Illinois Department of Corrections (IL DOC) Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
The Illinois Department of Corrections (IL DOC) is a state-wide correctional system that oversees numerous adult correctional facilities across Illinois. It is responsible for the incarceration and rehabilitation of adult offenders sentenced to state prison.
Contact Information
- Address: 1301 Concordia Court, Springfield, IL 62794-9277
- Phone: (217) 558-2200
- Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/
- Email: [email protected]
How to Locate an Inmate
To find an inmate in the IL DOC system, use the online Inmate Search tool available on the IL DOC website. You can search by the inmate's name or ID number.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation policies and hours vary by facility. Check the specific institution's webpage on the IL DOC website for detailed information. Generally, visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list and follow dress code and conduct rules.
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive money through various methods:
- Online: Use JPay or GTL ConnectNetwork
- By phone: Call 1-800-574-5729 (JPay) or 1-877-650-4249 (GTL)
- By mail: Send a money order to JPay, P.O. Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation is available at some facilities. Family and friends can set up accounts through GTL for phone services and video visitation where available.
Inmate Services and Programs
IL DOC offers various programs including:
- Educational programs (GED, vocational training)
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
- Job skills training
- Re-entry preparation
History of the Facility
The Illinois Department of Corrections was established in 1970, centralizing the state's correctional system. It has since evolved to manage over 25 correctional centers and various work camps and adult transition centers.
Security and Management Information
IL DOC operates facilities with varying security levels, from maximum to minimum security. Each facility has its own management team, overseen by the central IL DOC administration in Springfield.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family visitation rights are subject to the rules and regulations of each facility and the inmate's behavior and security classification.
Booking and Release Process
Upon sentencing, inmates are transported to a reception and classification center for processing. Release procedures vary based on the type of release (e.g., completion of sentence, parole) and include pre-release counseling and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Address letters to the inmate's full name and ID number, followed by the facility's address. Do not include stickers, perfume, or excessive decorations on the envelope or letter.
Can inmates receive packages?
Generally, inmates cannot receive packages directly from family or friends. Some items may be ordered through approved vendors. Check with the specific facility for their rules on receiving items.
What items are inmates allowed to have?
Allowed items vary by facility but typically include approved clothing, hygiene products, writing materials, and a limited number of books or magazines. Check the facility's specific regulations for a complete list.
Famous Prisoners
- Drew Peterson - Former police sergeant convicted of murdering his third wife.
- Richard Speck - Convicted of murdering eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966.
- John Wayne Gacy - Serial killer known as the "Killer Clown," convicted of 33 murders.
- Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb - Convicted of the 1924 murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in their attempt to commit the "perfect crime."
- James Earl Ray - Assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., briefly held in Illinois before escaping.
