Licking County Jail serves as a secure detention center in Newark, Ohio, housing individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. Operated by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, the facility prioritizes safety, rehabilitation, and community transparency. Whether you’re searching for an inmate, planning a visit, or need to send funds, this page delivers accurate, up-to-date information directly from official sources.
How to Search for an Inmate in Licking County Jail
The Licking County Jail offers a free online inmate lookup tool that allows anyone to find current inmates quickly. This system shows real-time data including name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and court dates. To use it, visit the official Licking County Sheriff’s Office website and click on the “Inmate Roster” section.
Enter the person’s full legal name or inmate ID number. The search works best with exact spelling. If you get no results, try a partial name or known alias. The roster updates several times daily, so information is current. For help, call the jail at (740) 670-5500 during business hours.
You can also visit the jail in person at 155 East Main Street, Newark, OH 43055. Bring a photo ID and any details about the inmate, such as their date of birth. Staff will assist with your request, but wait times may vary.
What Information Appears in the Inmate Roster?
The inmate roster includes key details to help families and legal teams stay informed. Each entry lists:
- Full name and known aliases
- Booking date and time
- Current charges and legal status
- Bond amount and type (cash, surety, or property)
- Next court date and location
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Inmate housing location within the facility
This data helps users track case progress and plan visits or legal actions. All information comes directly from the jail’s booking system and is verified daily.
Licking County Jail Address, Phone, and Contact Details
The Licking County Justice Center, which includes the jail, is located at 155 East Main Street, Newark, OH 43055. It sits near downtown Newark, close to the courthouse and police department. The main phone number is (740) 670-5500. Calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
For inmate mail, use this format:
Inmate’s Full Name
Inmate ID Number
Licking County Justice Center
155 East Main Street
Newark, OH 43055
Always include the inmate ID number on all correspondence. Mail without it may be delayed or returned. The jail does not accept packages, magazines, or books sent directly from individuals. These must come from approved vendors only.
Visiting Hours and Rules at Licking County Jail
Visitation is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. All visits must be scheduled in advance using the online booking system or by calling the visitation office. Walk-in visits are not allowed.
Each inmate can receive one 30-minute visit per week. Up to two adults may visit at the same time. Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Dress code rules are strict. Do not wear:
- Revealing clothing like tank tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee
- Clothing with offensive words, images, or gang symbols
- Hats, sunglasses, or hoodies inside the visitation area
- Shoes with open toes or high heels
All visitors go through a security screening. Bags, phones, and personal items are not allowed in the visitation room. Food, drinks, and gifts are prohibited.
Virtual Visitation Option
Licking County Jail offers video visitation for those who cannot come in person. Virtual visits cost $9.95 for 20 minutes and must be scheduled online. You’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and stable internet connection.
Video visits follow the same rules as in-person visits. Both parties must be on camera at all times. Recording or screenshotting is not allowed. If the connection fails, you may reschedule once at no extra cost.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Family and friends can send money to inmates through three secure methods. Funds go into the inmate’s commissary account and can be used for snacks, hygiene items, phone calls, and medical co-pays.
Online deposits are the fastest option. Use the Access Corrections portal at www.accesscorrections.com. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and ID number. Payments are processed instantly using a debit or credit card.
Kiosk payments are available at the jail lobby. The machine accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Receipts are printed for your records.
Money orders can be mailed to the jail address. Make the money order payable to the inmate’s name. Write the inmate ID number on the memo line. Do not send cash or personal checks—they will be returned.
All transactions are recorded and secure. Inmates receive a receipt when funds are added. Account balances carry over if an inmate is transferred or released.
Inmate Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved contacts only. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be monitored or recorded. Incoming calls to inmates are not allowed.
To receive calls, family members must set up a prepaid account with Securus Technologies, the jail’s phone service provider. Visit www.securustech.net or call 1-800-844-6591 to create an account and add funds.
Call rates vary by time of day and location. Local calls typically cost $0.25 per minute. Long-distance calls may cost more. Free calls are not provided, but indigent inmates may qualify for limited call credits based on need.
Inmates can also send and receive mail. Letters must be written on plain white paper in blue or black ink. Envelopes should not contain stickers, drawings, or glue. Polaroid photos are banned due to security risks.
Commissary Services and Purchasing Items
The jail commissary lets inmates buy extra food, toiletries, and stationery. Orders are placed weekly using a paper form distributed by staff. Items are delivered within two business days.
Popular commissary items include:
- Snacks: Chips, cookies, crackers, and candy
- Beverages: Instant coffee, tea, and soft drink mixes
- Hygiene: Toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo
- Stationery: Envelopes, paper, pens, and stamps
- Clothing: Socks, undershirts, and thermal wear (seasonal)
Prices are set by the vendor and may change weekly. Inmates cannot share or trade items. All purchases deduct from their account balance. Refunds are not given for unused items.
Booking Process and Mugshots
When someone is arrested in Licking County, they are brought to the jail for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, a mugshot, health screening, and background check. The entire process takes 1–2 hours.
Mugshots are taken with a digital camera and stored in the jail’s database. They become public record unless sealed by a court order. Anyone can request a copy by submitting a public records request to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.
To request a mugshot, email sheriff@lcounty.com or mail a written request to the jail address. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and booking date if known. A small fee may apply for processing.
If charges are dropped or the person is found not guilty, they may ask to have their mugshot removed from public websites. This does not erase the record but limits online visibility. Legal assistance is recommended for removal requests.
Bail and Release Procedures
Bail is set during the first court appearance, usually within 48 hours of arrest. The amount depends on the charge, criminal history, and flight risk. Judges may allow cash bail, surety bonds, or property bonds.
To post bail, contact the Booking Office at (740) 670-5500. Payment can be made in cash, credit card, or through a licensed bail bondsman. If using a bondsman, you’ll pay 10% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable fee.
Once bail is posted, the inmate is released after completing paperwork. This usually takes 30–60 minutes. Released inmates receive a copy of their release form and court date reminder.
If no bail is set or posted, the inmate remains in custody until their next court date. Release dates for sentenced inmates are calculated based on time served and good behavior credits.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
All inmates receive a medical screening within 24 hours of booking. This includes checks for injuries, infections, mental health issues, and substance withdrawal. Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma are managed with prescribed medications.
The jail contracts with a medical provider to offer routine care, emergency treatment, and medication management. Dental and vision services are available for urgent needs. Prescription drugs from outside the jail are not allowed.
Mental health support includes counseling, crisis intervention, and medication for depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Trained staff conduct regular wellness checks. Inmates can request a mental health evaluation at any time.
Substance abuse programs include detox support, counseling, and referrals to treatment centers upon release. These services aim to reduce relapse and support long-term recovery.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
Licking County Jail offers several programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. These include GED classes, vocational training, and life skills workshops.
GED preparation is available twice a week. Instructors help inmates study math, reading, science, and social studies. Testing is arranged through the local school district.
Vocational training includes basic carpentry, plumbing, and computer skills. Classes are taught by certified instructors and run for 6–12 weeks. Certificates are awarded upon completion.
Life skills courses cover budgeting, job searching, parenting, and anger management. These sessions are led by community volunteers and nonprofit organizations.
Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Inmates earn privileges like extra phone time or commissary credits for attending regularly.
Security and Facility Operations
The Licking County Justice Center uses advanced security systems to protect staff, inmates, and visitors. Surveillance cameras monitor all common areas 24/7. Motion sensors and door alarms prevent unauthorized access.
Inmates are classified by risk level upon intake. Low-risk individuals may live in dormitory-style housing, while high-risk inmates are placed in single cells with limited movement.
Staff undergo annual training in emergency response, de-escalation, and inmate rights. Fire drills and medical emergency exercises are conducted monthly.
The facility includes medical bays, visitation rooms, classrooms, and a kitchen that prepares three meals daily. Meals meet state nutrition standards and accommodate religious or medical diets when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how Licking County Jail operates. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official policies and procedures.
How do I find out if someone is in Licking County Jail?
Use the online inmate lookup tool on the Licking County Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or inmate ID. If you can’t find them, call (740) 670-5500. Provide their name and date of birth. Staff will confirm if they are booked and share basic info like charges and bond amount. The roster updates multiple times per day, so results are current. If the person was recently arrested, wait 1–2 hours for processing.
Can I visit an inmate without scheduling ahead?
No. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Use the online portal or call the visitation office. Walk-in visits are not permitted. This ensures safety and proper staffing. Each visit lasts 30 minutes and occurs Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. You must bring a valid photo ID and follow the dress code. Virtual visits are also available for $9.95 per session and require internet access.
What happens if I send cash in the mail to an inmate?
Cash sent through the mail will be returned to you. The jail only accepts money orders, cashier’s checks, or electronic deposits. Money orders must include the inmate’s full name and ID number. Electronic deposits can be made online via Access Corrections or at the kiosk in the jail lobby. All funds go into the inmate’s commissary account and can be used for approved purchases. Keep your receipt for tracking.
Are inmates allowed to have books or magazines?
Yes, but only if sent directly from a publisher or approved vendor like Amazon. Books must be new and paperback. Hardcover books are not allowed. Magazines and newspapers must also come from a vendor, not from individuals. No used books, newspapers, or homemade materials are accepted. All mail is screened for contraband. Inmates can also access a small library inside the facility with donated reading materials.
How long does it take to get released after posting bail?
After bail is posted, release usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Staff must complete paperwork, return personal items, and confirm court orders. If the inmate has medical needs or pending charges, release may take longer. Weekends and holidays can delay processing. Once released, inmates receive a copy of their release form and next court date. If bail is posted after hours, release happens the next business day.
What programs help inmates prepare for life after jail?
Licking County Jail offers GED classes, vocational training in carpentry and plumbing, and life skills workshops on budgeting and job searching. Mental health counseling and substance abuse support are also available. These programs run weekly and are taught by certified instructors or community partners. Inmates earn certificates upon completion, which can help with employment. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged for successful reintegration.
Can I request a copy of a mugshot from Licking County Jail?
Yes. Mugshots are public records. Submit a written request to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office by email or mail. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and booking date if known. A small fee may apply. If the person was found not guilty or charges were dropped, they can request removal from public websites, though the record remains in official files. Legal help is advised for removal requests.
Licking County Sheriff’s Office
155 East Main Street, Newark, OH 43055
Phone: (740) 670-5500
Website: www.lcounty.com/sheriff
Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (by appointment only)