Jail

Jail roomThe Police Department operates its own holding facility. Prisoners are held overnight or over the weekend. Any jail time meted out by the court is served at the Portage County Justice Center in Ravenna. Females can only be held 4 hours. Juveniles can be held for 6 hours if charged with a felony and 3 hours if charged with a misdemeanor. Juveniles that are not released to their parents or legal guardians are transported to the Juvenile Detention Center. Females that can not post bond are transported to the Portage County Justice Center.

Being Arrested

Once a person is arrested, they are transported to the jail to be processed. All property such as jewelry, wallet, hats, cell phones, etc. is taken from the prisoner at the time they enter the facility. The property is stored in a bin in the booking room and returned when the prisoner is released.

The booking process consists of a jailer filling out an arrest booking form, taking a photo (mug shot) of the prisoner and fingerprinting the prisoner. Cooperating with the booking procedure is a prerequisite of being released. This process usually takes about an hour. It will take longer if there are numerous prisoners.

Bond

Bond may be required before a prisoner is released. The bond amounts are set by the Portage County Municipal Court and are based on the degree of offense (misdemeanor 1, misdemeanor 2, misdemeanor 3, misdemeanor 4, minor misdemeanor, unclassified misdemeanor) and where a person lives. The purpose of posting bond is to ensure that the person goes to court. If bond is not posted for the prisoner he will spend the night or weekend in jail.

Felony charges have no bond. The prisoner must stay in jail until the next morning or Monday morning, if it is the weekend.

Types of Bond

Personal Recognizance

No money is required for this bond. By signing a PR bond, the prisoner is promising to go to court on his court date. Failure to appear in court will result in a warrant being issued by the court.

10% Bond

Ten % of the full bond amount must be posted. Bond may be paid in cash or with a Visa or MasterCard. No checks. Bonds paid with a credit card are subject to a 4% surcharge which is not refundable. The card holder must be present with the card. A credit card bond may not be paid over the phone. After the case is disposed of, up to 90% of the money posted may be returned. A receipt will be given for any money taken. Do not lose the receipt. The receipt is necessary for any money returned.

Full Bond

Total bond amount must be posted. Bond may be paid in cash or with a Visa or MasterCard. No checks. Bonds paid with a credit card are subject to a 4% surcharge which is not refundable. The card holder must be present with the card. A credit card bond may not be paid over the phone. A receipt will be given for any money taken. Do not lose the receipt. The receipt is necessary for any money returned.

Bail Bondsman

A bail bondsman may be utilized to post bond. Any bondsman listed in the phone book is acceptable.

While in Jail

  • Any damage done to the jail by a prisoner may result in additional charges.
  • Intoxicated prisoners will only be released to a responsible, sober person.
  • There are no visiting facilities in the jail.
  • Prisoners have access to a pay phone once they are put in a cell. They may make as many collect phone calls as they wish.
  • Clean clothes may be dropped off for a prisoner. The clothes will be thoroughly searched before being given to the prisoner.
  • Toiletries will not be accepted for the prisoners. Toiletries are provided.