Medina County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Medina County?
Inmate records in Medina County are official government documents maintained by the Medina County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records document an individual's entire custody history from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the Medina County Court system.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, inmate records are classified as public records subject to specific exemptions protecting certain personal information. The creation of these records begins during the booking process when an individual is first taken into custody. Information collected includes:
- Demographic data
- Photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Criminal charges
- Court information
- Custody classification
- Housing assignments
Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains maintained according to the county's record retention schedule.
The Medina County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records, maintaining them in both electronic and physical formats in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements.
Are Inmate Records Public In Medina County?
Inmate records in Medina County are generally considered public records under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to incarcerated individuals, with certain limitations and exemptions.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information
- Charges filed
- Mugshots
- Bond/bail amounts
- Court dates
- Expected release dates
- Facility housing location
However, specific information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 5120.21, which governs the confidentiality of certain corrections records. Protected information typically includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical and mental health records
- Victim information
- Informant information
- Security-related details
- Juvenile records (in most cases)
The Medina County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides public access to basic custody information. For more comprehensive records, members of the public may submit formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
What's Included Inmate Records in Medina County
Inmate records in Medina County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Fingerprints
- Last known address
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Intake assessment information
- Housing assignment
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records
- Visitation logs
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Incident reports
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
The level of detail available to the public versus what is maintained for official use varies according to Ohio public records laws and Medina County Sheriff's Office policies.
Medina County Prison System
The Medina County corrections system operates under the authority of the Medina County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention of individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year. The system is distinct from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of more serious offenses with longer sentences.
The cornerstone of the Medina County corrections system is the Medina County Jail, a facility designed to house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving misdemeanor sentences. The jail operates according to standards established by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Bureau of Adult Detention.
Individuals housed in the Medina County corrections system typically fall into several categories:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions
For matters related to the Medina County corrections system, the public may contact:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-0028
Medina County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Medina County
Medina County maintains a structured corrections system with facilities designed to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. The primary facilities include:
Medina County Jail
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-0028
Medina County Jail
This is the main detention facility in Medina County, classified as a full-service jail with capacity for approximately 254 inmates. The facility houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications, including minimum, medium, and maximum security. The jail accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year.
Medina County Community Alternative Center
3833 Chippewa Road
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 764-8580
Medina County Community Alternative Center
This minimum-security facility serves as an alternative to traditional incarceration for non-violent offenders. The center focuses on rehabilitation through work programs, substance abuse treatment, and educational opportunities. Eligible participants include those convicted of lower-level offenses who do not pose a significant security risk.
Medina County Juvenile Detention Center
655 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-9116
Medina County Juvenile Detention Center
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders under the jurisdiction of the Medina County Juvenile Court. The center provides secure detention for youth awaiting adjudication or disposition of their cases, as well as those serving court-ordered detention terms.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and programming aligned with its mission and the population it serves. The Medina County Sheriff's Office maintains operational oversight of the adult facilities, while the Juvenile Detention Center operates under the authority of the Medina County Juvenile Court.
Who's in Prison In Medina County
The Medina County detention facilities house diverse populations of individuals who have entered the criminal justice system at various stages. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
- Persons serving multiple consecutive misdemeanor sentences
- Offenders sentenced to intermittent confinement (weekend sentences)
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony convictions
- Persons held on behalf of other counties or jurisdictions
- Probation and parole violators awaiting hearings
- Immigration detainees awaiting processing by federal authorities
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals participating in work release programs
- Persons enrolled in substance abuse treatment programs
- Mental health treatment participants
- Veterans in specialized treatment units
According to data from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the Medina County Jail typically operates at 80-90% of its rated capacity, with fluctuations based on seasonal arrest patterns and court processing timelines.
The demographic composition generally reflects the broader criminal justice system in Ohio, with disproportionate representation of individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Medina County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Medina County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Medina County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate data that is accessible through multiple channels:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Medina County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Division" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically name, date of birth, or booking number)
- Review the results, which generally include basic custody information, charges, and bond status
- Note that online records typically display only current inmates, not historical records
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Medina County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought
- Provide identification if requesting records in person
- Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees for physical records
Written Records Request:
- Prepare a written request clearly identifying the specific inmate records sought
- Include sufficient information to identify the inmate (full name, date of birth, approximate dates of incarceration)
- Submit the request via mail to:
Medina County Sheriff's Office Records Division
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-0028
Medina County Sheriff's Office
- Include contact information for response and delivery preference
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting mailed response
For more comprehensive historical records or specialized information not available through the online portal, a formal public records request pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 may be necessary. The Sheriff's Office is required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 10 business days.
How To Find an Inmate in Medina County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Medina County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county agencies. These resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify an individual's incarceration status and location:
Medina County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Medina County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function in the Jail Division section
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) in the search fields
- For more precise results, include additional identifiers if known (date of birth, booking number)
- Review the search results, which typically display:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)
Telephone Verification:
- Contact the Medina County Jail directly at (330) 725-0028
- Request the booking or records department
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
- Inquire about current custody status and basic case information
Vine Service (Victim Information and Notification Everyday):
- Visit VINELink or call 1-800-770-0192
- Select Ohio as the state
- Enter the inmate's name
- Review custody information and register for notifications if desired
Medina County Clerk of Courts:
- Access the Medina County Clerk of Courts website
- Use the online case search function
- Enter the individual's name
- Review case information, which may include custody status notations
These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed information, such as visitation eligibility, mail restrictions, or commissary accounts, direct contact with the Medina County Jail may be necessary.
How To Visit an Inmate In Medina County
Visiting an inmate at the Medina County Jail requires adherence to established protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important personal connections. The following guidelines govern the visitation process:
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (conducted at the jail facility)
- Remote video visitation (conducted from approved devices)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Special visits (approved on case-by-case basis)
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Maximum Security: Limited to specific days/times as posted at the facility
- Professional Visits: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Visit duration: Typically 30 minutes per session
- Maximum of two visits per week per inmate
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must register in the Medina County Jail Visitor Management System at least 24 hours before the intended visit
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list (maximum of 8 visitors)
- Visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visit time
- All visitors are subject to security screening
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut tops, etc.)
- No clothing with offensive language/images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (all other items must remain in vehicle or lockers)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants or pending criminal charges
- Former inmates (within 60 days of release)
- Persons on probation or parole (without written permission)
- Individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Persons previously banned for rule violations
For additional information or special accommodations, contact:
Medina County Jail
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-0028
Medina County Jail
Visitation policies are subject to change in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-8-06, which establishes minimum standards for jail visitation.
How To Send Money to a Medina County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Medina County Jail have several secure methods available for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and access other approved services.
Available Deposit Methods:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Medina County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate services section
- Select the approved third-party payment processor link
- Create an account or log in to an existing account
- Enter the inmate's information (full name and inmate ID number)
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit/debit card
- Save the confirmation receipt for your records
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Medina County Jail lobby during regular business hours
- Locate the automated payment kiosk
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or use a credit/debit card
- Obtain and retain the printed receipt
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Medina County Jail" with the inmate's name and ID number in the memo line
- Complete a money order deposit form (available on the Sheriff's Office website)
- Mail to:
Medina County Jail - Inmate Accounts
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Transaction Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Service fees: Vary by deposit method (typically $2.00-$8.95 depending on amount)
- Processing time: Online/kiosk deposits typically post within 24 hours; mail deposits within 3-5 business days
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Release funds
Prohibited Uses:
- Transfer to other inmates
- Payment for unauthorized services
- Purchase of contraband items
- Bond payments (must be handled separately through court system)
Additional Information:
- Funds remaining at release will be returned to the inmate via debit card
- Deposits from individuals with outstanding warrants may be rejected
- All transactions are monitored and subject to investigation
- Suspicious deposits may be held pending review
The Medina County Jail reserves the right to refuse any deposit that violates facility policies or appears to present security concerns.
How To Send Jail Mail In Medina County
Corresponding with inmates at the Medina County Jail requires adherence to specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important personal connections. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with established protocols.
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number
Medina County Jail
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller)
- Money orders (must include sender's full name and address)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
- Crayon, marker, colored pencil, or glitter
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
- Correspondence containing threats or extortion
- Items containing unknown substances or stains
Mail Inspection Procedures:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by jail staff
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Contraband items will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action
- Mail containing evidence of criminal activity may be forwarded to law enforcement
E-Messages: The Medina County Jail also offers a secure electronic messaging system through its third-party vendor. To utilize this service:
- Visit the Medina County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate messaging section
- Create an account with the approved vendor
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages following system guidelines
Publications and Books: Books and publications must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. Personal packages containing books or magazines will be rejected. All publications must comply with Ohio Administrative Code 5120:1-8-06 regarding appropriate content.
For questions regarding mail policies, contact:
Medina County Jail
555 Independence Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: (330) 725-0028
Medina County Jail