Mercer County Jail

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Mercer County

Mercer County Jail

The 75-bed Mercer County Jail offers inmate information over the phone 24 hours a day at 419-586-5753.

This facility is the first stop for people arrested in the county on misdemeanor and felony charges. Everyone goes through booking and processing, and those who are held stay until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or until their trial is finished.

You can search for current inmates using the inmate search tool.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year serve out their time at this jail. Inmates sentenced to longer terms are transferred to the Ohio State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page tells you how to search the official jail roster, reach the facility, and use services like visitation, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.

The inmate’s jail ID or booking number is required for many services, so save it. If it’s not online, call Mercer County Jail at 419-586-5753.

Phone

419-586-5753

Physical address

4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822
Get directions

Mailing address (personal mail)

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822

Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822

Other Jails and Prisons

To search for an inmate in the Mercer 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 419-586-5753 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Mercer County Criminal Court Cases online, as well as cases in every other county in Ohio.

Mercer County Jail Inmate Search

The Mercer County Jail maintains an average of 75 offenders in custody on any given day. The Mercer 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 Mercer County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,500 offenders.

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Celina, Ohio is home to the Mercer County Jail that houses those who are arrested within the area for any reason. They accept both male and female inmates from booking through to the release after the sentence has been completed.

Schedules are built to ensure there are at least 3 officers on duty at all times to cover all the needs of the inmates.

When a new arrest comes in it will take 2 officers to do the intake process and it takes on average an hour for the process to be completed. It includes registration medical questions, logging in all personal property, mug shot, fingerprints, and they are then provided with time to shower and the clothing they will be wearing.

They are then held in the intake space for a few hours, usually eight hours, before they are taken to their assigned cell.

When on shift the officers are responsible for all day to day operations and duties. They hand out medication and meals to each of the inmates, monitor any visits that are occurring with friends and family of the inmates, check mail for contraband, and manage the laundry. They also complete regular cell checks to prevent the creation of any weapons or other contraband, hand out any commissary purchases, manage transportation, and manage recreational time.

Visits are permitted to be 20 minutes and occur Monday through Friday 8am-4pm and 7pm-9pm and on the weekends 7pm-9pm.

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Understanding the booking process at Mercer County Jail

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Mercer County Jail where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.

It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.

The following steps outline the booking procedure at Mercer County Jail:

  • Personal identification verification.
  • Taking photographs (mugshots).
  • Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
  • Possibly collecting DNA samples.
  • Performing a full-body search.
  • Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
  • Allowing one phone call.

Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 419-586-5753.

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Paying bail for someone in custody in Mercer County

Once someone is booked at Mercer County Jail in Celina after an arrest, there are several outcomes:

1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 419-586-5753 for bail details.

Bail payments can take several forms.

  • The full cash bond is paid at the jail's bonding window or at the clerk of court using cash, a cashier's check or a money order, while many jails add a card option at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond service for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and call the jail at 419-586-5753 with questions.
  • A licensed bail bond agent in Mercer County can help cover bail.
  • Many courts take real estate as security for a bond; the property owner must show clear title plus equity at least equal to the bond, often twice it, backed by a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set the bail gives final approval.

For detailed information about the bail process in Mercer County, Ohio, see the Mercer County Jail Bail FAQ.

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


ON-SITE (at the jail) INMATE VIDEO VISITATION

  • On-site visitation is FREE.
  • Visits are 20 minutes in length.
  • Each day an inmate can get 2 visits, but only 1 visit is allowed per visitor.
  • Inmates are allowed 4 visits in total per week.
  • Visitors are only allowed to visit 2 times per week.
  • Each visit can have 1 adult and 2 minors.
DAY TIME
TUESDAY 8:00-11:00AM
SATURDAY 1:00-4:00PM
SUNDAY 6:00-10:00PM



ON-SITE (at the jail) INMATE VIDEO VISITATION

  • Off-site visitation has a fee.
  • Visits are 20 minutes in length.
  • No limits on number of daily visits for an inmate.
  • No limits on number of daily visits for a visitor.
DAY TIME
MONDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
TUESDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
THURSDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
FRIDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
SATURDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
SUNDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM

Mercer County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.

In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:

  1. Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
  2. Register with Inmate Sales.
  3. Find Mercer County Jail
  4. Select 'New Purchase'
  5. Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
  6. Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
  7. Schedule a visit.

Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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


ON-SITE (at the jail) INMATE VIDEO VISITATION

  • On-site visitation is FREE.
  • Visits are 20 minutes in length.
  • Each day an inmate can get 2 visits, but only 1 visit is allowed per visitor.
  • Inmates are allowed 4 visits in total per week.
  • Visitors are only allowed to visit 2 times per week.
  • Each visit can have 1 adult and 2 minors.
DAY TIME
TUESDAY 8:00-11:00AM
SATURDAY 1:00-4:00PM
SUNDAY 6:00-9:00PM



ON-SITE (at the jail) INMATE VIDEO VISITATION

  • Off-site visitation has a fee.
  • Visits are 20 minutes in length.
  • No limits on number of daily visits for an inmate.
  • No limits on number of daily visits for a visitor.
DAY TIME
MONDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
TUESDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
THURSDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
FRIDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
SATURDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM
SUNDAY 8:00-10:50AM
1:00-4:00PM
6:00-10:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Mercer County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.

Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Mercer County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822


Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Mercer County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Mercer County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Mercer County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose Ohio, then choose Mercer County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Mercer County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: JailATM's support page lists a deposit limit of $300 a week per inmate and says the limit can be different at each facility.
  • If you need to phone JailATM customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Mercer County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Mercer County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

How Do Inmates in Mercer County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Mercer County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Mercer County Jail uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
  • Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678. 
  • Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Mercer County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Mercer County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

Mercer County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Ask the Mercer County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Mercer 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#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822



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
Ask the Mercer County Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer 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 Mercer County Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Ask the Mercer County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822

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

For inmates receiving mail in the Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Mercer County Jail
4835 State Route 29
Celina, OH 45822


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 Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Mercer County Jail

Search for JailATM services for Mercer County Jail.

Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Mercer County Jail. 

Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Mercer County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.

Send Gift Packs

Mercer County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.

These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

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

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

  • Go to JailATM, choose Ohio, then choose Mercer County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
  • Select the products you want shipped to them at Mercer County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Mercer County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Mercer County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Mercer County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

Mercer County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.


Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.


Here's how it works:

  • First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.  
  • These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
  • It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
  • The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.  

Cost of Chirping:  

  •  
  • If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text. 
  • If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

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

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

  • Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Mercer County, by creating an account.
  • Select Ohio, then select Mercer County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Mercer County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
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Inmate Sales Apps

iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Mercer County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Mercer County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

Mercer County Jail now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.


Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture.
  • Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

Questions:

iphone app download

Google Play download

Mercer County Jail now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.


Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.

The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and inmates can use them for the following activities:

Here's how it works:

Questions:

iphone app download

Google Play download

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 419-586-5753 for further assistance.

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

Mercer County County Jails

Mercer County Juvenile Facilities

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

Mercer County (this county)Jay County, IndianaAdams County, IndianaShelby CountyDarke CountyAuglaize CountyVan Wert County
Mercer County Jails listed No jails listed
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Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Mercer County

The Mercer County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Mercer County: Celina, Chickasaw, Coldwater, Ft. Recovery, Mendon, Montezuma, Rockford, Saint Henry and Willshire.