Human Rights in Prison
Regardless of their past, every person incarcerated in Ohio’s prisons deserves dignity and human rights. This includes access to adequate medical care, freedom from excessive force by prison staff, the right to practice one’s religion, and fair treatment for LGBT prisoners.
Human Rights in Prison is OJPC’s flagship project. It encompasses the principles on which our organization was founded. It also guides our work in and with the Ohio legislature, wherein we have opportunities to advocate for the abolition of inhumane practices — from shackling pregnant prisoners to capital punishment.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Incarcerated in an Ohio Prison
- Incarcerated individual has exhausted all internal grievance processes*
- Incarcerated individual has records (written reports, pictures, videos, etc.) to prove their experience
*In order for OJPC to investigate your case, you must exhaust all internal grievance processes within the ODRC institution (ODRC procedures attached here). Once you have appealed your grievance to the Chief Inspector and have received a decision, we will then be able to move on with our investigation.
*If you or your loved one has an issue solely related to loss of property by ODRC, please note that OJPC is unable to handle such matters due to lack of capacity. However, please see our Pro Se Property Claims flyer for general guidance on how to pursue claims for loss of property against ODRC. This flyer does not constitute legal advice, nor does your or your loved one receiving the flyer create an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal advice, please contact your local bar association for referral to an attorney.
OJPC cannot assist in complaints solely regarding the prison’s internal disciplinary process. If your loved one is experiencing difficulties related to the disciplinary process, please refer to the Disciplinary Process Flyer, linked here. This flyer does not constitute legal advice, nor does your loved one receiving the flyer create an attorney-client relationship.
PROCEDURE:
- The incarcerated individual must submit an application to Human Rights in Prison. We do not accept applications from third parties or family members.
- If you believe your loved one qualifies for Human Rights in Prison, but you do not have access to a printer, please email humanrights@ohiojpc.org with your loved one’s name, ODRC #, and name of the institution where they are housed. OJPC will mail the application to the incarcerated individual.
- Submitting an application to Human Rights in Prison does NOT mean your loved one’s application has been accepted.
- Our team will assess each case and determine any next steps. We currently have limited capacity so it will take some time for our staff to investigate these inquiries. If an individual needs immediate legal assistance or assistance outside of these parameters, please contact your local public defender office or your local bar association.
You can contact our team via email at humanrights@ohiojpc.org, call 513-421-1108, or send us mail us at 215 E 9th Street Suite #601, Cincinnati, OH 45202.