Summit Public Records /Summit County Inmate Search

Summit County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Summit County?

Inmate records in Summit County are official government documents maintained by the Summit County Sheriff's Office that document and track individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional facilities. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to a case, inmate records specifically track the custodial status and management of individuals within correctional facilities. The Summit County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records, whereas the Summit County Court of Common Pleas and municipal courts maintain case files related to criminal proceedings.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where correctional staff collect and document:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Personal property inventory
Medical screening information
Criminal charges
Court information

These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is closed but maintained according to Ohio's records retention schedules.

The Summit County Jail is classified by the State of Ohio as a full-service detention center and maintains comprehensive records on all individuals processed through its facilities.

Are Inmate Records Public In Summit County?

Inmate records in Summit County are generally considered public records under Ohio law, with certain limitations and exceptions. According to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, the state's public records law, government records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Summit County Sheriff's Office provides public access to basic inmate information through its online inmate roster system. However, not all information contained in inmate files is publicly accessible. Pursuant to Ohio law, certain information is exempt from disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Information that would jeopardize security or law enforcement proceedings
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Victim information
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:

Current inmate roster with names and photographs
Booking information and intake dates
Criminal charges
Bond/bail amounts
Court dates
Expected release dates
Housing facility location

The Summit County Sheriff's Office maintains a regularly updated inmate roster with photographs that is accessible to the public through their official website. This roster provides basic information about individuals currently in custody at Summit County correctional facilities.

What's Included Inmate Records in Summit County

Inmate records maintained by the Summit County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
State ID number and/or FBI number (if applicable)

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Intake assessment information
Housing assignment
Classification level
Disciplinary records
Program participation
Visitation logs
Telephone call records

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Incident reports

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Projected release date
Good time/earned credit calculations
Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Probation/parole information (if applicable)

The Summit County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Ohio state law and departmental policies. While some of this information is publicly accessible through the online inmate search tool, other information may require formal public records requests or may be exempt from disclosure under Ohio law.

Summit County Prison System

The Summit County correctional system operates under the authority of the Summit County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of the county's detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Summit County Jail, which serves as the main detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in Ohio's correctional system:

County Jails: Operated by county sheriff's offices, these facilities house individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences for misdemeanors, or serving felony sentences of less than one year.
State Prisons: Operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, these facilities house individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year.

The Summit County Jail is classified by the State of Ohio as a full-service detention center. The facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of incarceration of less than one year. Individuals sentenced to terms longer than one year are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Summit County Sheriff's Office
53 University Avenue
Akron, OH 44308
330-643-2181
Summit County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Summit County

Summit County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:

Summit County Jail
205 E. Crosier Street
Akron, OH 44311
330-643-2150
Summit County Jail

The Summit County Jail is the primary detention facility in the county, classified by the State of Ohio as a full-service detention center. This facility houses both male and female inmates and provides various levels of security. The jail accommodates:

Pre-trial detainees
Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences
Individuals serving felony sentences of less than one year
Federal inmates awaiting trial (through agreements with federal agencies)

Summit County Minimum Security Facility
40 E. Glenwood Avenue
Akron, OH 44304
330-643-2150

This facility houses minimum-security inmates who pose a lower risk to public safety. Typically, these are individuals who:

Are serving sentences for non-violent offenses
Have demonstrated good behavior
Are approaching their release dates
May participate in work release programs

Summit County Community-Based Correctional Facility (CBCF)
264 E. Crosier Street
Akron, OH 44311
330-996-2222

The CBCF is a residential treatment facility that provides an alternative to prison for non-violent felony offenders. This facility:

Offers intensive treatment programs
Provides educational and vocational training
Focuses on rehabilitation and reentry preparation
Typically houses inmates for 4-6 months

Summit County Juvenile Detention Center
650 Dan Street
Akron, OH 44310
330-643-2090

This facility is separate from the adult system and houses juvenile offenders who:

Are awaiting adjudication in juvenile court
Have been adjudicated delinquent
Are serving dispositions ordered by the juvenile court

Each of these facilities operates under specific security protocols and programming designed to address the needs of their respective populations while maintaining public safety.

Who's in Prison In Summit County

The Summit County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Individuals held on warrants from other jurisdictions

Sentenced Inmates:

Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to 180 days
Individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences of less than one year
Those serving time for probation or parole violations
Inmates awaiting transfer to state prison facilities

Special Populations:

Female inmates (housed in separate units)
Individuals with mental health needs
Veterans
Individuals with substance abuse disorders
Youthful offenders (18-21 years old)
Elderly inmates
Inmates with medical conditions requiring specialized care

According to data from the Summit County Sheriff's Office, the jail population fluctuates but typically includes:

Approximately 70-80% pre-trial detainees
About 20-30% sentenced inmates
A majority of inmates charged with or convicted of drug-related offenses, property crimes, or domestic violence
A smaller percentage of individuals charged with violent offenses

The current inmate roster provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at Summit County facilities, including their charges and booking dates.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 5120.10, individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to state prison facilities operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction rather than remaining in county custody.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Summit County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Summit County have several methods available to access this information. The Summit County Sheriff's Office provides multiple platforms for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Summit County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
Enter the inmate's first and last name in the search fields
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking photograph
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Next court date (if applicable)

Mobile Application:

Download the Summit County Sheriff's Office mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Open the application and select the "Inmate Search" feature
Enter the inmate's information in the search fields
Review the search results

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Summit County Sheriff's Office Records Division Summit County Sheriff's Office
53 University Avenue
Akron, OH 44308
330-643-2181
Complete a public records request form
Provide identifying information about the inmate
Staff will process the request according to Ohio public records law

Written Requests:

Submit a written public records request to: Summit County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
53 University Avenue
Akron, OH 44308
Include the following information:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate booking date (if known)
- Your contact information
Specify the records being requested

For individuals seeking information about inmates in state prison facilities rather than county jail, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction maintains a separate offender search database.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public records requests must be responded to within a reasonable period. The Summit County Sheriff's Office typically processes routine inmate record requests within 3-5 business days.

How To Find an Inmate in Summit County for Free?

Summit County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody within the county correctional system. These free resources are accessible to the general public:

Online Inmate Roster:

Access the Summit County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the Current Inmate Roster page
Browse the alphabetical listing or use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F) to locate a specific name
The roster includes photographs and basic information about each inmate currently in custody

Telephone Inquiry:

Call the Summit County Jail information line at 330-643-2150
Provide the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth
Jail staff can confirm if an individual is in custody and provide basic information about their status
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Mobile Application:

Download the free Summit County Sheriff's Office mobile app
Use the inmate search feature to locate individuals in custody
The application provides real-time information about current inmates
Additional features include notification options for inmate status changes

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Summit County Jail lobby at: Summit County Jail
205 E. Crosier Street
Akron, OH 44311
Speak with staff at the information desk
Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
Staff can confirm custody status and provide visiting information

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction offers a free online offender search tool that provides information about inmates housed in state prison facilities.

These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's custody status. For more detailed records, a formal public records request may be necessary, though standard copying fees may apply for extensive documentation.

How To Visit an Inmate In Summit County

Visitation with inmates at Summit County correctional facilities is governed by specific rules and procedures established by the Summit County Sheriff's Office. Individuals planning to visit an inmate should be aware of the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may add or remove visitors from their list by submitting the appropriate form
Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
Visitors with outstanding warrants or who are on probation/parole may be denied entry

Visit Schedule:

Regular visitation hours are:
- Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- No visitation on Mondays or during county holidays
Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes
Inmates are allowed two visits per week
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) may occur during expanded hours

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during the visit (must be declared)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20
Cameras or recording devices

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, low-cut shirts, etc.)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms that resemble staff attire
Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Contact visits: Available for minimum security inmates under certain conditions
Non-contact visits: Standard visitation through glass partitions with telephone communication
Video visitation: Available at designated terminals within the facility
Special visits: May be arranged for out-of-state visitors with advance approval

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
Passing items to inmates is prohibited and may result in criminal charges
Visitors who violate rules may be permanently banned from visitation

For additional information about inmate visitation, interested parties may contact the Summit County Sheriff's Office Inmate Services at 330-643-2150.

How To Send Money to a Summit County Inmate

The Summit County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, and communication services.

Methods for Sending Money:

Online Deposits:
- Visit the Summit County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Inmate Services section
- Select the online deposit option
- Create an account or log in
- Enter the inmate's information and deposit amount
- Complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Funds are typically available within 24 hours
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Summit County Jail lobby at: Summit County Jail
  205 E. Crosier Street
  Akron, OH 44311
- Use the automated kiosk located in the lobby
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or use a credit/debit card
- Obtain a receipt for your transaction
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order (U.S. Postal Service, Western Union, or MoneyGram)
- Make the money order payable to the inmate (include their full name and inmate ID number)
- Mail to: Summit County Jail
  Inmate Accounts
  205 E. Crosier Street
  Akron, OH 44311
- Include your name and return address
- Funds are typically available within 3-5 business days

Amount Limits and Fees:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Online transaction fee: $2.50 per transaction
Kiosk transaction fee: $2.00 per transaction
Money order deposits: No fee

What You Cannot Send:

Personal checks
Cash through the mail
Cashier's checks
Third-party checks
Foreign currency

Permitted Uses of Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Video visitation sessions
Tablet rentals and services
Medical co-pays
Haircuts

Restricted Uses of Funds:

Bail or bond payments
Court fees or fines (separate accounts)
Restitution payments
Transfers to other inmates
Outside purchases

Upon an inmate's release, any remaining funds in their account will be returned via debit card or check. For additional information about inmate accounts, contact the Summit County Sheriff's Office Inmate Services at 330-643-2150.

How To Send Jail Mail In Summit County

The Summit County Sheriff's Office has established specific guidelines for sending mail to inmates housed in county correctional facilities. All correspondence must adhere to these regulations to ensure delivery to the intended recipient.

Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Inmate ID Number
Summit County Jail
P.O. Box 247
Akron, OH 44309

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages, standard white paper only)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6", no Polaroids)
Money orders (must be addressed to the inmate with their ID number)
Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail" on the envelope)
Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to security review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Cash, personal checks, or cashier's checks
Stamps, envelopes, or blank paper
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cards larger than 5"x7"
Polaroid photographs
Items with glitter, glue, or other adhesives
Pornographic or obscene materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting violence or weapons
Coded messages

Mail Inspection Procedures:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Mail containing prohibited items will be rejected
Contraband items will not be returned to sender
Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates in some cases

Books and Publications:

Books must be paperback only
Must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to content review by jail staff
Religious texts are permitted but subject to the same restrictions

E-Messages:

Available through the jail's approved messaging system
Accessible via the Sheriff's Office website or mobile app
Fees apply for each message
Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Typically delivered more quickly than postal mail

For additional information about mail services for inmates, contact the Summit County Sheriff's Office Inmate Services at 330-643-2150.

Lookup Inmate Records in Summit County

Current Inmate Roster with Photos

Summit County Sheriff's Office

Inmate Services Information

Sheriff's Office Mobile App

About Summit County Corrections

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search

Supreme Court of Ohio

Northern District of Ohio United States District Court

Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43

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