Lucasville Prison Inmate Search gives families, legal teams, and community members a fast way to find someone held at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. The online system shows current inmate names, DOC numbers, housing units, and release dates. Users can search by full name, identification number, or case reference. The roster updates every night with new admissions, transfers, and releases. This ensures accurate, real-time information for anyone needing to contact or visit an incarcerated person. The facility also lists visitation rules, mail guidelines, and phone procedures in one place. All details follow strict state policies to protect privacy and security.
How to Use the Official Inmate Search Portal
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction runs a public inmate search tool for all state prisons, including the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. To start, go to the official ODRC website and select the offender search option. Enter the inmate’s full legal name or their six-digit DOC number with the correct prefix—A for most male inmates, R for repeat offenders, and W for female inmates. You can also filter results by gender, age, race, admission year, offense class, or security level. Each profile includes current housing location, sentence length, parole eligibility, and disciplinary history. The system refreshes nightly, so data stays current. Always double-check spelling and use exact names to avoid errors.
Visitation Rules and Approval Process
Visits at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility happen only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All visitors must be pre-approved through the ODRC visitor application system. Applications require full name, relationship to the inmate, address, phone number, and government-issued ID. Background checks are standard. Minors under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present. Dress codes ban revealing clothing, gang symbols, or dark sunglasses. Each inmate may have up to three approved visitors at once. Visits last one hour and occur in monitored areas. Late arrivals may lose their slot. Always confirm your visit 24 hours ahead by calling the facility.
Phone Contact Procedures for Inmates
To speak with an inmate at Lucasville Prison, call the main line at 740-259-5544. Tell the operator your full name, relationship to the inmate, and the inmate’s DOC number. Calls transfer only after verification. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls but can make outgoing collect calls or use prepaid accounts. Phone access depends on behavior and security level. High-risk inmates may have limited or supervised calls. All calls are recorded and monitored except legal calls. Families can set up accounts through approved vendors like JPay or Securus. Call times vary by housing unit. Avoid calling during count times or meal hours for faster connection.
Mailing Letters and Packages Correctly
All mail sent to inmates must include the recipient’s full legal name, SOCF, 1724 State Route 728, PO Box 45699, Lucasville, OH 45699. Write your return address clearly on the envelope. Use plain white paper—no colored paper, stickers, glitter, or drawings. Letters with contraband are returned unopened. Inmates may receive up to three letters per week. Packages must be approved in advance and sent through authorized vendors only. No food, clothing, or electronics are allowed unless part of a reentry program. All mail is inspected by security staff before delivery. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers or bookstores. Personal photos are limited to five per envelope.
Facility Overview: Security Levels and Housing Units
The Southern Ohio Correctional Facility opened in 1972 and sits on 140 acres just outside Lucasville. It houses around 1,243 adult offenders across multiple security levels. Level 1 holds low-risk inmates with minimal supervision. Level 111 is for medium-security prisoners with more restrictions. Level 1V contains high-risk individuals under constant watch. The prison also has a Security Housing Unit (SHU) for disciplinary isolation and a Protective Housing Unit (PHU) for vulnerable inmates. Each unit has separate recreation yards, medical clinics, and counseling spaces. The layout supports tailored programs based on risk and behavior. Surveillance cameras and armed towers cover all areas.
Warden and Administrative Leadership
Ronald Erdos has served as warden of the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility since 2019. He oversees daily operations, staff training, and policy enforcement. His leadership focuses on safety, rehabilitation, and transparency. Under his direction, the prison added biometric access controls, expanded vocational training, and launched peer-support programs. Quarterly reports now detail budget use, grievance outcomes, and incident rates. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction manages staffing, funding, and statewide standards. Annual audits ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Community outreach includes volunteer coordination and reentry planning.
Rehabilitation and Reentry Programs
SOCF offers education and job training to help inmates prepare for life after release. The Prison Industry Authority runs workshops in metal fabrication, textiles, and food service. Inmates earn certifications and work experience. GED classes are available through volunteer instructors. Job placement counseling connects graduates with employers. Substance abuse treatment and mental health services are provided on-site. Volunteers lead workshops on financial literacy, digital skills, and parenting. To join, contact Venetta Kennedy at 740-259-5544 ext. 3425. All volunteers pass background checks and attend orientation. These programs reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration.
Death Row and Execution Protocol
Male inmates sentenced to death live at Chillicothe Correctional Institution. Executions occur at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. Female death row prisoners are held at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. Before an execution, the ODRC notifies the inmate’s lawyer and next of kin 30 days in advance. The method is lethal injection. A final psychological exam is required. A bipartisan panel oversees the process to ensure fairness and legality. The execution chamber at SOCF is used only for this purpose. All procedures follow Ohio Revised Code and federal guidelines.
Impact of Inmate Transfers on Families
When an inmate moves to another facility, visitation schedules, mail routing, and program access can change. The ODRC updates the online roster within 24 hours of transfer. Families receive a notice at the last known emergency contact. Always verify the new location before traveling. Each prison has different visiting hours, dress codes, and parking rules. The relocation hotline at 740-688-0001 answers questions about counseling, parole hearings, and eligibility. Transfers may affect job training or medical care. Stay informed through the official inmate search tool or by calling the facility directly.
Recent Facility Updates and Transparency Reports
In 2022, SOCF began publishing quarterly transparency reports. These include budget breakdowns, inmate grievance resolutions, and disciplinary hearing outcomes. Recent upgrades feature biometric scanners at all entrances and new vocational courses in renewable energy technology. A pilot peer-support program helps first-time offenders avoid repeat crimes. The latest public update was posted on September 27, 2021, confirming Warden Erdos remains in charge. The facility continues to prioritize safety, accountability, and rehabilitation. All reports are available on the ODRC website.
Historical Context: The 1993 Lucasville Riot
The Southern Ohio Correctional Facility gained national attention during the 1993 riot. Over 400 inmates took control of several housing units for 11 days. The standoff ended with nine inmate deaths and one corrections officer killed. The event led to major reforms in inmate classification, emergency response, and prison design across Ohio. Today, SOCF uses lessons from the riot to improve safety and communication. The incident remains a key case study in correctional administration. Memorials and training programs honor those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucasville Prison Inmate Search
Many people have questions about how to find an inmate, send mail, or visit. Below are common concerns with clear, direct answers based on current ODRC policies and facility rules.
How do I find an inmate’s DOC number if I only know their name?
Use the Ohio Offender Search tool on the ODRC website. Enter the full legal name and select Southern Ohio Correctional Facility from the dropdown. If multiple matches appear, check details like age, race, and admission date to identify the correct person. You can also call the facility at 740-259-5544 and ask for help—but you must prove your relationship first. The DOC number is a six-digit code with a prefix (A, R, or W). Keep this number handy for future searches, mail, and calls.
Can I visit an inmate without being on the approved list?
No. All visitors must be pre-approved through the ODRC visitor application. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Submit your application online with your ID and relationship proof. Approval takes up to two weeks. Only approved visitors can enter during Tuesday or Saturday hours. Minors need a guardian. If your application is denied, you’ll receive a reason and can appeal. Never bring gifts, food, or phones—only your ID and visitor pass.
What happens if my mail gets rejected?
If your letter contains contraband—like stickers, perfume, or drawings—it will be returned unopened with a note explaining why. Use plain white paper and standard envelopes. Include your return address. Do not fold letters tightly or use tape. If a package is not from an approved vendor, it will be refused. Always check the latest mail rules on the ODRC site. Repeated violations may lead to mail privileges being suspended for the inmate.
How often does the inmate roster update?
The official roster updates every night at midnight. This includes new admissions, releases, transfers, and housing changes. If someone was moved today, their new location will appear tomorrow morning. The search tool reflects these changes instantly. For urgent cases, call the facility directly—but staff may not give details over the phone without verification. Rely on the online system for the most accurate, timely data.
Are phone calls from inmates free?
No. Inmates must pay for calls using prepaid accounts or collect calling. Families can fund accounts through JPay, Securus, or other approved vendors. Call costs vary by provider and duration. Legal calls may be free if arranged in advance. All non-legal calls are recorded and limited by behavior and security level. High-risk inmates may have supervised or restricted access. Call quality depends on facility infrastructure—peak hours may cause delays.
Can volunteers work with inmates directly?
Yes, but only after training and approval. Volunteers assist with GED classes, job counseling, and life skills workshops. Contact Venetta Kennedy at 740-259-5544 ext. 3425 to apply. You’ll need a background check and two-day orientation. Roles include teaching, mentoring, and event coordination. Volunteers must follow strict conduct rules and respect inmate privacy. No personal contact outside approved activities is allowed. Most programs run weekdays during daytime hours.
What should I do if an inmate is transferred suddenly?
Check the online inmate search tool immediately—it updates within 24 hours. Call the relocation hotline at 740-688-0001 for details. Confirm the new facility’s visitation rules, mail address, and phone policies before traveling. Update your contact info with the ODRC to receive future notices. If the inmate was in a reentry program, ask if services continue at the new location. Keep records of all communications for reference.
Official Website: www.drc.ohio.gov/socf
Phone: 740-259-5544
Visiting Hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mailing Address: Inmate’s Full Name, SOCF, 1724 State Route 728, PO Box 45699, Lucasville, OH 45699
