James A. Karnes Corrections Center is a 867-bed jail in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. You can contact the facility for inmate information anytime at 614-525-3368.
This jail processes individuals arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. After booking and processing, inmates may be held until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until their trial is concluded.
The inmate search tool allows you to check the jail's roster and find out who is currently in custody.
Offenders serving less than one year will do their time here, while those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Ohio State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides essential information, including the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate's account, send mail, receive phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.
Remember to save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for any communication needs. If you cannot locate it online, call James A. Karnes Corrections Center at 614-525-3368 for assistance.
Phone: 614-525-3368
Physical Address:
2551 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43204
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Franklin County OH Corrections Center
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
James A. Karnes Corrections Center
2551 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43204
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center, 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 614-525-3368 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Franklin County Criminal Court Cases online, as well as cases in every other county in Ohio.
James A. Karnes Corrections Center Inmate Search
The James A. Karnes Corrections Center maintains an average of 867 offenders in custody on any given day. The James A. Karnes Corrections Center 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 Franklin County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 53,980 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe James A. Karnes Corrections Center took three years to build, but is was finally completely finished and occpied over several months in 2022 and 2023. At a cost of $360 million, it is one of the most state of the art and progressive thinking county jails in America today and a role model for any other jail that is looking to be both secure and help rehabilitate the inmates they are responsible for.
The Franklin County Sheriff, who manages the jail, the hundreds of staff and its 1,200+ inmates, claims that 70% of the inmates that are booked into the James A. Karnes Corrections Center are released within three days. He believes that since they are being released immediately back intoi the community, they can't be treated as second class citizens; men and women who are treated as animals, for the guy booked into jail today, could be the guy serving you food in a restaurant or having contact with your children tomorrow.
The jail has recreation facilities, a visitation center, a state of the art medical and dental clinic, a streamlined booking area, a detox area for inmates going throughh withdrawal, thousands of cameras covering every inch of the facility and a security system that rivals any maximum security prison in America.
The James A. Karnes Corrections Center is located at 2551 Fisher Road in Columbus, OH 43204. They can be reached 24 hours a day by calling 614-525-3368. You can use the Inmate Search & Jail Roster to not only confirm an offender is in the jail but find out their inmate number, booking number, court case information, their criminal charges, bond, date of birth, what law enforcement agency arrested them, and view their official mugshot.
Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly. Friends and family of inmates in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. Friends and family can also communicate using an online text/email system, send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.
All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below. If you still have questions, you can phone the jail 24 hours a day by calling 614-525-3368.
Once arrested, the person is taken to James A. Karnes Corrections Center for booking, a process that confirms identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.
Staying silent is key during this process, as anything spoken can be used as evidence in court. It’s best to wait for legal counsel before responding to questions.
Steps involved in booking at James A. Karnes Corrections Center include:
Booking can range from an hour to 48 hours depending on the circumstances. To check on an offender’s bond amount, contact James A. Karnes Corrections Center at 614-525-3368.
After an arrest, individuals are brought to James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Columbus for processing. Following this, three possible outcomes exist:
1. The individual may be released without posting bail, with a promise to appear in court.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their court date.
3. Bail or bond can be posted for release; for more information, contact 614-525-3368.
Bail payment can be handled through various means.
To learn more about the bail process in Franklin County, Ohio, visit the James A. Karnes Corrections Center Bail Page.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center? What is the Schedule?
2551 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43204
614-525-3368
DAY | TIMES |
SUNDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
NOTE: Attorneys, Clergy and Law Enforcement may still visit in person.
DAY | TIMES |
SUNDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
NOTE: Attorneys, Clergy and Law Enforcement may still visit in person.
Next Steps:
For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required.
All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-208-7349 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday
Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.
Follow these instructions to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL.
For all the information you need to know regarding scheduling, cost, rules, tips and guidelines of inmate visits at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center, check out our Visit Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center?
2551 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43204
614-525-3368
DAY | TIMES |
SUNDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 10:30AM - 1:30PM 4:30PM - 9:00PM |
NOTE: Attorneys, Clergy and Law Enforcement may still visit in person.
DAY | TIMES |
SUNDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
MONDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
TUESDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
WEDNESDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
THURSDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
FRIDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
SATURDAY | 10:30AM - 9:00PM |
NOTE: Attorneys, Clergy and Law Enforcement may still visit in person.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center?
1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.
Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132
Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.
5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.
Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages
Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email: customerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.
To send commissary money to an inmate in James A. Karnes Corrections Center follow these steps:
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for James A. Karnes Corrections Center.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
For full instructions on the James A. Karnes Corrections Center Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The James A. Karnes Corrections Center 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 James A. Karnes Corrections Center 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 & Booking #
Franklin County OH Corrections Center
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
James A. Karnes Corrections Center
2551 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43204
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 James A. Karnes Corrections Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & 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 James A. Karnes Corrections Center 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 & Booking #
James A. Karnes Corrections Center
2551 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43204
For inmates receiving mail in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center 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 James A. Karnes Corrections Center:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Franklin County OH Corrections Center
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
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 James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center, and what can I purchase?
Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel
Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select Ohio.
3. Select James A. Karnes Corrections Center.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at customerservice@securepak.net.
* You can write them at:
Access Securepak
10880 Linpage Place
St. Louis, MO 63132
* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST,
and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.
*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by James A. Karnes Corrections Center staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the James A. Karnes Corrections Center's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.
*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.
To send commissary money to an inmate in James A. Karnes Corrections Center follow these steps:
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for James A. Karnes Corrections Center.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center using an Online Messaging Service?
James A. Karnes Corrections Center contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select James A. Karnes Corrections Center,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1. Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1. Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
To mail or email an inmate in Franklin County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select James A. Karnes Corrections Center,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Franklin County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the James A. Karnes Corrections Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?
The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at James A. Karnes Corrections Center, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at James A. Karnes Corrections Center.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- James A. Karnes Corrections Center Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.
Game Center:
30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)
Unlimited eBooks:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
Streaming Music:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)
Newsfeed
Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)
Same Day Subscription Services
Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)
Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)
Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)
All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes.
Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...
Tablet: $249.99 per each
Charger: $8.99 per each
Earbuds: $2.99 per each
To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:
1. First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL
2. Purchase the services you want for your James A. Karnes Corrections Center inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.
To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about James A. Karnes Corrections Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 614-525-3368 for further assistance.
Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Franklin County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Franklin County?