Section 109.39
(A) There is, as a section within the office of the attorney general, an office of correctional facility inspection services. The office shall establish and maintain a continuing program of inspection of each state correctional institution used for the custody, control, training, and rehabilitation of persons convicted of crime and of each private correctional facility; any local correctional institution used for the same purposes; and any youth services facility. Each inspection shall include an evaluation of the inmate grievance procedure, compliance with meal requirements, at least one review of rehabilitative or educational programs, and any other compliance area the office determines is appropriate. Not later than the last day of January of each year, the office shall submit a report on its findings from the previous calendar year to the general assembly in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code.
(B) The correctional facility inspection services office may assist the attorney general and correctional facility leadership in the development and evaluation of programs to improve the condition or operation of the facilities or institutions listed in division (A) of this section.
(C) The office of correctional facility inspection services shall not be required to give advance notice of, or to make prior arrangements before conducting, an inspection under division (A) of this section.
(D) The attorney general shall provide adequate office space, staff, equipment, and materials to the correctional facility inspection services office.
(E) The total costs of each inspection conducted under this section shall be recovered by the attorney general from the department of corrections and rehabilitation or the department of youth services.
(F) As used in this section:
"Local public entity," "out-of-state prisoner," and "private contractor" have the same meanings as in section 9.07 of the Revised Code.
"Private correctional facility" means a correctional facility in this state that houses out-of-state prisoners and that is operated by a private contractor under a contract with a local public entity pursuant to section 9.07 of the Revised Code.
"Youth services facility" means a facility operated, or contracted for, by the department of youth services that is used for the care, protection, treatment, or secure confinement of any child committed to the department's custody.
Last updated July 17, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Available Versions of this Section
- September 30, 2025 – House Bill 96 - 136th General Assembly [ View September 30, 2025 Version ]