Contact Visiting Privileges for Ordained Clergy 

For clergy desiring to have contact visiting privileges in Hamilton County, Ohio Jails the following steps apply:Prayer

  1. Interested clergy submit an application form to TJM with data about self and his/her church, along with a copy of an ordination certificate or state license to solemnize marriages.

  2. The Sheriff's Department conducts a basic background check.  This security check will determine the applicant's viability to enter secure areas.

  3. TJM will verify the applicant's religious affiliation and ordination status.

  4. As part of the application process, the applicant attends an orientation session conducted at the Transforming Jail Ministries Training Center.  The orientation provides basic understanding of jail procedures and regulations.

  5. After the entire application process is successfully completed, the applicant receives credentials that will identify him/her as clergy approved for contact visiting privleges at any Hamilton County jail facility.  All credentialed clergy are permitted to visit members of their religious organizations or incarcerated men or women who specifically request them.

Additional Information:

  • This program applies only to ordained clergy.
  • The process to receive a Clergy Contact status typically takes six to eight weeks, from application to access.  This timeline may change depending on demand and orientation schedules.
  •  If the Sheriff's Department has questions about a person's background or religious affiliation, they may request to interview the person so as to determine whether to permit contact visiting. 
  • The Sheriff's Department and/or Transforming Jail Ministries reserves the right to refuse any application or revoke any previously granted clergy id badge.
  • ID badges must be worn to receive contact visiting
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  • Clergy may undergo security checks/searches in order to receive contact visits. 

For a Contact Clergy application form, click here.

To return to the general Contact Clergy information, click here.