Franklin County OH Jail Details & Overview
Stress is common when a friend or loved one is being held in the Franklin County Jail. How will you visit the inmate? Is there a way to send money? We hope to answer the top questions about Franklin County Jail to help loved ones and friends proceed with their needs for prisoner interaction.
About Franklin County Jail
Until 1970, Franklin County used the same jail facilities built in 1887. The current jail was opened in 1971 and is a much more modern facility than the previous version.
This ten-story building has a 675-bed capacity. This facility is often referred to as the “main jail.” The fifth and sixth floors were not completed until 1979. This year, Columbus closed its jail permanently, leading to the Franklin County Jail becoming the central unit for incarceration in Columbus, Ohio.
Today, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office operates two main jail facilities. Right now, the jail system continues to evolve according to community needs.
How to Conduct an Inmate Search in the Franklin County Jail
Do you have a friend or loved one who is housed in the Franklin County Jail? If you would like to perform a Franklin County jail inmate search online, you will need the inmate’s first and last name, offender status, sex, race, and age.
This website is available 24 hours a day and is updated frequently. If you do not see the inmate you are looking for or view jail mugshots in Franklin county, try again later or call (614) 525-3383.
Contact Information for the Franklin County Jail
The phone number for the Franklin County Jail is (614) 525-3383. The physical address of the jail is:
370 S. Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Visitation Information for the Franklin County Jail
If you would like to visit an inmate in the Franklin County Jail, you must know the rules and how to schedule a visit. Most likely because of the pandemic, the county jail has undergone visitation changes and is now partnering with GTL ViaPath Technologies to move from in-person visitation to virtual. These changes went into effect on August 8, 2022.
You will need to first register for an account with ViaPath; then, you can schedule an inmate visitation once approved. You must also download the ViaPath app from the Google Play Store. BOTH the website and app must be utilized.
Inmates are allowed two 30-minute virtual visits a week. These first three visits are free to inmates, but they may purchase additional low-cost visitation sessions.
Can You Bring Reading Materials to Inmates?
Most inmates enjoy having reading materials on hand to pass the time while in jail. Some rules are involved in bringing reading materials to inmates in the Franklin County Jail. Consider the following rules:
- The publication or book must be softbound.
- All reading materials must be purchased and shipped directly from a verified publisher, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
- Please make sure the inmate’s full name is on the package.
- We will not accept packages from FedEx or UPS.
- Reading materials must be unaltered.
- Reading materials must be pre-paid.
All reading materials will be rejected if they are sent from a private party. Inmates cannot receive materials that incite or instruct violence, contain pornography, or promote lawlessness.
How to Send Money to an Inmate in the Franklin County Jail
If you would like to send money to an inmate in the Franklin County Jail, you must be aware of some information. Inmates can receive money but are only allowed one money release per week.
You can send a United States Postal Money Order or Western Union Money Order, but they must be addressed to the inmate’s full name. The money will be placed in the inmate’s account so they can purchase items from the commissary.
How to Send Mail to an Inmate in the Franklin County Jail
You cannot mail underwear, socks, T-shirts, or reading materials. Inmates must purchase these items from the commissary.
To send mail to an inmate, use the following address and ensure the mail contains the inmate’s full name.
Franklin County Corrections Center II
2460 Jackson Pike
Columbus, OH 43223
All mail sent to inmates must include the sender’s full name and return address. Failure to address the envelope properly will result in the mail being withheld or returned to the sender.
Photographs are allowed to be sent by the United States Postal Service only. Remember that all inmate mail is opened and checked for contraband. Do not send cash or checks for inmates.
How to Post Bond for an Inmate in the Franklin County Jail
If you want to learn about the bail amount for an inmate in Franklin County Jail, you can call 614-525-7100. Bail can be paid at the window but must be paid with the exact amount because change will not be offered. Make sure to follow the instruction precisely to avoid unnecessary delays when paying bail for an inmate.
Additional Resources
Franklin County Sheriff Website