Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) is a medium-security correctional facility located in Chillicothe, Ohio. It was opened in 1987 and is operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,400 inmates and employs over 600 staff members.
RCI offers a variety of programs and services to its inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also has a reentry program aimed at helping inmates successfully transition back into society upon their release. Visitation is allowed at RCI, however, visitors must follow strict guidelines, including completing COVID testing before entering the facility.
Overall, Ross Correctional Institution plays a vital role in Ohio’s criminal justice system by providing a secure and rehabilitative environment for its inmates. Despite the challenges faced by correctional facilities, RCI continues to strive towards its mission of promoting public safety and reducing recidivism rates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,403 |
| Physical Address | 16149 State Route 104 Chillicothe, OH 45601 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 7010 Chillicothe, OH 45601 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Weds through Sun: 7:15 am – 10:15 am, 11:15 am – 2:15 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 740-774-7050 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Overview
Ross Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison located in Chillicothe, Ohio. The facility is situated in Ross County, which is located in the southern part of the state. The prison is operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and was opened in 1987.
Physical Address
The physical address of Ross Correctional Institution is 16149 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601. The facility can be reached by phone at (740) 774-7050.
The prison is situated on a 622-acre site and has a capacity of 1,403 inmates. The facility is comprised of 12 general population housing units, a segregation unit, and a special management unit. The prison also has a medical unit, a food service area, and a warehouse.
Ross Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also has a visiting program that allows inmates to receive visits from family and friends.
Chillicothe is a city in southern Ohio and is the county seat of Ross County. The city has a population of approximately 21,000 people and is located about 45 miles south of Columbus. The area surrounding Chillicothe is known for its natural beauty, with several state parks and nature preserves located nearby.
Visitation
Ross Correctional Institution provides visitation opportunities for inmates to maintain relationships with their families and friends. Visitation is a privilege, and all visitors must follow the guidelines set forth by the institution.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at RCI for in-person visits are Weds through Sun: 7:15 am – 10:15 am, 11:15 am – 2:15 pm. Video visitations are available daily: 7:30 am – 10:30 am, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Visitation Policy
All visits are subject to search and monitoring. Visitors are required to follow the institution’s dress code and conduct themselves appropriately. Visitors who do not comply with the policies and procedures may be denied visitation privileges.
Visiting Applications
All visitors must complete a visiting application and submit it to the institution for approval. The application must include the visitor’s name, address, and relationship to the inmate.
Authorization for Minor Child Visit
Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is authorized to bring the minor child to visit. The authorized adult must provide proof of legal guardianship or custody.
Reservations
All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online visitor portal. Reservations must be made no less than seven days in advance and no more than 30 days in advance of the visit. Cancelations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled visit. The maximum capacity for each visit is four visitors per inmate.
Family and friends play an important role in an inmate’s rehabilitation and reentry into society. RCI aims to provide a safe and secure environment for visitation while maintaining the safety and security of the institution.
Inmate Services
Ross Correctional Institution provides a range of services to its inmates, aimed at helping them develop skills, improve their behavior, and prepare for reintegration into society. Inmate services at RCI include medical services, vocational classes, community service programs, cognitive behavior therapy programs, and substance abuse treatment.
Medical Services
RCI has a medical unit staffed by licensed healthcare professionals who provide medical care to inmates. Inmates have access to routine medical care, emergency medical care, and mental health services. The medical unit also provides dental and optical care to inmates. Inmates can request medical services by submitting a sick call slip to the medical unit.
Vocational Classes
RCI offers vocational classes to inmates to help them develop skills that will be useful upon release. Vocational classes available at RCI include administrative office technology, barbering, carpentry, and adult basic education. Inmates can enroll in vocational classes by submitting a request to the education department.
Community Service Programs
RCI offers community service programs to inmates as a way to give back to the community and develop a sense of responsibility. Inmates can participate in community service programs such as Crayons to Computers, where they help collect and distribute school supplies to underprivileged children.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program
RCI offers a cognitive behavior therapy program to inmates as a way to help them develop better decision-making skills and improve their behavior. Inmates can enroll in the program by submitting a request to the mental health department.
Substance Abuse
RCI provides substance abuse treatment to inmates who are struggling with addiction. The substance abuse program includes group counseling, individual counseling, and education on addiction and recovery. Inmates can enroll in the substance abuse program by submitting a request to the mental health department.
Inmates at RCI also have access to email services through JPay, lockers for storing personal belongings, and cell phones for making calls. Additionally, inmates can participate in the GED program to earn their high school equivalency diploma.