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Lorain County Jail passes state inspection

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The 2024 Lorain County Jail Inspection Report shows the facility has achieved an approval from Compliance with the Standards during this year’s state review.

“I’ve got to be honest, I’m very proud of the team here who did this,” said Sheriff’s Capt. Rick Thomas, who also is director of corrections at the jail.

The inspection covers a variety of areas, including the facility’s booking, medical, housing, food service, outdoor areas, temperature of water and the facility, cleanliness of not only the facility, but also the inmates, Thomas said.

The facility also is subject to an inspection of its records, among many other facets, he said.

During the inspection, inmates are interviewed on an individual basis for their opinions and other questions, said Jim Gordon, jail administrator.

“They hold our feet to the fire,” Gordon said.

The county is planning, designing and financing a new correctional facility.

“We’re in a facility that is well beyond its usefulness,” Thomas said.

In the interim, the jail, located on Murray Ridge Road, has multiple maintenance issues that are pricey and inconvenient to repair.

“And, we are perpetually shorthanded,” Thomas said.

On the average, the jail staffing level is down by 14 to 15 officers, he said.

“I take my hat off to these guys,” Thomas said of the administration and staff.

The inspection took place Sept. 19, according to records provided by Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti.

“Christopher Galli, Bureau Chief, and Missy Hunt, Assistant Bureau Administrator send you their sincere congratulations on achieving compliance,” read an email to Stammitti from Jack Barone, state jail inspector for the Bureau of Adult Detention.

“The inspection consisted of this Inspector receiving and/or reviewing requested documentation and/or materials, touring selected areas of the jail, and having discussions with various jail staff,” the records stated.

“On the date of the jail inspection, there were 330 inmates incarcerated in the Lorain County Correctional Facility. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction recommended housing capacity for the jail is 422, which is based upon total available living space and other requirements. Officials should maintain prisoner counts within the Department’s recommended capacity figure.”

The jail passed all 178 standards with 125 considered important and 53 considered essential, according to Barone.

surface mount box “Your continuing effort to maintain compliance with the Minimum Standards for Jails in Ohio is to be commended,” he wrote. “Thank you for your cooperation in the 2024 annual inspection process.”