Belmont Correctional Institution (BECI) is a state prison located in St. Clairsville, Ohio. It was opened in 1995 as part of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The facility is designed to house adult male inmates who have been convicted of felony offenses.
BECI is a medium-security prison that has a capacity of 1,800 inmates. The facility houses a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for their release and reentry into society. These programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The prison also offers a variety of religious and spiritual programs to help inmates find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Visitation is an important part of an inmate’s life, and BECI offers visiting hours for family and friends. Visitors must be processed no later than 10 a.m. for the morning session (7:45-11:15 a.m.) and 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon session (11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Visiting hours are subject to change without notice, so it is important to call the institution to confirm hours before visiting. Overall, BECI is committed to helping inmates prepare for their release and reentry into society through a variety of programs and services.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,800 |
| Physical Address | 68518 Bannock Road St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 540 St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Weds through Sun. 7:45–11:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 740-695-5169 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Background
Geographical Location
Belmont Correctional Institution is located at 68518 Bannock Road, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950. The institution is situated in the southeast region of Ohio and is approximately 20 miles west of Wheeling, West Virginia. The facility is easily accessible from Interstate 70, Exit 213.
History and Overview
Belmont Correctional Institution was opened in St. Clairsville, Ohio in 1995 as part of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The facility was constructed to house approximately 1,600 adult male inmates and has since been expanded to include a special management unit for inmates with mental health needs.
BECI offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. These programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The institution also provides opportunities for volunteers to assist in reentry efforts by providing services to offenders. Volunteers can participate in various activities, including mentoring, tutoring, and religious services.
Overall, BECI is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates while promoting offender rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Facilities and Amenities
Belmont Correctional Institution is a state-run correctional facility in St. Clairsville, Ohio that has been providing quality correctional services since 1995. The facility is designed to house adult male offenders and has a capacity of 1,800 inmates. BECI provides a range of facilities and amenities to promote the welfare of inmates and help them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Housing Units
BECI has six housing units, each with a capacity of 500 inmates. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure living environment for the inmates. Each unit has a central control room that is staffed 24 hours a day. Inmates are housed in single or double cells, and the cells are equipped with a bed, a desk, and a toilet. The housing units are equipped with modern security systems, including CCTV cameras, electronic door locks, and intercom systems.
Recreational Facilities
BECI offers a range of recreational facilities to promote physical and mental well-being among the inmates. The facility has an indoor gymnasium, a weight room, and an outdoor recreation yard. The recreation yard is equipped with basketball courts, a soccer field, and a running track. Inmates can also participate in various recreational programs, including sports leagues, music programs, and hobby clubs.
Educational and Vocational Programs
BECI offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after release. The facility has a fully equipped computer lab, a library, and a classroom. Inmates can participate in various educational programs, including adult basic education, high school equivalency, and college courses. The facility also offers vocational training programs in areas such as welding, carpentry, and culinary arts.
Overall, BECI provides a range of facilities and amenities to promote the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates. The housing units, recreational facilities, and educational and vocational programs are designed to provide a safe and secure living environment and help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after release.
Inmate Services and Programs
Inmates at Belmont Correctional Institution have access to a variety of services and programs that aim to help them improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These services and programs include health services, religious services, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Health Services
Belmont Correctional Institution provides comprehensive medical services to its inmates. The institution has a full-time medical staff that includes physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Inmates have access to routine medical care, as well as specialized medical services, such as dental care, optometry, and mental health services. The medical staff also provides health education and disease prevention programs to inmates.
Religious Services
Inmates at Belmont Correctional Institution have access to religious services, which are provided by chaplains and volunteers from various religious organizations. The institution offers religious services for a variety of faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others. Inmates can attend religious services, participate in religious study groups, and receive pastoral counseling.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Belmont Correctional Institution provides substance abuse treatment programs to inmates who struggle with addiction. The institution offers both group and individual counseling, as well as educational programs that aim to help inmates understand the nature of addiction and develop coping skills. The institution also offers a residential drug treatment program, which provides intensive treatment to inmates who require more intensive care.
Mental Health Services
Belmont Correctional Institution provides mental health services to inmates who struggle with mental health issues. The institution has a full-time mental health staff that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. Inmates have access to individual and group counseling, as well as medication management services. The institution also offers educational programs that aim to help inmates understand mental health issues and develop coping skills.
Visitation and Contact
Belmont Correctional Institution allows video and in-person visitation with incarcerated individuals, but guidelines and availability vary by institution. Visitors must be processed in no later than 10 a.m. for the morning session (7:45-11:15 a.m.) and 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon session (11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Visitors must be pre-approved and arrive at the institution at least 30 minutes before the start of the visitation session.
BECI permits visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Visits are limited to two hours per session, and visitors are allowed to visit once per day. Video Visitation Hours are every day: 7:30 am –10:30 am, 12:30 pm –3:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Visitation Rules and Regulations
Visitors must comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and Belmont Correctional Institution. Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Visitors must wear appropriate clothing and refrain from bringing any prohibited items, including weapons, drugs, and cell phones. Visitors must pass through a metal detector and may be subjected to a pat-down search. Visitors who fail to comply with the rules and regulations may be denied visitation privileges.
Contact Information
For more information about visitation at Belmont Correctional Institution, visitors can contact the institution directly at (740) 695-5169 or visit the ODRC website. Visitors can also apply to be approved visitors by completing the online application form available on the ODRC website. The application process requires a background check and may take up to 30 days to complete. Visitors are encouraged to contact the specific institution with any questions or concerns regarding visitation policies and procedures.