Cuyahoga County Jail Commissary Online lets families send money and approved items to inmates through a secure digital system. The service runs through Access Corrections and Securus Technologies, both verified by the county’s official .gov website and digital security certificates. Families can browse hygiene products, snacks, and care packages from home, then have them delivered directly to inmates at the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center. Orders go through the Justice Center at 1215 W. 3rd St., first floor, Cleveland, OH 44113. The commissary desk answers calls at (216) 698-6244, and the Sheriff’s main line is (216) 443-6000. Email help is available at the protected address listed on the official site. Launched in 2017, the system works with the Securus mobile app for real-time balance checks and order tracking.
How to Use the Online Commissary System
Using the online commissary requires three simple steps: create an account, add funds, and place an order. First, families sign up with Securus Technologies using a valid email and phone number. Next, they choose a payment method—Securus Debit, Advance Connect, or Direct Bill. Then, they pick “Cuyahoga County Corrections Center” from the facility list and enter the inmate’s SO number. After confirming the details, money is added to the inmate’s account within minutes. Orders for items like toothpaste, soap, or snack packs can be placed right away. The system shows real-time inventory and delivery dates. All transactions are encrypted and linked to the inmate’s official record.
Accepted Payment Methods for Inmate Accounts
Securus offers three account types to fund an inmate’s commissary balance. Securus Debit lets users load money in advance and spend as needed. Advance Connect allows inmates to make purchases on credit, which families pay later. Direct Bill sends monthly invoices for all commissary and calling expenses. All three options require the inmate’s exact SO number and full legal name. Payments can be made online, by phone, or through the Securus app. Funds appear in the account within 15 minutes during business hours. Technical support is available 24/7 at 972-734-1111 or toll-free at 800-844-6591.
What Items Can Be Ordered Through Commissary?
The online catalog includes hygiene essentials like toothbrushes, deodorant, and shampoo. Snack options range from chips and cookies to instant coffee and protein bars. Inmates can also buy stationery, envelopes, and approved clothing items. All products meet jail safety standards—no glass, aerosols, or sharp objects are allowed. Prices are fixed and listed clearly next to each item. Some care packages combine snacks and hygiene products in themed bundles. Orders are packed by staff and delivered to housing units twice a week. Families receive email confirmations when items ship.
How to Find an Inmate’s SO Number
The SO number is a unique ID assigned during booking. It’s required for all commissary and money transfers. Families can find it by searching the Cuyahoga County Jail Inmate Search portal. Enter the inmate’s last name, first name, or date of birth. The system shows booking details, including the SO number and current housing location. The portal updates every 10 minutes, so information is always current. If the search doesn’t work, call the jail at (216) 443-6000. Have the inmate’s full legal name and birthdate ready. The SO number stays the same throughout the inmate’s stay.
Video Visitation and Commissary Integration
The same Securus account used for commissary also handles video visitation. Families schedule 15-minute visits through the online portal. On the day of the visit, inmates are taken to a private room with a camera. Visitors join from smartphones, tablets, or computers using the Securus app. Up to four people can appear on screen at once. Video visits don’t cost extra if commissary funds are active. Balance checks and order tracking happen in real time. This integration saves families trips to the jail and keeps connections strong.
Commissary Delivery Schedule and Processing Times
Orders placed before 3 p.m. on weekdays ship the same day. Weekend orders go out Monday morning. Delivery to housing units happens Tuesday and Friday. Inmates receive notifications when packages arrive. Large orders may take an extra day to process. Holidays can delay shipments by 24–48 hours. Families get email updates at each stage: order confirmed, packed, shipped, and delivered. If an item is out of stock, the system suggests similar alternatives. Refunds for canceled items appear in the account within three business days.
Rules for Sending Money to Inmates
All money transfers must include the inmate’s SO number and full legal name. Nicknames or aliases won’t work. Senders must be at least 18 years old and provide valid ID. There’s a $2.95 fee per transaction for debit payments. Credit card fees are $3.95. Cash deposits at kiosks cost $4.95. Maximum deposits are $200 per day per inmate. Funds can’t be transferred between inmates. Refunds go back to the original payment method. Disputes must be filed within 30 days. The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t handle cash sent by mail.
Care Packages vs. Direct Commissary Orders
Families can choose between direct commissary orders and third-party care packages. Direct orders use the Securus catalog and are packed by jail staff. Care packages come from approved vendors like Jail Exchange. These boxes include pre-selected snacks and hygiene items. Care packages ship directly to the housing unit within 48 hours. They cost more but offer themed bundles like “Comfort Pack” or “Study Kit.” Direct orders are cheaper and allow custom selections. Both options require the inmate’s SO number. Care packages can’t include books or electronics.
How to Track Commissary Orders and Balances
The Securus app shows real-time account balances and order history. Users log in with their email and password. The dashboard lists recent purchases, pending orders, and available funds. Push notifications alert families when orders ship or balances run low. Balance checks are free and unlimited. For security, accounts lock after three failed login attempts. Support agents can reset passwords over the phone. Families should never share login details. The app works on iOS and Android devices. Desktop users can access the same features through the Access Corrections website.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
If an order doesn’t arrive, check the tracking status first. Most delays are due to processing times or holidays. If funds don’t appear, verify the SO number and payment method. Wrong numbers cause automatic rejections. For login problems, use the “Forgot Password” link or call Securus support. If an item is missing from a package, file a claim within 7 days. The jail investigates all complaints. Never send cash by mail—it will be returned. For urgent issues, call (216) 698-6244 during business hours.
Sheriff’s Office Oversight and Security
The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office manages all commissary operations. The Justice Center at 1215 W. 3rd St. serves as the central hub. All transactions are logged and audited monthly. The system uses SSL encryption to protect personal data. Only verified users can access inmate accounts. The .gov domain and digital certificate confirm the site’s legitimacy. Scammers sometimes fake commissary sites—always check the URL before entering information. The Sheriff’s Office publishes alerts about fraud attempts. Report suspicious activity to (216) 443-6000.
Inmate Medical and Social Services
The Corrections Center partners with MetroHealth to provide on-site medical care. Inmates receive exams, chronic disease management, and mental health counseling. The pharmacy stocks generic and brand-name medications. Social programs include GED classes, carpentry training, and culinary arts courses. A re-entry unit helps with housing and job placement after release. These services are separate from commissary but improve overall well-being. Families can request program information through the Sheriff’s Office.
Jail Facilities and Housing Information
The Cuyahoga County Corrections Center has two high-rise buildings—Jail I and Jail II. Together, they cover over one million square feet. The facility houses more than 26,000 inmates annually. Each unit has secure housing, common areas, and visitation rooms. The kitchen prepares three meals daily. Medical staff includes licensed doctors and nurses. Booking happens at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Inmates receive wristbands and fingerprint cards upon intake. The mailing address is P.O. Box 5600, Cleveland, OH 44101.
How to Contact the Commissary Desk
The commissary desk answers calls at (216) 698-6244. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, call the Sheriff’s main line at (216) 443-6000. Email requests go to the protected address on the official website. Include the inmate’s SO number and full name in all messages. Staff respond within one business day. For technical issues, contact Securus directly at 972-734-1111. Never send sensitive information through unsecured email.
Official Resources and Links
All commissary services are managed through official county portals. The primary site is cuyahogacounty.gov/sheriff/corrections-jail/commissary. The inmate search tool is at cuyahogacountyjail.org. Securus handles payments and orders at accesscorrections.com. Jail Exchange provides care packages at jailexchange.com. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction offers offender records at appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch. Always verify URLs before entering personal data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many families ask how long it takes for money to reach an inmate’s account. Funds appear within 15 minutes during business hours. Others wonder if they can send clothes. Only approved items from the catalog are allowed. Some ask about refunds—canceled orders are refunded in three days. Can multiple people fund one account? Yes, but each must use the correct SO number. Is there a spending limit? Inmates can spend up to $100 per week on commissary items. Are video visits recorded? Yes, for security purposes, but only jail staff can access them.
How do I register for a Securus account to send commissary funds?
To register, visit the Securus website or download the app. Click “Create Account” and enter your name, email, phone number, and address. Verify your email and phone through confirmation codes. Once logged in, select “Add Facility” and search for “Cuyahoga County Corrections Center.” Enter the inmate’s SO number and full legal name. Choose a payment method—debit, credit, or bank transfer. Complete identity verification if required. After approval, you can add funds and place orders immediately. Keep your login details secure and never share them. If you forget your password, use the reset link or call support.
What happens if I enter the wrong SO number when sending money?
If the SO number is incorrect, the transaction will be rejected automatically. The funds will not reach the inmate’s account. You’ll receive an email notification within 30 minutes. The money will be held for 3–5 business days before being refunded to your original payment method. To fix this, double-check the SO number on the inmate search portal. Re-enter the correct number and resubmit the payment. Always confirm the inmate’s full legal name matches the booking record. If unsure, call the commissary desk at (216) 698-6244 before sending money.
Can inmates receive commissary items if they’re in isolation?
Yes, inmates in isolation can still receive commissary items. Orders are delivered to their housing unit by staff. However, some high-risk inmates may have limited access to certain products. The jail reviews each case individually. Families should check the inmate’s status through the online portal before placing large orders. If an item is restricted, the system will notify you at checkout. Delivery times may be delayed by 1–2 days for isolated inmates. All packages are inspected for safety before delivery.
Are there fees for using the online commissary system?
Yes, there are small fees for transactions. Debit payments cost $2.95 per transfer. Credit card payments cost $3.95. Cash deposits at kiosks cost $4.95. These fees cover processing and security costs. There are no fees for browsing the catalog, checking balances, or scheduling video visits. Care packages from third-party vendors have their own pricing. Direct commissary orders through Securus do not include extra delivery charges. All fees are disclosed before payment. Refunds return the original amount minus fees.
How often can I send money to an inmate’s account?
You can send up to $200 per day per inmate. This limit applies to all payment methods combined. For example, you can’t send $200 by debit and another $200 by credit in the same day. The limit resets at midnight. There’s no weekly or monthly cap. Multiple family members can send money, but the total per inmate per day cannot exceed $200. Funds are available immediately after processing. If you reach the limit, wait until the next day to send more. The system will block attempts to exceed the daily maximum.
What should I do if my commissary order is lost or damaged?
First, check the order status in your Securus account. If it shows “delivered” but the inmate didn’t receive it, contact the commissary desk within 7 days. Provide the order number, inmate’s SO number, and description of the issue. The jail will investigate and may reship the items or issue a refund. For damaged packages, take a photo if possible. Do not open damaged items. If the problem isn’t resolved in 5 business days, escalate to the Sheriff’s Office at (216) 443-6000. Keep all email confirmations as proof of purchase.
Can I cancel a commissary order after placing it?
You can cancel an order only if it hasn’t been processed yet. Log into your account and go to “Order History.” If the status is “pending,” click “Cancel.” Once packed or shipped, cancellations aren’t allowed. Refunds take 3–5 business days to appear in your account. Custom care packages cannot be canceled after 24 hours. Direct commissary items may be canceled up to 2 hours after ordering. Always check processing times before placing urgent orders. For help, call Securus support at 800-844-6591.
Official Website: https://cuyahogacounty.gov/sheriff/corrections-jail/commissary
Phone: (216) 698-6244 (Commissary Desk), (216) 443-6000 (Sheriff’s Office)
Address: 1215 W. 3rd St., First Floor, Cleveland, OH 44113
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Inmate Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5600, Cleveland, OH 44101