Inmate Lookup Free Nationwide Inmate Search Logo

Menard Correctional Center: Inmate Guide

Overview of the Facility

Menard Correctional Center is a maximum-security state prison for men located in Chester, Illinois. It is one of the oldest and largest correctional facilities in the state, operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Contact Information

Address: 711 E Kaskaskia St, Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5071
Website: Illinois Department of Corrections - Menard Correctional Center

How to Locate an Inmate

To locate an inmate at Menard Correctional Center, use the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search tool available on their official website.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation days and hours may vary. It's recommended to contact the facility directly or check the IDOC website for the most up-to-date visitation schedule. All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list and follow the facility's dress code and visitation rules.

How to Send Money

Money can be sent to inmates through various methods:

  • Online: Through JPay
  • Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729
  • MoneyGram: Use receive code 1438
  • Mail: Send money orders to the inmate's trust fund

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available, but it's best to check with the facility for current options and procedures.

Inmate Services and Programs

Menard Correctional Center offers various programs including:

  • Educational programs
  • Vocational training
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Religious services
  • Mental health services

History of the Facility

Menard Correctional Center was established in 1878 and was originally known as Southern Illinois Penitentiary. It has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate an increasing inmate population.

Security and Management Information

As a maximum-security facility, Menard employs strict security measures including perimeter fencing, armed guard towers, and internal security protocols. The facility is managed by a warden and a team of correctional officers and staff.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family and friends must be on the approved visitor list to visit. All visits are subject to monitoring except for attorney visits.

Booking and Release Process

The booking process involves intake procedures, medical screening, and orientation. Release procedures vary depending on the nature of release (e.g., completion of sentence, parole, transfer).

Frequently Asked Questions

What items can I send to an inmate at Menard Correctional Center?

Inmates can receive approved items through authorized vendors only. Personal packages are not accepted. Check with the facility for a list of approved vendors and items.

How often can inmates make phone calls?

Phone access is typically available daily during designated times, but may be limited based on the inmate's security level and behavior. Specific schedules are determined by the facility.

Are inmates allowed to work while incarcerated at Menard?

Yes, many inmates at Menard Correctional Center have work assignments within the facility. These can include kitchen duty, maintenance, laundry services, and other institutional jobs.

Famous Prisoners

  1. Richard Speck - Convicted of murdering eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966.
  2. John Wayne Gacy - Serial killer known as the "Killer Clown", convicted of 33 murders.
  3. William Heirens - Known as the "Lipstick Killer", convicted of three murders in the 1940s.
  4. Paul Crump - Convicted of murder in 1953, later became an author and had his sentence commuted.
  5. Nathan Leopold - One half of the infamous Leopold and Loeb duo, convicted of the 1924 murder of Bobby Franks.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Menard Correctional Center. If you are have completed a Menard Correctional Center inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Menard Correctional Center can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Menard Correctional Center. Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

711 Kaskaskia Street PO Box 711, Menard, IL, 62259

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 618-826-5071 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Menard Correctional Center, make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

  • Visitor must not be a prior felon.
  • Visitor must have a valid government ID.
  • A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

Menard Correctional Center Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

How to lookup someone in prison or jail

Steps to follow for finding
an Inmate

Step 1


Step 2


Enter inmate id and personal information

Enter the inmate personal informations in the required fields

Step 3


Enter inmate id and personal information

Click on the 'Submit' button

Menard Correctional Center driving directions

You can use the map plotted on the righ to find the driving directions to Menard Correctional Center.

General Stats for Illinois

Illinois Total Number of Inmates

44,959

Illinois Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

88,894

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

225

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

24,744

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

4,334

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Inmates sentenced to more than 1 Year in private prisons

95

Inmates sentenced to more than 1 Year in private prisons

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

95.4

27,159

Female

4.6

1,310

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

37.77

315

Detained

61.51

513

Diverted

0

0

Prisons and Jails in Illinois