Erie County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Erie County

Erie County Jail Information

Erie County Jail is a 100-bed jail located in Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio. For inmate information, you can call them at any time at 419-627-7569.

This facility handles the booking and processing of individuals arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Depending on the charges, they may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or ordered to remain in custody until the conclusion of their trial.

The inmate search tool allows you to view the jail’s roster and find out who is currently in custody.

Those sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail. Inmates with longer sentences are transferred to either the Ohio State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on inmate services such as the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It is helpful to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for correspondence. If you cannot locate it online, you can call Erie County Jail at 419-627-7569 for assistance.

Phone: 419-627-7569

Physical Address:
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Erie County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Erie County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 419-627-7569 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Erie County Criminal Court Cases online, as well as cases in every other county in Ohio.

Erie County Jail Inmate Search

The Erie County Jail maintains an average of 100 offenders in custody on any given day. The Erie County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Erie County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,000 offenders.

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About the Erie County Jail

Sandusky, Ohio built their original jail in 1882 and 1883 to serve Erie County. This building is an historic building that remains standing and is still in use for some purposes.

The new jail, Erie County Jail, resides in the same city, though it has been built on a new location that allows for the original to be protected and for a modern facility to be used today.

The Erie County Jail can be contacted at 419-627-7569 to determine if someone is being held there and what their bail is, or when they may have visitors.

People may be held in jail after they have been arrested and processed but are awaiting arraignment or first appearance, and then while they await their sentence, and can remain until they have served their sentence. Bond can only be paid by money order, and approved bond agents are recommended.

Updates to the new building included a visiting kiosk for video visits in the lobby or from home. Visitation hours are available every day, 7am until 1:45pm and again 2:15pm until 5:30pm. for up to one hour per day. Visiting details can be found online. It is important for inmates to receive visits in order to maintain a connection with those who are awaiting their release.

Mail and phone calls are also accepted, and both are monitored for the safety of both the inmates and the staff at the jail.

Other accepted forms of communication include emails and texts that are forwarded to the inmates the day they are sent, and the inmates may call out to their friends and family but do not receive incoming phone calls.

Phones can be funded online, and all mail is sent to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

... with a full return address, postage, and nothing else on the envelope.  

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

The booking procedure at Erie County Jail

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Erie County Jail for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.

The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.

The booking process at Erie County Jail includes the following steps:

  • Personal identification confirmation.
  • Mugshots for record-keeping.
  • Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
  • DNA collection may be required.
  • Conducting a thorough body search.
  • Securing personal belongings.
  • Providing a phone call.

The booking process can take anywhere from one hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 419-627-7569.

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Directions / Map to the Erie County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to handle bail after an arrest in Erie County

If someone has been booked at Erie County Jail in Sandusky, their next steps may include:

1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 419-627-7569.

There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.

  • Bail payments can be made with cash, credit, or money orders.
  • Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Erie County.
  • Property within Erie County may also be used to cover the bail amount.

For a full guide to the bail process in Erie County, Ohio, visit the Erie County Jail Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Erie County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Erie County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-627-7569

  • On-site Visits are free
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Only one hour of on-site video visits per week allowed per inmate.

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
MONDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
TUESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
THURSDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
FRIDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
SATURDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM

Erie County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • Remote Visits cost approximately $5.95 for a 20 minute visit
  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • There is a one hour limit for remote visits with an inmate per day.

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
MONDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
TUESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
THURSDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
FRIDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
SATURDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM

Erie County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for 'At the Jail' Visitation with Inmates.



For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to visit.
  • Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

    Video Visitation must be done from a computer using Google Chrome and an updated Adobe Flash player. Before starting this process you must make sure that your Adobe Flash player is fully updated and that you are using Google Chrome. First... Set up Flash, then restart your computer and then go to Google Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer and log on to Inmate Canteen.
    Steps Inmate canteen Visitation:
    1. Go to www.inmatecanteen.com on a computer (not supported on mobile devices i.e. tablets, cell phones, etc)
    2. Log in, select your inmate, and select the Video Visit an Inmate option.
    3. You will be required to fill out a form, submit a driver's license picture and a picture of your face. Once submitted, Erie County Jail will either approve or deny it.
    4. Once approved you will be all set to video visit!
    NOTES: Make sure you are allowing flash player to run in google chrome by selecting the lock icon to left of the browser. Flash Player needs to be set to “allow”. Then you can refresh the page and it should be good to go. If flash player is being blocked you will not be able to take a picture or see any video during the visitation. When you click on the video visitation link on the website, please visit the Audition Room to test your equipment. To find the Audition Room, please click on 'Video Visit an Inmate' and it will be located on the top of your screen. Here you can test and verify that your webcam and microphone are working. We highly recommend a hard line for video visiting, unstable internet can result in poor visit qualities.

How to Have Remote Video Visits with an Inmate in Erie County

To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with Inmate Canteen to communicate with your Erie County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with your Erie County inmate using Inmate Canteen.
  • Inmate Canteen has excellent quality video visits between your home device and a video terminal in the inmate's housing area at Erie County Jail.
  • You can also send and receive secure messages and use them to make and receive phone calls with your Erie County inmate.
  • This is a fee based service.

Instructions for Inmate Video Visitation:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select Erie County Jail and the inmate you wish to visit.
- Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding visiting with an inmate (both at the jail and remotely) in Erie County, visit our full page guide

NOTE: All video visits are recorded and stored. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some video visits providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Erie County Jail?

Erie County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-627-7569

  • On-site Visits are free
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Only one hour of on-site video visits per week allowed per inmate.

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
MONDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
TUESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
2:15PM - 5:30PM
THURSDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
FRIDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
SATURDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM

Erie County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • Remote Visits cost approximately $5.95 for a 20 minute visit
  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • There is a one hour limit for remote visits with an inmate per day.

DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
MONDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
TUESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
THURSDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
FRIDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM
SATURDAY 7:00AM - 1:45PM
​​​​​​​2:15PM - 5:30PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Erie County Jail?

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Erie County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Erie County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Erie County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Ohio, then Erie County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.
  • NOTE: Erie County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Erie County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Erie County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Erie County Jail?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Erie County Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Erie County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Erie County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Erie County Jail, and what can I send them?

Erie County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Erie County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Erie County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Erie County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Erie County Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

Erie County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Erie County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Erie County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Erie County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Erie County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Online Commissary Purchases for an Inmate.

NOTE: Erie County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Items" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Erie County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Erie County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Ohio, then Erie County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Erie County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Erie County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Erie County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Erie County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Erie County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Select Ohio, then select Erie County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Add money to your account.
  • Verify your email.
  • Send message.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your Erie County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Erie County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Erie County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Erie County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Erie County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-627-7569 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Erie County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Erie County

What are the other City and County Jails in Erie County?

Erie County County Jails
Erie County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Erie County?

Erie Huron Sandusky Lorain Ottawa
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Search for an Inmate in Erie County

This facility, known as "Erie County Jail" is also known as Erie County Jail , Erie County Jail , Ohio, Erie.