Fairfield County Jails

We are glad you are here. We will try our best to give you key facts on Fairfield County Jails. This page has a lot of details for you. We hope it helps you find what you need.

If you wish to start your search for an inmate right now, please visit https://FairfieldCountyJails.org/ for direct access to search tools and vital information regarding Fairfield County Jails. This resource can help you find data fast. It is made to help you look up folks held in local jails. Check it now if you do not want to wait. It offers a way to check who is in jail.

Fairfield County Jails: Key Information and Contact Details

The main adult jail in this area is key. It is run by the County Sheriff. This office sees to all parts of the jail.

Primary Adult Detention Facility

The main jail is the Fairfield County Jail.

• Address: 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

• Main Jail Phone: (740) 652-7300 (This is often the best start point for jail questions.)

• Jail Bureau Commander Phone: (740) 652-7256

• Sheriff's Office General Phone: (740) 652-7900 or 800-808-5223

• Sheriff's Office Fax: (740) 687-6856

• Official Sheriff's Office Website: https://sheriff.fairfield.oh.us/

• Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Administrative offices) The jail itself runs 24/7. These hours are for the front desk type work. This is not for visits or other jail ops. Those have their own times.

The Fairfield County Sheriff, Alex Lape, runs the jail. His staff keep it safe. They care for all who are held there. They work hard to serve the area. The new jail facility is known as the Fairfield County Public Safety and Jail Facility. It is made for safe and sound keep of those held. It has rooms for low, mid, and high risk folks.

Other Related Facilities

For young folks, there is a different place. The Fairfield County Juvenile Court deals with these cases.

• Fairfield County Juvenile Court Address: 123 East Chestnut Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

• Juvenile Court Assessment & Intervention Center Phone: (740) 652-7480 This place helps at-risk youth. It aims to find paths that do not lead to more time in the system. It has help for both the youth and their kin. The goal is to cut down on the need for lock up. They have ways to screen and check youth needs. Then they can link them to help.

Locating an Inmate in Fairfield County Jails

To find out if some one is in a Fairfield County Jail, you have a few ways. The web is a good start. You can also call.

Official Inmate Search Methods

• Online Inmate Locator: The best way is to check the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office website. They often have a list or a tool to search. If not on their main page, look for links like "Inmate Roster," "Jail," or "Corrections." The site https://FairfieldCountyJails.org/ is also made for this task.

• Phone Inquiries: You can call the jail's main line at (740) 652-7300. Be set to give the full name of the person. Their date of birth may also help.

• Information Needed for Search: Have the person’s full legal name. A birth date or age range is good too. The more you know, the faster they can look.

When a person is brought to the jail, there is a set way things go. This is the book in step. They take names, photos, and prints. This can take a few hours. So, a name may not show up on the list right when they get there. The list of who is in jail is often made new each day. Some are made new more than that. Check the web site for how fresh its list is. It is key to know that jails in Ohio must keep good lists, as per state rules.

Fairfield County Jail Facilities Overview

The main jail for adults in Fairfield County is the Fairfield County Public Safety and Jail Facility. This site was built to meet modern needs for safety and the care of those held. It is a big part of the Fairfield County Jails system.

Main Jail Complex

The Fairfield County Public Safety and Jail Facility is found at 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130. This new jail was made to hold folks at all risk grades. This means they have spots for those who pose low, mid, or high risks. This helps keep all folks safe, both staff and those held. The design helps run the jail well.

The jail has many parts:

• Housing Units: These are areas where those held live. They are split by risk grade. This keeps things more safe.

• Intake Area: This is where new folks are brought in. They are booked and checked here.

• Medical Unit: The jail has a spot for health care. This makes sure all who are held can get care if they need it. This is key for their well being.

• Kitchen: A full food prep area is on site. It makes meals for all who are held.

• Recreation Areas: There are spots, some out doors, where folks can move and get fresh air. This is good for health and cuts down on stress. Ohio rules (Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-8-11) say jails must give time for this.

• Classrooms: Some rooms are set for learn ing or other help work.

• Visitation Area: A place for friends and kin to see those held.

• Sally Port: This is a safe, closed off spot to bring folks in and out of the jail.

The goal of such a site is to keep the peace and run a safe jail. It holds folks who wait for court. It also holds those who got short jail terms. The staff work to treat all with due care. The jail is a big work. It costs a lot to run and keep up. Tax funds pay for it. The state, through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, sets base rules for jails.

Visitation at Fairfield County Jails

To see some one at a Fairfield County Jail, you must know the rules. These rules help keep the jail safe for all. Call the jail at (740) 652-7300 or check the Sheriff's web site for the most up to date rules.

Obtaining Visitation Approval

Some jails ask you to get cleared first.

• Visitor Application Process: You may need to fill out a form. This form asks for your name, birth date, and other facts. Check the Sheriff's web site or call the jail for forms.

• Eligibility Requirements for Visitors: You must not be a risk to jail peace. If you have a crime past, you may not be let in. Kids can oft come with an adult.

Scheduling a Visit

You must plan most visits.

• Online Scheduling System: Some jails use a web site to set up time slots. Check the jail's page on the Sheriff's site for links.

• Phone Scheduling: You may need to call to book a time.

• Advance Notice Requirements: You oft need to book a day or more in front. Do not just show up.

Visitation Hours and Days

Hours can change. They may be set by where the one you see is housed.

• Specific In-Person Visitation Schedule: The jail will have set hours. For best details, call the jail at (740) 652-7300. Or look on the Sheriff's site for "Visitation."

• Video Visitation Options: Many jails now offer face time on a screen. This may be done from home or at a jail site. There may be a cost for this. Check with the jail for if they have it and how it works. The Southeastern Correctional Institution (a state place, not county) uses ohdoc.gtlvisitme.com, so the county jail might use a like plan or a known firm like Securus or GTL (ViaPath).

Rules and Regulations for Visitors

All who come must heed all rules.

• Identification Requirements: Bring a real photo ID. This can be a state ID, a drive card, or a U.S. armed forces card.

• Dress Code: Dress well. Do not wear clothes that show too much skin. No clothes with bad words or drug signs. No see through cloth. No tight pants like yoga pants. No hats or sun specs. Shoes must be worn; no open toes. The jail can deny a visit if you do not meet the dress code.

• Permitted Items for Visitors: You can oft bring just your ID and keys. No bags, no phones, no food or drink. Leave these in your car.

• Contraband Policies: Do not try to bring in drugs, arms, or phones. This is a crime. You will be caught.

• Behavior and Conduct During Visits: Be calm. Do not shout. Watch your kids. You may get one hug at the start and end. No other touch is to be had.

• Rules for Visiting with Minors: Kids must stay with an adult at all times. They must not run or make noise.

Special Visits

Lawyers and church folk can make plans for special visits. They should call the jail to ask how. These visits are key for the rights of those held. The state rules (Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-8-11(E)) say folks in jail can seek their faith.

It is wise to read all rules on the Sheriff's web site or call the jail at (740) 652-7300 before you go. Rules can change with no word.

Inmate Communication

Folks in Fairfield County Jails can keep in touch with the world out side. This is done by mail and phone. There are strict rules for both.

Mail Policies

Mail is a good way to stay in touch.

• Mailing Address for Inmates: To send mail, you need the right spot. It is best to use: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known) c/o Fairfield County Jail 345 Lincoln Avenue Lancaster, Ohio 43130 Call the jail at (740) 652-7300 to check this is the best way.

• Prohibited Items in Mail: Do not send things that are not allowed. This list can be long. No staples, paper clips, or glue. No hard back books. No cash. No checks from one person to anoth er. No stamps or blank paper. No nude or bad pics. No plans for crime. All mail is checked, save for mail from a lawyer.

• Approved Items: You can send plain cards and notes. Photos are oft fine, but no Polaroids. There may be a cap on how many pics or how big they are.

• Process for Sending Books/Publications: Soft cover books or mags must most times come from the place that sells them. Or from a big store on the web. Send them to the jail with the one held's name. Ohio rules (Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-8-11(C)) say folks in jail should get to read things.

Telephone Calls

Those held can make calls.

• Inmate Access to Phones: Folks in jail have set times they can use phones. These are in their live in space.

• Collect Calls / Prepaid Accounts: Calls from the jail are most times collect. Or they can be paid from a fund set up by kin or friends. Firms like GTL (ViaPath) or Securus Technologies often run these phone plans for jails. Check the Sheriff's web site for the name of the firm they use.

• Setting up Prepaid Accounts: Go to the phone firm's web site. Or call their help line to start a fund. You will need the name of the one held and the jail name.

• Call Durations and Monitoring: Calls are timed, oft 15 or 20 min. All calls are on tape and can be heard by jail staff. Do not talk of crime on the phone. Calls to a law yer may not be on tape if set up right.

Electronic Messaging/Email

Some jails let folks send text like notes through a safe web site or kiosk.

• Service Provider and How to Use: If the jail has this, the Sheriff's web site will list the firm (like JPay or GTL/ViaPath). You make a fund, and then can send notes.

• Costs Associated: There is a small cost for each note sent or got. Pics may cost more.

These tools help those held keep ties. This is good for them when they get out. Always use these tools as the rules say.

Sending Money and Property to Inmates

Folks in Fairfield County Jails can get cash for their trust fund. They can also get some goods. Rules are strict.

Commissary/Inmate Accounts

Each one held has a trust fund. This is like a bank fund in the jail.

• Purpose of Commissary: With this cash, they can buy things from the jail store. This store is known as the "commissary." They can buy food treats, drinks, soap, tooth paste, pens, and paper.

• Methods for Depositing Funds:

  • Online Deposits: Most jails use a firm like Access Corrections, CorrectPay, or a like one. Check the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office web site. Look for "Inmate Accounts" or "Send Money." It will have a link to the right site. You will need a bank card.

  • Kiosk Deposits at the Jail: Some jails have a pay slot in their front room. You can put cash or use a card there. The jail at 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, OH may have one. Call (740) 652-7300 to ask.

  • Mail: You can oft send a U.S. Post Office cash note. Make it out to the one held. Put their full name and ID if you know it. Do not send cash or checks from one person to anoth er. Send to the jail's mail spot.

  • Phone Deposits: Some firms let you put cash in a fund by phone. They will want a bank card.

• Limits on Amount: There may be a top sum you can send at one time. Or a top sum an one held can have in their fund.

Property

What one held can have is very small.

• Permitted Property for Inmates: When first put in jail, they take street clothes. They get jail garb. They may be let to keep a wed ring or faith item if it is safe.

• Process for Dropping Off Approved Property: Most times, you can NOT just drop things off. For court, they may need street clothes. You must get leave from jail staff first. Call the jail at (740) 652-7300. Ask for how to do this. They will tell you days and times. Med gear must also be cleared.

• Restrictions on Items: Do not try to give things straight to one held. All must go through staff and be checked.

It is key to use the right ways to send cash or goods. This helps the one held. It also keeps the jail safe. The Sheriff's web site is the best spot for these rules. Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code Section 341.01) puts the Sheriff in charge of all in the jail. This means they set these rules.

Inmate Programs and Services

Fairfield County Jails aim to give some help and tasks to those held. These meet base needs and rules. The goal is to keep a safe and sound place.

Healthcare Services

Those held have a right to health care.

• Medical, Dental, Mental Health Access: If one held is sick or hurt, they can ask to see a nurse or doc. Jails have med staff on site or on call. This is for small ills, long term care, and mind health.

• Medication Procedures: If one held takes pills, the jail med staff will give them out. They must be the right pills from a doc.

Educational and Vocational Programs

Some jails may have ways for folks to learn.

• This could be G.E.D. prep or job skill work. What is on hand can change. Call the jail or check the Sheriff's site for what they have now. The Ohio Admin Code (5120:1-8-11(D)) wants jails to give a chance for school work.

Religious Services

Those held can seek their faith.

• Access to clergy, religious materials: Jails let church folk come in. They give out faith books like the Bi ble or Ko ran. This is as per Ohio Admin Code (5120:1-8-11(E)). Tasks must not break jail peace.

Recreation

Jails must give time for folks to move.

• Exercise, games, TV: Ohio rules (Ohio Admin Code 5120:1-8-11(A)-(B)) say jails must have at least five hours a week for this. They may have a gym or yard. They also may have TV and board games.

Library Services/Access to Reading Materials

Those held should be able to read.

• Jails oft have a cart with books or a small book room. They can also get books from out side if sent the right way (from a store or book house). This is in line with state rules on what jails give.

Substance Abuse Programs

Jails may have help for drug or drink ills.

• AA/NA meetings: Some jails have A.A. or N.A. groups meet. This helps those who want to stop use. This is also backed by the Ohio Admin Code goals for jails.

Commissary Access

As said prior, those held can use their cash to buy things. This gives them some choice and ease. It helps make jail life a bit more normal. They get a list of what they can buy. They put in an order. Staff bring it to them.

These tasks and helps aim to meet needs. They keep things in good order. They may help folks get ready to leave jail. For facts on what the Fairfield County Jail has, call them at (740) 652-7300.

Bail and Bond Procedures in Fairfield County

When some one is held in a Fairfield County Jail, they may be able to get out on bail. Bail is cash or a bond. It is put up to make sure the one held comes to court.

Understanding Bail and Bond

• Who Sets Bail: A judge sets the bail sum. This is done at the first court date. The sum is based on the crime, if the one held might run, and if they are a risk to folks.

• Types of Bonds Accepted:

  • Cash Bond: The full bail sum is paid in cash. Most of this is given back if the one held goes to all court dates.

  • Surety Bond: This is bought from a bail bonds man. You pay the bonds man a part of the bail sum (oft 10%). They then promise the court the full sum if the one held does not show up. This fee is not given back.

  • Own Recognizance (O.R.) Bond: The judge may let some one out on their word to come back. No cash is paid. This is for folks who are not a flight risk and have ties to the area.

  • Property Bond: In some cases, land can be used to back a bond. This is more complex. It must meet rules set by the court. The Fairfield County Clerk of Courts can tell you more.

  • Ten Percent Bond: The court may let 10% of the bond be paid straight to the court. Most of this may be given back.

Posting Bail

• Where to Post Bail:

  • Fairfield County Clerk of Courts: Bail can oft be paid here in work hours.

    • Fairfield County Common Pleas Court Clerk: 224 E. Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. Phone for criminal part: (740) 652-7421. Call to check hours and how to pay.

    • Fairfield County Municipal Court Clerk: 136 W. Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. Phone: (740) 687-6621. This court deals with small er crimes and first dates for big ger ones.

  • Jail After-Hours Bond Procedures: If court is closed, you may be able to pay bail at the jail. The Fairfield County Jail is at 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, OH. Call (740) 652-7300 to ask how.

• Payment Methods Accepted: Cash is king for bail. Some courts may take bank checks or cash notes. Bank cards are less oft used for direct bail but bail bonds men take them.

• Information for Bail Bondsmen: If you use a bonds man, they must be good to work in Ohio. They will tell you what they need. Craven Bail Bonds (740-594-6311) is one firm that works in Fairfield County, as per web search.

Bond Fees and Refunds

With a cash bond or 10% bond paid to the court, most of the cash is sent back to who paid it. This is when the case ends and all court dates were met. Court fees or fines may be taken out. For surety bonds, the fee paid to the bonds man is not sent back. The Ohio Revised Code, like Section 2929.24, has laws on jail terms and fines. How bail works is set by law too. It's key to get a slip when you pay bail. Keep it safe.

For the best facts on bail for a case, call the court that has the case. Or ask a law yer.

Legal Information and Inmate Rights

Folks held in Fairfield County Jails still have rights. These are set by U.S. and Ohio law. The jail must treat them well and safe.

Access to Legal Counsel

Those held have a right to a law yer.

• If they can not pay for one, the court may give them one. This is for cases that could lead to jail time.

• They can meet and talk with their law yer. These talks are private.

Legal Mail Procedures

Mail from a law yer is special.

• It can oft only be checked for things like drugs or arms in front of the one held. It is not read by staff.

• It must be well marked as from a law yer.

Access to Law Library or Legal Materials

Jails must give a way for those held to use law books or get law help. This helps them work on their case. It may be a book room or a way to ask for law facts.

Grievance Procedures

If one held feels their rights are not met, or they are not treated well, they can file a note. This is called a "grievance." The jail must have a way to deal with these notes. This is per Ohio Admin Code rules for jails.

Inmate Rights

Ohio has rules for jails (Ohio Administrative Code, Title 5120:1, Chapters 1-8, 1-10, 1-12). These set base lines for:

• Safe and clean cells.

• Food that is good to eat.

• Health care.

• Safety from harm.

• Faith tasks.

• No harsh or odd punishments.

• Administrative Segregation: Ohio Admin. Code 5120:1-8-15 states how and why one held can be kept from oth ers. It is not to be used as a way to punish. They must be told why in writ ing.

Legal Aid Resources in Fairfield County

Help for those who can't pay a lot for a law yer:

• Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS): They give free law help in non crime cases to folks with low cash. Their Newark office is (740) 345-0850. They may serve Fairfield County.

• Fairfield County Common Pleas Court - Online Forms & Legal Resources: The court's web site has forms and links that can help. See https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/Commonpleas/fc-Online-Forms-Legal-Resources.html.

• Local Bar Association Referral Services: The county or state bar may have a list of law yers. Some may charge less for a first meet.

It is key for those held and their kin to know these rights. If you feel rights are not met, speak to a law yer.

Release Procedures

When the time comes for some one to leave a Fairfield County Jail, there is a set way it works. This aims to be smooth and safe.

Expected Release Times

Release does not just mean walking out at any hour.

• Jails oft have set times they let folks out. This might be in the morn or at a known time in the day.

• If bail is paid, the one held is let out as soon as the jail gets the word from the court and does the paper work. This can take a few hours.

• For those who did all their time, the jail will have a set date and a time frame for when they leave. Call the jail at (740) 652-7300 for their rule on this.

Property Return Upon Release

When some one is booked in, their street clothes and own things are taken and kept safe.

• At the time of release, the jail gives back these things. The one held will check that all is there and sign for it.

• Any cash left in their trust fund is also given back. This might be as cash or a check.

Transportation Post-Release

The jail does not give rides home.

• The one let out must find their own way. They can call some one to pick them up. Or they can use a cab or bus if on hand.

• It is good to plan this out if you know when some one is set to leave.

The end of a jail stay is a key time. Know ing how release works can help make it less of a stress. The rules are there to keep good order. If you have questions on a release, the jail staff can tell you more. Make sure to call the Fairfield County Jail for their exact steps.

Ohio Regulations for County Jails

Fairfield County Jails, like all county jails in Ohio, work under state laws and rules. These set the base lines for how jails are run. They cover care, safe keep, and rights of those held.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 341: Jails

This part of Ohio law is key for jails.

• Ohio Revised Code §341.01 says the county sheriff "shall have charge of the county jail and all persons confined therein." This gives the Sheriff the lead role in run ning the jail.

• Oth er parts of Chapter 341 talk of things like:

  • The need for the jail to be kept clean and safe.

  • How men and wom en should be housed in firms spots.

  • Rules for giv ing food and clothes.

  • When a jail in one more county can be used.

  • The duty of the Sheriff to make writ ten rules for the jail.

  • Staff needs for the jail.

  • Rules for new jail builds.

These laws make a frame work. The Sheriff must fill in the facts with day to day plans and acts.

Ohio Administrative Code: Minimum Standards for Jails

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) sets more deep rules. These are in the Ohio Admin Code (OAC).

• Title 5120:1, Chapters 1-8, 1-10, and 1-12 deal with "Minimum Standards for Jails."

  • OAC Chapter 5120:1-8 is for "Full Service Jails." This is the most common type of county jail. It has rules for:

    • How folks are let in and let out.

    • Safe keep and peace rules.

    • Cell size and what is in them.

    • Fire watch.

    • Clean ways and health.

    • Food needs.

    • Med care.

    • Mind health care.

    • How folks are grouped.

    • How staff act.

    • Recreation and programs (OAC 5120:1-8-11).

    • Mail and phone use.

    • Visits.

    • Rights of those held, like use of law help and faith ways.

    • How to note and act on wrongs (grievance).

    • Administrative segregation (OAC 5120:1-8-15).

  • OAC Chapter 5120:1-10 is for "5-Day Facilities."

  • OAC Chapter 5120:1-12 is for "8-Hour Hold Facilities."

These rules help make sure that all jails in Ohio meet at least a base line of care and safe keep. They aim to guard the health and rights of those held. They also help jails run in a good way. The ODRC can check jails to see if they meet these rules. Not meet ing them can lead to needs to fix things.

Helpful Resources

Stark County Jails | Cuyahoga County Jails | Ohio Inmate Records