Lorain Correctional Institution (LorCI) is a mixed-security prison located in Grafton, Ohio, operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. It opened in 1990 and has since been processing male incarcerated adults from 25 counties in the northern part of Ohio. The prison is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff, while also offering various initiatives and programs for inmates to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
LorCI has implemented several green initiatives, including an ongoing recycling program that includes plastics, aluminum, metal, paper, and pallets. The prison has also installed low “E” thermopane windows and high-efficiency LED lighting for better energy efficiency. Additionally, high-efficiency boilers have been installed to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs. These initiatives are part of the prison’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
The prison also offers various educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can assist them in finding employment upon release. These programs include adult basic education, vocational training, and apprenticeship programs. Inmates can also participate in substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and anger management classes to address underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior. Through these programs, LorCI aims to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry into society.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 750 |
| Physical Address | 2075 South Avon-Belden Road Grafton, OH 44044 |
| Mailing Address | 2075 South Avon-Belden Road Grafton, OH 44044 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 440-748-1049 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of Lorain Correctional Institution
Lorain Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison located in Grafton, Ohio. It was opened in 1990 as part of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The facility currently houses over 700 male inmates and employs approximately 350 prison staff members.
LorCI is responsible for processing male incarcerated adults from 25 counties in the northern part of Ohio. Men from the remaining 63 counties are processed through the Correctional Reception Center. Upon admission to a designated ODRC intake center, individuals are photographed and fingerprinted. They also undergo a medical and mental health screening, and their personal property is inventoried.
The facility has a variety of programs and services available to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in religious services, recreational activities, and volunteer work.
LorCI is committed to sustainability efforts and has implemented several green initiatives, including an ongoing recycling program for plastics, aluminum, metal, paper, and pallets. The facility also has low “E” thermopane windows, high-efficiency LED lighting, and high-efficiency boilers.
Visitation is allowed at LorCI, but visitors must follow strict guidelines and procedures. Visits must be scheduled in advance and approved by the facility. Visitors must also provide valid identification and pass a security screening before being allowed to enter the facility.
Inmate Services and Programs
Lorain Correctional Institution offers a variety of services and programs to its inmates to help them prepare for their return to society. These services and programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released from prison.
Education Services
LorCI offers a range of education services to its inmates, including GED programs, high school options, and special education services. The Correctional Education Association (CEA) Tutor Training program is also available to help inmates become tutors and assist others in their studies.
Library Services
The library at LorCI provides inmates with access to a variety of books, magazines, and newspapers. Inmates can also request books through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s interlibrary loan program.
Reentry Programs
Ohio Reentry Connections is a program that assists inmates with their transition back into society. The program provides inmates with job training, counseling, and other services to help them prepare for life outside of prison.
Vocational Programs
LorCI offers a range of vocational programs to its inmates, including beekeeping, carpentry, cooking, health care sanitary technician, HVAC, maintenance repair, painting, and animal training. These programs provide inmates with valuable job skills that can help them find employment once they are released from prison.
Overall, LorCI is committed to providing its inmates with the tools they need to succeed once they are released from prison. Through its education, library, reentry, and vocational programs, LorCI is helping to prepare its inmates for successful reentry into society.
Visitation and Security
Visiting Hours
Visitors are welcome to Lorain Correctional Institution:
- Tuesday:
- 8:00 a.m. Housing Units 7A, 9B, 10A & 10B
- 12:00 p.m. Housing Units 3A, 3B, 7B, 8A, 8B & 9A
- Wednesday
- 8:00 a.m. Housing Units 3A, 3B, 7B, 8A, 8B & 9A
- 12:00 p.m. Housing Units 7A & 9B
- Thursday
- 8:00 a.m. Housing Units 7A, 9B, 10A & 10B
- 12:00 p.m. Housing Units 3A, 3B, 7B, 8A, 8B & 9A
- Friday
- 8:00 a.m. Housing Units 7B, 8A, 8B & 9A
- 12:00 p.m. Housing Units 7B, 8A, 8B & 9A
- Saturday
- 8:00 a.m. Housing Units 10A & 10B
- 12:00 p.m. Housing Units 10A & 10B
- Sunday
- 8:00 a.m. Housing Unit 4A & 4A, 4B & 4C Janitors (to schedule a visit for a Janitor visitors must contact the visit desk officer at 440-316-4094)
- 12:00 p.m. Housing Units 10A, 10B & 8A
- Tuesday – Friday
- 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TPU/RH: LEVEL E, LEVEL ET, AND LEVEL 4 (Must schedule through Warden’s office at 440-316-4140)
Video visitation hours are available daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Video visits are 30 minutes long, and additional time may be available depending on the institution and schedule. Visitors must be on the incarcerated individual’s approved visitor list and must adhere to all applicable rules as if they were visiting in person.
Visitation Policies
All video visits are subject to monitoring and recording, and visitors must follow all relevant rules. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visit, and they must present valid identification. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the institution, including cell phones, cameras, or purses. Visitors are also not allowed to wear revealing clothing or clothing that resembles inmate clothing.
Security Levels
LorCI is a mixed-security facility, and all visitors must adhere to strict security protocols. Visitors must pass through a metal detector and may be subject to a pat-down search. Visitors may also be subject to random searches, and any prohibited items found during a search will be confiscated. Inmates are assigned to LorCI based on their security designation, which is determined by the violation hearing. The institution provides in-person visitation privileges as outlined on the institution’s website.
Community Programs
Lorain Correctional Institution offers various community programs to help inmates reintegrate into society. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society.
Recycling Initiative
LorCI has an ongoing recycling initiative in combination with Grafton Correctional Institution (GCI) and Northeast Reintegration Center (NeRC) that includes plastics, aluminum, metal, paper, and pallets. This initiative helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Freedom and Hope Through Art
The Freedom and Hope Through Art program provides inmates with a creative outlet to express themselves through various forms of art such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. This program helps inmates to develop their artistic skills and provides them with a sense of accomplishment.
Computer-Aided Instructional Laboratories (CAIL)
LorCI offers computer-aided instructional laboratories (CAIL) to inmates. These labs provide inmates with access to computers and educational software that can be used to improve their computer skills and knowledge. Inmates can use these skills to help them find employment upon release.
Tutoring Programs
LorCI offers tutoring programs to inmates to help them improve their reading, writing, and math skills. These programs are designed to help inmates prepare for the GED exam and improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Apprenticeship Programs
LorCI offers apprenticeship programs in various trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. These programs provide inmates with hands-on training and valuable skills that can be used to find employment upon release.
In summary, Lorain Correctional Institution offers a variety of community programs to help inmates reintegrate into society. These programs provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society.
Controversies and Issues
Overcrowding
Lorain Correctional Institution has been facing issues with overcrowding for years. As of June 2023, the prison had a population of over 1,100 inmates, which is significantly higher than its designed capacity of 750. This has led to a number of problems, including increased violence, decreased access to medical care, and inadequate living conditions.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has acknowledged the issue and has taken steps to address it. In 2022, the department announced plans to build a new prison to help alleviate overcrowding at Lorain and other facilities across the state. However, the project is still in the planning stages and it is unclear when construction will begin.
In the meantime, Lorain Correctional Institution has implemented a number of measures to try and manage the overcrowding. These include double-bunking, where two inmates share a cell designed for one, and the use of temporary housing units. While these measures have helped to some extent, they have not been enough to fully address the issue.
The overcrowding at Lorain Correctional Institution has also raised concerns about the safety of both inmates and staff. In recent years, there have been several incidents of violence at the prison, including assaults on staff and fights between inmates. Advocates argue that reducing the population at the facility would help to improve safety and reduce the risk of violence.
Overall, the issue of overcrowding at Lorain Correctional Institution is a complex one that requires a multifaceted solution. While the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is taking steps to address the issue, more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff at the facility.