila envelope 9x12 I think at post office they stamp it media mail is a little cheaper. Make sure top get the embossed envelopes at the post office to mail to your loved one. It doesn't matter what you write they just want to know that someone on the outside is still thinking of them. You can mail in photos no more than 3 in an envelope and no larger than 4X6 make sure you put their name and number on the back of photos. No polaroids allowed. I have mailed my son up to 50 sheets of writing paper make sure it is not attached to cardboard or there is no wires in it looseleaf notebook paper is best. I have also mailed sketch pads to my son again remove the cardboard backing and the cover sheet. Through much trial and error and returned packages and a lot of wasted postage I have learned what I can send. Now he is wanting a couple of cds not sure how to go about that yet. As for their food box and clothing box they have to be ordered through ohiopackages.com they can only get a limited number per year based on their security level.