Portage County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Portage County?

Inmate records in Portage County are official documents maintained by county correctional facilities and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's time in custody and are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 5120.21, which mandates the keeping of records for all persons committed to state correctional institutions.

The Portage County Sheriff's Office maintains these records for the county jail facility, while state prison records for Portage County inmates are maintained by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. These records typically include:

• Booking information
• Mugshot photographs
• Criminal charges
• Court case numbers
• Sentencing information
• Projected release dates
• Custody status
• Facility location

The primary purpose of inmate records is to document the legal custody of individuals within the correctional system and to provide necessary information to law enforcement agencies, courts, and authorized members of the public in accordance with Ohio public records laws.

Are Inmate Records Public In Portage County?

Inmate records in Portage County are generally considered public records under Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that records kept by any public office, including correctional facilities, are public records unless specifically exempted by law.

Members of the public may access basic inmate information including:

• Name and identifying information
• Current facility location
• Booking date
• Scheduled release date
• Criminal charges
• Court case numbers

However, certain components of inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure pursuant to state and federal privacy laws. These exemptions typically include:

• Medical and mental health information protected under HIPAA
• Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Information that could compromise institutional security
• Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
• Information that might endanger the safety of correctional staff or inmates

The Portage County Sheriff's Office provides public access to basic inmate information through their online inmate search tool, while more comprehensive records may require a formal public records request in accordance with departmental procedures.

What's Included Inmate Records in Portage County

Inmate records maintained by Portage County correctional facilities contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 5120-9-49, these records must include specific information about each person in custody.

Standard information contained in Portage County inmate records includes:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Demographic information (age, date of birth, gender, race)
• Physical description and identifying marks
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints and other biometric data
• Arrest information and arresting agency
• Criminal charges and associated court case numbers
• Bail or bond information
• Sentencing details and term of incarceration
• Custody classification and housing assignment
• Disciplinary records from within the facility
• Visitation logs and approved visitor lists
• Commissary account information
• Program participation and work assignments
• Scheduled court appearances
• Projected release date

For inmates in state facilities, additional information may include parole eligibility dates, risk assessment scores, and rehabilitation program completion records. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains these comprehensive records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements.

Portage County Prison System

The Portage County prison system operates under a dual structure that includes county-level detention facilities managed by the Portage County Sheriff's Office and access to state correctional institutions operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

The primary county facility is the Portage County Jail, which serves as the main detention center for individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or awaiting transfer to state facilities. The jail is administered by:

Portage County Sheriff's Office 8240 Infirmary Road Ravenna, OH 44266 Phone: (330) 296-5100 Official Website: Portage County Sheriff's Office

The facility operates under the authority granted by Ohio Revised Code § 341.01, which establishes the sheriff's responsibility for jail operations. The Portage County Jail has a rated capacity of approximately 220 inmates and provides various services including:

• Intake and booking processing
• Pretrial detention
• Short-term incarceration for misdemeanor offenses
• Temporary housing for felony offenders awaiting transfer
• Medical and mental health services
• Educational and rehabilitative programming

Individuals sentenced to longer terms for felony offenses are typically transferred to state prisons operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, which maintains facilities throughout the state that house offenders from Portage County.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Portage County

Portage County's correctional system encompasses several types of facilities designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process and with different security needs. These facilities operate in accordance with standards established in the Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 5120.

The county maintains the following types of correctional facilities:

County Jail The Portage County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county, housing pretrial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year. This facility provides medium-security detention with varying levels of supervision based on inmate classification.

Minimum Security Facility The Portage County Minimum Security Facility houses low-risk offenders who may participate in work release programs, community service initiatives, and other rehabilitative activities. This facility typically houses non-violent offenders serving shorter sentences.

Juvenile Detention Center The Portage County Juvenile Detention Center houses youthful offenders under the age of 18 who are awaiting adjudication or serving sentences imposed by the juvenile court. This facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 2152.

Portage County residents who are sentenced to longer terms for felony offenses may be housed in state correctional institutions operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, including:

• Northeast Ohio Correctional Center (Youngstown)
• Trumbull Correctional Institution (Leavittsburg)
• Grafton Correctional Institution (Grafton)
• Lorain Correctional Institution (Grafton)

Each facility type operates under specific security protocols and provides different levels of programming and services based on the population served and security requirements.

Who's in Prison In Portage County

The inmate population in Portage County correctional facilities represents a diverse cross-section of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system. As of 2025, the demographic composition and offense categories of the Portage County inmate population reflect broader trends in Ohio's correctional system.

The current inmate population includes individuals held on the following legal statuses:

• Pretrial detainees awaiting court proceedings
• Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions
• Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
• Probation and parole violators
• Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions

According to data maintained by the Portage County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the most common offense categories resulting in incarceration include:

• Drug-related offenses (possession, trafficking)
• Property crimes (theft, burglary)
• Domestic violence
• Operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI)
• Assault and battery
• Weapons violations

The average length of stay for inmates in the Portage County Jail is approximately 19 days for pretrial detainees and 45 days for sentenced misdemeanants. Individuals convicted of felonies who are transferred to state facilities serve varying sentences based on the severity of their offenses and prior criminal history.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains statistical information regarding the state prison population, including those committed from Portage County, through their offender search database.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Portage County in 2025

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Portage County may utilize several official channels to access this information. The process for searching inmate records is governed by Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43) and departmental policies established by the Portage County Sheriff's Office.

To search for inmate records in Portage County, individuals may use the following methods:

Online Inmate Lookup The Portage County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal accessible through their official website. Users can search by name, booking number, or date of birth. This system provides basic information including:

• Current custody status
• Booking date
• Charges
• Bond information
• Next court date

In-Person Requests Records may be requested in person at: Portage County Sheriff's Office Records Division 8240 Infirmary Road Ravenna, OH 44266 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Phone: (330) 296-5100, ext. 3007

Written Requests Written public records requests may be submitted by mail to the address above or via email to the Records Division. Requests should include:

• Inmate's full name
• Date of birth (if known)
• Approximate dates of incarceration
• Specific records being requested
• Requestor's contact information

For inmates who have been transferred to state facilities, records may be accessed through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Offender Search system, which provides information on all individuals currently incarcerated in Ohio state prisons.

How To Find an Inmate in Portage County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Portage County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. Ohio law, specifically Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, establishes that basic inmate information is public record and must be made available at no cost or for minimal copying fees.

The following free resources are available to locate inmates in Portage County:

Portage County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate search tool on their official website that provides current information about individuals housed in the county jail. This database is updated regularly and includes:

• Inmate name and booking photo
• Current housing location
• Booking date
• Charges
• Bond information
• Scheduled release date (when available)

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search For inmates who have been transferred to state facilities, the ODRC Offender Search provides free access to information about individuals incarcerated in state prisons, including those committed from Portage County.

Telephone Information Basic inmate information can be obtained by calling: Portage County Jail Phone: (330) 297-3890 Hours: 24 hours daily

Public Access Terminal A public computer terminal is available in the lobby of the Portage County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours for individuals who may not have internet access. This terminal provides the same information as the online inmate lookup system.

When using these resources, searchers should be prepared to provide the inmate's full legal name and, if possible, date of birth to ensure accurate results. Information obtained through these free resources is limited to public record data and does not include confidential or protected information.

How To Visit an Inmate In Portage County

Visitation with inmates housed in Portage County correctional facilities is governed by established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visitation procedures comply with Ohio Administrative Code 5120-9-15, which establishes minimum standards for inmate visitation.

The Portage County Jail offers the following visitation options:

On-Site Video Visitation

• Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Duration: 30-minute sessions
• Registration: Required 24 hours in advance
• Location: Portage County Jail Visitation Center 8240 Infirmary Road Ravenna, OH 44266
• Identification: Government-issued photo ID required

Remote Video Visitation

• Available through approved third-party provider
• Fees apply for remote sessions
• Schedule: Daily, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Duration: 20-minute sessions

Visitors must adhere to the following requirements:

• All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
• Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
• Appropriate attire is required (no revealing clothing, gang-related items, or clothing resembling inmate attire)
• No personal items are permitted in the visitation area
• All visitors are subject to search

Special visits, including attorney visits, clergy visits, and visits involving special circumstances, may be arranged by contacting:

Portage County Jail Programs Coordinator Phone: (330) 297-3892 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

For inmates housed in state facilities, visitation policies are established by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and may vary by institution. Visitors should contact the specific facility for current visitation hours and requirements.

How To Send Money to a Portage County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Portage County correctional facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These transactions are processed in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 5120-5-02, which governs inmate personal fund accounts.

The following methods are available for sending money to Portage County inmates:

Kiosk Deposits

• Location: Portage County Jail Lobby 8240 Infirmary Road Ravenna, OH 44266
• Hours: 24 hours daily
• Accepted forms: Cash, credit/debit cards
• Fees: 5% of deposit amount
• Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction

Online Deposits

• Service provider: Access Corrections
• Website: www.accesscorrections.com
• Accepted forms: Credit/debit cards
• Fees: Vary based on deposit amount
• Processing time: Same-day processing for transactions completed before 9:00 PM

Money Order by Mail

• Payable to: Portage County Jail Inmate Trust Fund
• Address: Portage County Jail Attn: Inmate Accounts 8240 Infirmary Road Ravenna, OH 44266
• Required information: Inmate's full name and booking number
• Fees: No fee for processing
• Processing time: 3-5 business days

Telephone Deposits

• Service provider: Access Corrections
• Phone number: 1-866-345-1884
• Hours: 24 hours daily
• Accepted forms: Credit/debit cards
• Fees: Vary based on deposit amount

All funds received are deposited into the inmate's commissary account, which can be used to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, pay for medical co-pays, and cover other authorized expenses. A portion of incoming funds may be applied to any outstanding debts or financial obligations the inmate may have, including court costs, restitution, and child support.

How To Send Jail Mail In Portage County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Portage County correctional facilities must follow established guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail procedures comply with Ohio Administrative Code 5120-9-17, which establishes standards for inmate mail.

When sending mail to an inmate in Portage County, the following guidelines must be observed:

Regular Mail

• Address format: Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number Portage County Jail 8240 Infirmary Road Ravenna, OH 44266
• Envelope requirements: Standard white envelopes only
• Return address: Sender's full name and complete address required
• Prohibited items: Stickers, labels, tape, perfume, lipstick, crayon, marker, colored paper, construction paper, card stock, plastic, metal, or wooden items

Acceptable Mail Contents

• Personal letters (maximum 10 pages)
• Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
• Money orders (must be separate from letters)
• Legal documents
• Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Content

• Obscene or threatening material
• Information related to criminal activity
• Gang-related content
• Escape plans or information that could compromise security
• Unauthorized business transactions
• Items containing biohazards or unknown substances

Legal Mail Legal correspondence must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" and include the sending attorney's name, title, and bar number. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate to verify contents while maintaining confidentiality of communications.

All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Mail that does not comply with guidelines may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed if it contains contraband. Inmates are typically allowed to possess up to 10 personal letters and 10 photographs at any given time.

Lookup Inmate Records in Portage County

Offender Search Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction