Some basic guidelines:

• This program applies only to ordained clergy.

• ID badges must be worn to receive contact visiting.

• Clergy may undergo security checks/searches in order to receive contact visits.

 

Clergy must complete a basic information sheet requesting:

• Their name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and Social Security number; 

• The name, address and telephone number of their church, synagogue, etc; and the name, address and telephone number of a person in their religious body to whom they are accountable. (i.e. Chairperson of the Deacon Bd., District Superintendent, etc.)

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office will conduct a basic background check for security purposes and decide if it is acceptable for this person to be admitted into secure areas.

The Transforming Jail Ministries will inform the Sheriff's Office as to their knowledge of a person's affiliation with a particular group. (i.e. Is Rev. Jones the pastor of First Baptist Church?, Is there a Rabbi Greenburg at Valley Temple?, Is there a Four Square Gospel Church at Vine and Race St.?)

If, in the opinion of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, a person is acceptable as far as security and their religious standing and affiliation he/she will be invited to attend an orientation session conducted by the Transforming Jail Ministries. This orientation session will give the clergy some basic understandings about jail procedures and rules and regulations to be followed.

Once a person has been approved by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and has attended the orientation session he/she will be approved for credentials that will identify them as clergy approved for contact visits. These clergy will be permitted to visit members of their religious body or with those inmates who specifically request them.

If the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has questions about a person's background or religious affiliation, they may request to interview the person to determine whether to permit contact visiting. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and/or the council of Christian Communions has the right to refuse any application or revoke any previously granted id badge.

The fee is currently $10.00 to produce Clergy Contact Visiting identification. 

Clergy Contact Visiting credentials expire 2 years from the date of issue. You must complete a successful background check every two years and attend an orientation every 4 years to renew your Clergy Contact Visiting credentials.

Click here for application in PDF format
Click here to get Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)

Return the application along with a copy of your ordination certificate
or your state license to solemnize marriages to:

Transforming Jail Ministries
PO Box 62542
Cincinnati, Ohio 45262-0542
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