Corrections

(440) 279-2009 Extension 4411
Newbury and Burton Residents: 1-888-714-0006 Extension 4411

 

Helpful Information for Family/Friends with Someone at Geauga County Safety Center

 

The Geauga County Safety Center opened its doors to inmates on December 28th, 2005 when 47 inmates were moved from the old linear facility at 13281 Ravenna Road to the new facility at 12450 Merritt Road.

The new facility has a rated capacity of 182 beds:

• 38 beds for females
• 84 beds for general population males
• 60 beds for males participating in the Community Service/Work release program

In addition to the 182 beds, there are nine cells. We are now equipped with cells that have CCTV cameras in order to assist in monitoring inmates that are on a suicide watch, have mental health issues, or have disciplinary issues and require segregation.

The Corrections staff worked diligently in order to go through the State Certification process through the Ohio Bureau of Adult Detention for the State of Ohio. In December, the final inspection occurred and the jail has been approved for status as a Certified Jail in the State of Ohio. The jail is 100% in compliance with all the standards set by the Bureau of Adult Detention for the State of Ohio. The certification is in effect for five years and will be renewed during the fifth year.

The total number of prisoners received and processed at the Geauga County Safety Center during the year 2015 was 2,932. This includes new arrests, arraignments, and commitments to jail upon conviction. This number also includes inmates that were booked in for multiple weekends.

Total Housing for outside agencies in 2015 was $1,270,000.00.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed in 2003 with unanimous support from both parties in Congress. The purpose of the act was to “provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in Federal, State, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.” This law applies to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. For more information please go to the PREA website at www.prearesourcecenter.org.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office has a zero-tolerance standard for incidence of sexual abuse and sexual harassment and also makes prevention of inmate sexual abuse a top priority. The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office also extends this zero tolerance policy to include any personnel, volunteers, interns, or contract personnel, who may have contact with inmates and will thoroughly investigate and hold accountable person(s) who violate these policies and Ohio State laws.

Reporting

Inmates experiencing incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment are provided multiple means of making a report. To allow for the quickest response, inmates are encouraged to verbally report to any staff member immediately. Inmates may report in writing by submitting an Inmate Request Form (kite), or by mailing a letter to the Sheriff at 12450 Merritt Rd. Chardon, Ohio 44024. Reports may also be made by telephone (toll-free) to our outside hotline at (440) 286-8074.

Non-inmates (third-parties) may report incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of an inmate confined in the Corrections by calling (440) 279-2009 extension 4411 and asking for the supervisor on duty or by calling the outside hotline at (440) 286-8074.

2022 PREA Statistics for the Geauga County Jail

	Sustained	Non-Sustained	Unfounded	Exonerated
Inmate on Inmate
Non-Consensual Sex Acts	0	0	0	1
Abusive Sexual Contact	0	0	0	0
Sexual harassment	2	0	0	1
Staff on Inmate
Staff Sexual Misconduct	0	0	0	0
Staff Sexual Harassment	0	0	1	1

Inmate Visitation

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office has video visitation using CPC kiosks throughout the facility. It is designed to increase visiting opportunities and reduce burdens on family and friends, especially those traveling long distances. Video visits are available in general population housing units, seven days a week, in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

All video visits are recorded and subject to electronic monitoring by GEAUGA COUNTY personnel. Your participation in video visitation constitutes consent to this recording and monitoring.

Remote video visitation – Remote visits allow friends and family to stay connected with an inmate using their smart phone or computer. This also allows them to include very young children or elderly family members in the visits without requiring them to travel to the facility. Rates are the same as a phone call.

On-site video visitation – On-site visits can also be conducted using video. Friends or family members simply connect using the video visit station located in the facility lobby while the inmates can connect without ever leaving their housing unit. There is no charge for on-site visitation.

All video visits must be scheduled at least 12 hours in advance by going to www.inmatesales.com or by calling 1-877-998-5678. The registering visitor must be at least 18 years of age and provide a valid, government issued photo identification during the initial registration process. Visitors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present during the video visit.

Each visit is for 25 minutes. Inmates may have one remote visit per day. Visitors and inmates are responsible for being present at the start of the scheduled video visit. Visitors and inmates signing in late will only receive the balance of the remaining time for the scheduled video visit.

Emergency situations at the facility can result in the immediate canceling of any visit.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office assumes no financial or other liability for failure to complete a scheduled video visit.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to deny, cancel, or terminate a video visit prior to or during a session based upon visitor or resident inmate misconduct.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office also reserves the right to restrict visitor(s) from participating in all future video visits.

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs; displaying items that may be considered contraband such as drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons; or displaying gang signs, symbols, colors, etc., are subject to having the visit cancelled and barred from future visits.

Any type of provocative or disruptive behavior will not be permitted. No pictures of any type will be allowed during the video visit session; no recording, no screen shots, no photo taking.

No NUDITY, provocative clothing, or tight-fitting clothing will be allowed during the video visit. Violations of these rules will result in the following actions:

1. First violation – barring of all on-site and off-site video visitation for 30 days
2. Second violation- permanent bar of all visitation

Remote-Site Video Visitation Hours Availability: (25 minute increment)

9:00 am - 10:55 am	11:30 am - 2:25 pm
3:00 pm - 4:55 pm	7:00 pm - 10:25 pm

On-Site Video Procedures:

• Arrive at the designated time wearing a mask/facial covering. The face mask/covering must be worn while in the lobby and while in the visitation booth.
• Step to the Corrections window to check in with proper photo ID – the officer will ask you to lower your mask so that proper identification can be made.
• The officer will direct you over to the visitation room where you will go to the kiosk that you see your visit listed on.
• Sanitizing spray and paper towels will be in the visitation area, please use them to disinfect the phone and booth area before your visit.
• We understand there may be more than one person who comes to visit a person. Please limit the number of people in the visitation booth to one at a time. The only exception is an adult accompanying a minor.
• Once the visit is complete, disinfect to clean the phone and booth area after your visit.

We ask that you please adhere to ALL of the procedures. This will allow everyone to have the opportunity to visit with friends and family in a safe manner.

** Note ** Attorney/Clergy - call (440) 279-2009 extension 4411 for special instructions.

Visita Inmate

La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Geauga tiene visitas por video usando quioscos de CPC en toda la instalación. Está diseñado para aumentar las oportunidades de visita y reducir las cargas para la familia y los amigos, especialmente aquellos que viajan largas distancias. Las visitas de video están disponibles en las unidades de vivienda de la población general, los siete días de la semana, por la mañana, por la tarde y por la noche

Todas las visitas de vídeo son grabadas y sujetas a supervisión electrónica por parte del personal del CONDADO DE GEAUGA. Su participación en las visitas de vídeo constituye el consentimiento para esta grabación y seguimiento.

Visitas de video remotas – Las visitas remotas permiten a amigos y familiares mantenerse conectados con un recluso usando su teléfono inteligente o computadora. Esto también les permite incluir niños muy pequeños o familiares ancianos en las visitas sin necesidad de que viajen a las instalaciones. Las tarifas son las mismas que una llamada telefónica

Visitas por video en el sitio: también se pueden realizar visitas en el sitio a través de vídeo. Amigos o familiares simplemente se conectan usando la estación de video visit ubicada en el vestíbulo de la instalación mientras los reclusos pueden conectarse sin salir de su unidad de vivienda. No hay cargo por visitas en el lugar.

Todas las visitas por video deben programarse con al menos 12 horas de anticipaction visitando www.inmatesales.com o llamando al 1-877-998-5678. El visitante que se registra debe tener al menos 18 anos de edad y proporcionar una identificacion con foto valida emitida por el gobierno durante el proceso de registro inicial. Los visitants menores de 18 anos deben tener un padre o tutor presente durante la visita por video.

Cada visita es de 25 minutos. Los reclusos pueden tener una visita remota por día. Los visitantes y reclusos son responsables de estar presentes al inicio de la videollamada programada. Los visitantes y reclusos que firmen tarde solo recibirán el saldo del tiempo restante para la visita de video programada.

Las situaciones de emergencia en la instalación pueden resultar en la cancelación inmediata de cualquier visita.

La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Geauga no asume ninguna responsabilidad financiera o de otro tipo por no completar una visita programada en video.

La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Geauga se reserva el derecho de denegar, cancelar o cancelar una visita por video antes o durante una sesión basada en la mala conducta del visitante o del recluso residente.

La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Geauga también se reserva el derecho de restringir la participación de los visitantes en todas las futuras visitas en video.

Los visitantes que parecen estar bajo la influencia del alcohol o las drogas; exhibir artículos que pueden ser considerados contrabando como drogas, parafernalia de drogas, armas; o mostrando signos de pandillas, símbolos, colores, etc., están sujetos a que la visita sea cancelada y prohibida de futuras visitas.

No se permitirá ningún tipo de comportamiento provocativo o perturbador. No se permitirán imágenes de ningún tipo durante la sesión de videollamada; sin grabación, sin capturas de pantalla, sin toma de fotos.

Durante la visita en video no se permitirán NUDIDADes, ropa provocativa ni ropa ajustada. Las infracciones de estas reglas darán lugar a las siguientes acciones:

1. Primera infracción: la prohibición de todas las visitas por video in situ y fuera del sitio durante 30 días
2. Segunda violación- prohibición permanente de todas las visitas

Disponibilidad de horas de visitas de vídeo en el sitio remoto: (incremento de 25 minutos)

9:00 am - 10:55 am	11:30 am - 2:25 pm
3:00 pm - 4:55 pm	7:00 pm - 10:25 pm

Procedimeientos de video en el sitio:

• Llegue a la hora designada con una mascara/cubierta facial. La mascarilla/cubierta debe usarse mientras este en el vestibulo y en la cabina de visitas.
• Dirijase a la Ventana de Correcciones para registrarse con una identifcacion con fotografia adecuada – el official le pedira que se baje la mascara para que sepueda realizer la identificacion adecuada.
• El official lo dirigira a la sala de visitas donde ira al quiosco en el que ve su visita en la lista
• En el area de visitas Habra aerosol desinfectante y toallas de papel; utilicelas para desinfectar el telefono y el area de la cabina antes de su visita
• Entendemos que puede haver mas de una persona que venga a visitor a una persona. Limite el numero de personas en la cabina de visitas a una a la vex. La unica excepcion es un adulto que acompana a un menor.
• Una vez que se complete la visita, desinfecte para limpiar el telefono y el area de la cabina despues de su visita.

Le pedimos que se adhiera a TODOS los procedimientos. Esto permitirá a todos tener la oportunidad de visitar a amigos y familiares de una manera segura.

Commissary

The Jail operates an inmate commissary from which the inmate may purchase items such as snacks, writing materials, personal hygiene items, T-shirts, underwear and socks. Money can be deposited into an inmate’s account via the kiosk in the lobby or by the website www.JailATM.com. A money order can also be mailed in to the inmate; it will be deposited onto his/her account. No checks will be accepted.

Telephone

Inmates will have access to the inmate phone system in the housing units from approximately 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. daily. These phones are equipped to make out-going phone calls only. Inmates have the option to make calls several ways:

• a collect call to a specific person
• using phone time purchased through commissary
• an account set up by family/friends via www.inmatesales.com
• money added through the CPC phone kiosk in our lobby

No incoming calls to the inmate are permitted. If it is an emergency, the call will be handled by the shift supervisor.

Mail

Inmate Mail - Important Update

In an effort to keep contraband out of the Geauga County Safety Center, the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a new system for sending mail and photos to inmates.

We will now be scanning all mail and it will go electronically to the inmate who will be able to access it on the housing unit Kiosk system.

** WARNING **

Any mail sent to an inmate at the Geauga County Safety Center will NOT be returned or released. Once the mail is processed and sent electronically to the inmate it will be destroyed. This includes pictures or anything else mailed to the facility.

One photograph per letter will be accepted. The photo cannot be provocative * in any way. Some of examples but not limited to: no threats, no code or gang insignia, no threatening gestures, obscene language, acts or drawings, nudity or provocative clothing.

*provocative is generally defined as follows: “causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately and also “arousing sexual desire or interest, especially deliberately".

Inmates cannot receive material which is violent, criminal, and sexually explicit, depicts nudity or depicts racial, religious, or national hatred, or materials that are disruptive to the facility and pose a potential threat to safety, security, discipline, treatment interests or violate state law.

The letter and the photograph will then be SCANNED into the kiosk system where the inmate can then access it.

**Once the mail is processed and sent to the kiosk the mail will be destroyed. This includes pictures or anything else mailed into the facility. By sending mail to this facility, you are agreeing to the items being destroyed (including the photos) and understand that it will not be returned and you will not be reimbursed for it.**

Any mail received after the inmate has left or mail we cannot accept will be returned to the Post Office to be sent back to the sender. Complaints regarding returned mail may be directed to the Jail Administrator.

The final say as to what will and will not be accepted lies with the Jail Administrator in conjunction with the jail’s legal counsel.

Chaplain Program

Information About the Chaplain Program

Medical Services

• Doctor
• Registered Nurse
• Medical Room

The Geauga County Safety Center offers appropriate medical and mental health services to all inmates housed at the jail including routine health care maintenance as well as emergency care. Sick call is conducted five days a week for inmates by the jail medical staff which consists of a physician and registered nurses. Inmates are seen for a variety of reasons in the well-equipped medical office including emergency care, laboratory specimen collection and routine history and physicals. Medications are prescribed by the doctor and are made available to the inmates for self-administration under the supervision of trained officers.

All Corrections Officers are certified in CPR and in the use of an AED through the American Heart Association certified instructors. Corrections Officers are also trained in a variety of other medical care situations including seizures, blood borne pathogens, and suicide prevention. In the event of a serious emergency or an ongoing critical care situation, the inmate is transferred via the local rescue squad to University's Geauga Regional Hospital a short distance away.

Crisis intervention is available to inmates for mental health emergencies by Ravenwood Mental Health Center. Court ordered assessments are completed by a part time counselor to facilitate efficient mental health care for those who are in need. Bi-weekly a Ravenwood psychiatrist evaluates inmates that are referred by the counselors for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Dental Services are also make available to inmates through On Site Dental, Inc. for those who are in need of dental care. Medications are then provided after dental care in accordance with the dentist's orders.

The medical staff, in conjunction with the correctional staff, provide necessary care to inmates in a timely manner with the use of effective collaboration and communication skills. Two key elements of medical services at the Geauga County Safety Center are prevention and self-care. The Medical Staff strive to take care of medical issues early on to prevent unnecessary outcomes while providing continuity of care both upon admission and release from the facility. The medical staff also focuses on educating and empowering inmates to take better care of themselves to promote a better quality of life.

Kitchen (Supervisor and Cooks)

Jail Programs

The Geauga County Safety Center offers many programs to inmates who are incarcerated in the facility. The inmates are encouraged to attend and participate in the many programs that are offered.

Volunteer Application Form

Active Parenting:

Evidence - based program that teaches parents the Democratic Style of parenting. The program is divided up into six sessions which include Teaching Respect and Participation, Cooperation and Communication, Responsibility and Discipline, Self Esteem and Courage, Understanding and Re-Directing Misbehavior, and Active Parenting for School Success. The overall goals of the program are to teach parenting skills necessary for developing the above mentioned qualities in children while at the same time handling behavior problems.

Adult Basic Education:

While at the Geauga County Safety Center, the inmates can study to obtain their GED (General Equivalency Diploma). The class is taught by a State Certified teacher twice a week.

Alcoholics Anonymous:

AA is an international twelve step program on alcoholism for those inmates with alcohol-related problems who desire to gain insight into their problems and stop using.

Church/Religious Services:

Inmates may attend religious services, bible study, and may also get spiritual assistance from the jail chaplain. Local church community volunteers are an integral part of these services. Many denominations are represented. The chaplain can also seek out a representative of whatever faith or denomination is needed.

Community Service Program:

The Community Service program allow inmates who meet certain criteria to participate in a work program. These inmates work within the jail and also out in the community as well.

Inmate Work Program:

An inmate work program is in operation within the jail. There are certain requirements that must be met to become an inmate worker. Work assignments will be assigned by the jail staff. Inmate workers must obey all established jail rules and regulations and all orders by jail staff at all times.

Lake-Geauga Recovery Services, Drug and Alcohol Treatment:

This is an Intensive Outpatient Program that meets the certification standards of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. The program meets three times a week for three hours a day, with additional assessment, counseling, and referral services available as needed. The goal of this program is to utilize the inmate's confinement as a means to confront him/her with the reality of his/her dependency and to educate and counsel him/her about what the recovery will entail. For inmates referred to the program by the courts, a summary is sent to the court with recommendations for continued treatment following jail release. The objective is to support the individual's efforts to establish a clean and sober lifestyle, and avoid re-entry into the legal system.

Library:

The library is located in the indoor recreation room. Inmates are permitted to get and/or exchange books when in the recreation room for free times.

Life Skills:

This program is designed to help inmates receive life skills and job training ranging from how to obtain identification, how to fill out a job application, proper dress, how to interview, financial skills, etcetera. Participants are taught communication skills, coping strategies/techniques to manage stress, conflict resolution, problem solving, and self care.

Narcotics Anonymous:

NA is an international twelve step program for inmates with drug related problems who desire to stop using.

Pay to Stay:

The Pay to Stay Program is a program that is operated in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 2929.37, which requires those who are convicted and sentenced out of the Chardon Municipal Court or the Court of Common Pleas to pay all or part of the costs of confinement to the facility. The program has recovered $477,780.96 in inmate costs back to the general fund since 2005.

Work Release Program:

Work Release is a program that allows inmates who are employed to continue their employment while they are in jail. You must be approved by your sentencing court in order to participate in the Work Release program.

Photos

Safety Center Photos