Ross County Ohio Inmate Search

Thank you for coming to this page. We will strive to give you the best help with your Ross County Inmate Search. We know this can be a hard time. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find what you need.

If you want to start your Ross County Inmate Search right now, please visit https://ohioinmaterecords.com/ross-county-inmate-search/. This site may help you find the person you are look-ing for fast. It can be a good first step in your search. Take your time to look at the site and use its tools to aid your quest.

Performing a Ross County Inmate Search Directly

You can look for an inmate in Ross County. There are a few ways to do this. Some tools are on the web. Others need a call or a visit.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Offender Search

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) keeps a list of all inmates in state prisons. This is a key tool for a state-wide search. It is free to use. You can find folks who are in prison now. Or those who are under watch by the ODRC. It also lists those let out by a judge.

To use the ODRC tool, you can search by name. A last name is a good start. Or use the first and last name for a fine search. You can also search by the ODRC number if you know it. This number has a letter at the start. 'W' is for girls. 'A' or 'R' are for boys. The number has six digits. For girls, if the number is five digits, add a zero at the start. You can also search by county or zip code. Or by the next parole board hearing date. The site tells you it is best to use less search facts than too much. This helps get more hits if you are not sure of all the facts. This tool is useful for a broad search across Ohio's state-run facilities. Knowing how to use the different search fields can make your Ross County Inmate Search more effective, even if the individual is housed in a state prison outside Ross County but was sentenced from there. The database is quite large. So, the more precise your information, the quicker you will find the record you seek. Be sure to try variations in spelling if your first attempt does not yield results.

The ODRC search can tell you the inmate's name and number. It shows their status, like if they are in jail or out. It lists the prison where they are held. It may show a picture too. The site also has facts on those who have run off from watch. This information is vital. It helps understand the current situation of an individual within the state's correctional system. The details available can include the offenses for which they were convicted. It may also show sentence length and projected release dates. These pieces of data are important for legal representatives. They are also key for family members trying to stay informed. You can find the ODRC Offender Search tool here: https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch. This is the official state site. It has the most up to date list for state prisons.

Ross County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information

For folks who may be in the local Ross County Jail, not a state prison, you will need to check with the Ross County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff runs the county jail. They keep records of who is booked in. They should be your first point of contact for local jail inmates. Some counties have their own online look-up tool. You should ask the Sheriff's office if Ross County has one for a direct Ross County Inmate Search. This local approach is crucial for individuals recently arrested or serving shorter sentences typically handled at the county level. The county jail system is distinct from the state prison system. So, state databases will not have records for inmates solely in county custody.

To ask about someone in the Ross County Jail, you can call or go to the Sheriff's Office.

• Ross County Sheriff's Office Address: 28 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

• Ross County Sheriff's Office Phone (Non-Emergencies): 740-773-1186.

• Ross County Jail Phone (for bond/general jail questions): 740-773-1187.

When you call or go, try to have some facts. The person's full name and date of birth are good to have. This will help the staff find the right person. Ask them how you can get facts on an inmate. This may be things like booking date or charges. The amount of facts shared can change. It depends on rules and the case. The Ross County Sheriff's Office website is https://rosssheriff.com/. Check there for more help or contact forms. Visiting the office in person during business hours, typically Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, might also yield information. However, it's wise to call ahead to confirm their public information procedures and hours.

Accessing Ross County Inmate Records and Arrest Records

Laws in Ohio let the public see most government records. This includes some inmate and arrest records. Knowing these laws can help you ask for facts for your Ross County Inmate Search.

Understanding Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Sunshine Laws)

Ohio's Public Records Act is found in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 149.43. This law is often called the "Sunshine Law." It states that public records are the people's records. All public offices must make these records free to look at. This must be at all fair times of the day. There are some records that are kept shut for privacy or safety. But most arrest and inmate data held by local law groups should be free to see. The law wants government to be open. This transparency is a core part of how the public can observe the actions of government agencies, including law enforcement and correctional facilities. Understanding this act empowers citizens to request information and hold public entities accountable. The scope of available records can be quite broad. It often includes incident reports, arrest logs, and jail records, though specific exemptions apply.

The Ohio Attorney General's office has guides on these laws. They help both the public and officials know their rights and duties. You can learn more about Ohio's Sunshine Laws here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/legal/sunshine-laws. This site gives a lot of facts on how to ask for records. It also says what groups must do when asked. It is a good place to learn more about your right to know. These resources often include sample request letters and explain the process for appealing a denial of a records request. Familiarizing yourself with these official guides can make your Ross County Inmate Search for records more effective and ensure you understand the legal framework.

Requesting Arrest Records from Ross County Sheriff's Office

To get arrest records from Ross County, you should contact the Ross County Sheriff's Office. They are the main group that holds these records for the county. You can ask in person or by mail. It is a good plan to write down your ask. This can make it clear what you need. Some offices may have a form you can use. The Ohio Public Records Act says they must help you in a fair time. Submitting a written request provides a documented trail of your attempt to obtain public records, which can be useful.

When you ask for an arrest record, give as much as you know. This helps them find the right one. Key facts are:

• The full name of the person.

• Their date of birth.

• The date of the arrest, if you know it.

• Any case number, if you have one.

There may be a small cost to get copies of records. This is usually for the price of paper and ink. Ask about fees when you make your ask. The Ross County Sheriff's Office Records Division would handle this.

• Address: 28 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

• Phone for Records/Civil Division: Check for specific extension for records, general non-emergency is 740-773-1186. Deputy Kylie Wampler is listed for Civil/Records at Ext 168.

• Hours: Typically, office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is best to call first to check. A public record request form may be on the Sheriff's website or you can ask for one. Fill it out with care. Give clear facts. This will speed up your request for information relevant to a Ross County Inmate Search. Being specific, such as providing a narrow date range for an arrest, can significantly help staff locate records faster.

Obtaining Court Records Related to Incarceration

Court records hold facts about the case that led to someone being in jail. These are also mostly public. You can get them from the Clerk of Courts. Ross County has a Court of Common Pleas and Chillicothe has a Municipal Court. These records can provide context to an individual's incarceration.

Ross County Clerk of Courts

The Ross County Clerk of Courts keeps records for the Common Pleas Court. This court deals with more grave crimes (felonies). You can look for records online or in person. These records are essential for a thorough Ross County Inmate Search if the case went through this court.

• Ross County Clerk of Courts Address: 2 North Paint Street, Suite B, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

• Phone: (740) 702-3010.

• Fax: (740) 702-3018.

• Hours: Generally 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

• Online Record Search: Ross County may have an online search page. Check the Clerk of Courts website: https://www.rosscountyohio.gov/clerk/. Ohiocourtrecords.us states there is a "Ross Online Record Search portal". This portal, if available and up-to-date, can be a very convenient way to access case information, dockets, and sometimes document images from your own computer. It saves a trip to the courthouse. You can also go to the Clerk's office. They have computers for public use to search records. The staff can help you find what you need. There may be a fee for copies of documents. The in-person terminals often provide access to the same database as any online portal but may have more extensive records or fewer restrictions on viewing certain documents. Staff assistance can be invaluable if you are unfamiliar with court record systems.

Chillicothe Municipal Court

The Chillicothe Municipal Court handles less grave crimes (misdemeanors) and traffic cases within Chillicothe.

• Chillicothe Municipal Court Address: 95 East Main Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

• Phone: (740) 773-3515.

• Fax: (740) 774-1101.

• Hours: Check their website or call for hours.

• Website/Online Search: Look for a website for Chillicothe Municipal Court to see if they have online record search capabilities. Many municipal courts now offer this service. When you look for court records, you will need the person's name. A case number is also very helpful. These records can show charges, court dates, and what the judge said. They are a key part of a full inmate search if the person went to court in Ross County.

Ross County Jail and Correctional Facilities Information

It is good to know where an inmate might be held. Ross County has a local jail. There are also state prisons in the area. These are run by the ODRC.

Ross County Jail

The Ross County Jail is run by the Ross County Sheriff. It holds folks who are waiting for trial. Or those who have short jail terms. This is not the same as a state prison. State prisons hold people for long terms, usually for felonies. The information below is based on common practices for county jails and specific Ross County data when found. Understanding these distinctions is key for your Ross County Inmate Search.

Location and Contact Information

• Address: The Ross County Jail is part of the Sheriff's Office complex. The main address for the Sheriff is 28 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601. The jail would be there or very near.

• Phone Number for Jail: The snippet gave (740) 773-1187 for jail calls, like for bonds. For other jail administrative questions, contact the Sheriff's office non-emergency line or Major Paul Arledge (Jail Administrator) or Captain Glenn Detty (Jail) via the contact list on the Sheriff's site. Ext 126 for Major Arledge, Ext 128 for Capt. Detty.

• Hours of Operation: Administrative offices are usually open during weekday business hours. The jail itself runs 24/7, but public contact may be just during business hours for some things.

Posting Bond

If someone is in the Ross County Jail and can get out on bond, here is how it works. This is a critical process for many involved in a Ross County Inmate Search.

• Bond Information Source: The Ross County Clerk of Courts handles bonds during business hours. Their website has a page for bond information: https://www.rosscountyohio.gov/clerk/bond-information.html.

• Procedure, Hours, Locations:

  • Bonds may be posted at the Clerk of Courts office: 2 N. Paint St., Suite B, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

  • Hours for posting bond at Clerk's office: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

  • Property bonds can only be posted during these regular business hours.

• After-Hours Bonds: For bonds after hours, call the jail directly at 740-773-1187. They will tell you what to do. The type of bond and the sum will be set by the court. You may need cash or a bonding agent. The Clerk's office or jail staff can give you the specific rules for the bond in question. This is a key step to help someone get out of jail while they wait for their court date. The rules must be followed with care. Be prepared to provide the inmate's full name and booking number if possible. Different types of bonds, such as surety bonds or cash bonds, have different requirements.

Inmate Mail (Ross County Jail Specific)

Sending mail is a way to keep in touch with someone in jail. Each jail has rules for mail. For the Ross County Jail, you should check with them for the right way to send mail. This helps make sure the inmate gets it. The address will likely be the jail's address, with the inmate's name. Ask if there is a special way to write the address to aid your Ross County Inmate Search related communications. All incoming mail, except for privileged legal mail, is typically opened and inspected for contraband.

There are rules for what you can send. Things not allowed are called contraband. This can be items that risk safety or security. Do not send things like staples, paper clips, or cash in the mail. Some jails only let post-cards in. Or they may have rules on pictures. It is best to call the Ross County Jail at 740-773-1187 or check the Sheriff's website for their mail rules. This will stop your mail from being sent back. Mail is often checked for safety. Prohibited items often include glitter, stickers, and certain types of paper or ink. Always verify current regulations before sending anything.

Inmate Visitation (Ross County Jail Specific)

Visits are very important for inmates and their friends and family. The Ross County Jail will have its own rules for visits. These rules keep the jail safe and in good order. You will need to find out their specific policy. This may be on the Sheriff's website or you can call the jail. Effective visitation is a part of managing inmate welfare, a topic related to any Ross County Inmate Search.

Visitation rules often include:

• Visitation Hours: Jails have set times for visits. These may change based on where the inmate is housed or the day of the week.

• Visitor Approval Process: You may need to get on an approved visitor list. This can mean filling out a form. They may check your background.

• Identification: All grown-up visitors will need a state ID or driver's license.

• Dress Code: Jails have rules for what you can wear. No short skirts or shirts with bad words. Revealing clothing is usually not permitted.

• Conduct During Visits: There are rules for how to act. No loud talk. No passing of items not allowed. All visits are monitored.

• Children Visiting: Rules for kids visiting can change. Some need a birth certificate. A parent or guardian must be with them.

It is key to know and follow all visit rules. If you do not, you may not be allowed to visit. Call the Ross County Jail at 740-773-1187 for their most current visit rules and hours. Due to needs for space or safety, visits might be by video or through glass. Some facilities now use video visitation systems extensively, which might require scheduling in advance through a third-party service. Be sure to ask about the specific type of visitation available.

Sending Money to Inmates (Ross County Jail Specific)

Inmates need money for things like snacks or phone calls from the commissary. The Ross County Jail will have set ways for you to send money to an inmate. Do not send cash in the mail. This is not safe and most jails do not allow it. Knowing how to provide financial support can be part of helping someone identified in a Ross County Inmate Search.

Approved ways to send money might be:

• Money Orders: Some jails take money orders. They must be filled out in a certain way, usually with the inmate's name and ID number.

• Kiosk in Lobby: The jail may have a machine in the lobby where you can put money on an inmate's books. These often accept cash or cards.

• Online Services: Some jails use web sites that let you send money online with a credit or debit card. These sites charge a fee. Examples include services like JPay or Access Corrections, though the specific provider for Ross County Jail would need to be confirmed. The Ross County Sheriff's Office website or a call to the jail (740-773-1187) can tell you how they take money for inmates. Ask for Deputy Heidi Rolfe who is listed for Civil/Inmate Accounts at Ext 103 on the Sheriff's site. She can give you the best facts. There may be a limit on how much money an inmate can get or have. Using the correct procedure ensures the funds reach the inmate's account promptly.

State Correctional Institutions in/near Ross County (Operated by ODRC)

Ross County is also home to state prisons. These are run by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC). If the person you seek is serving a state sentence, they might be in one of these. This is important for a Ross County Inmate Search as state inmates may be housed locally.

Ross Correctional Institution (RCI)

• Address (for visiting): 16197 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

• Incarcerated Person Individual Mailing Address: 884 Coitsville-Hubbard Road, Youngstown, Ohio 44505. Note: This is a central mail processing center for ODRC. All mail for RCI inmates goes here.

• Phone: 740-774-7050 (office).

• Fax: 740-774-7055.

• Email: drc.rci@drc.ohio.gov.

• Visitation:

  • All visits, in-person and video, are set up through the ViaPath system (http://ohdoc.gtlvisitme.com). You must be an approved visitor first. Get the ODRC visitation application packet from the inmate or download it from the ODRC website (https://drc.ohio.gov/visitation). Submit the filled out packet to RCI, not the central mail place. The approval process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

  • In-Person Visitation Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 7:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Afternoon visits start after the count is clear. Arrive early to allow time for processing.

  • Video Visitation Hours: Daily. 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Video visits also require prior scheduling and approval via ViaPath.

  • Rules for visits include things like one hug at the start and end of the visit. No touching in between. Food bought must be put on a plate right away. Read all rules on the ODRC site. Strict adherence to the dress code and conduct rules is mandatory for all ODRC facilities.

Chillicothe Correctional Institution (CCI)

• Address: 15802 OH-104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

• Phone: (740) 774-7080.

• Visitation:

  • Similar to RCI, use the ViaPath system (http://ohdoc.gtlvisitme.com) after your ODRC visitation application is approved by CCI. The application process is standardized across ODRC facilities.

  • In-Person Visitation Hours: Daily. 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and Noon – 3:00 p.m. Specific housing units may have designated visiting days or times, so confirm this.

  • Video Visitation Hours: Daily. 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Noon – 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Ensure your equipment meets the technical requirements for video visitation.

  • Always check the ODRC website or CCI's page on the ODRC site for the most up-to-date rules and hours. Each prison may have its own small rule changes. These facilities house a large number of inmates, so procedures are strictly enforced for safety and security.

Additional Resources

Sometimes an inmate is not in a state or local jail. They might be in a federal prison.

Federal Inmate Search (BOP)

If the person was charged with a federal crime, they will be in a federal prison. These are run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP has its own online inmate locator. This is for federal inmates from 1982 to now. This resource is vital if your Ross County Inmate Search might involve federal charges.

• When to Use: Use this if you think the person is in federal custody. Not state or county. Federal offenses differ significantly from state or local crimes.

• How to Search: You can search by number (like BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number). Or you can search by name (first, last, middle, race, age, and sex). The more information you have, the more accurate the search will be.

• Link to BOP Inmate Locator: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. This tool is free. It will show where the federal inmate is held. It also gives a release date if it is known. This is a key tool for those looking for someone in the federal system. The BOP website also provides information about federal facilities, visiting rules, and how to send money or mail to federal inmates, which will differ from state or county procedures.