Stateville Correctional Center: Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
Stateville Correctional Center is a maximum-security state prison for men located in Crest Hill, Illinois. It is one of the largest prisons in the state and is known for its distinctive F-House, which features a panopticon design.
Contact Information
Address: 16830 Route 53, Crest Hill, IL 60403
Phone: (815) 727-3607
Website: Illinois Department of Corrections - Stateville Correctional Center
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center, use the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search tool.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list and follow all facility rules. It's recommended to call the facility for the most up-to-date visitation information.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through the following methods:
- JPay
- GTL ConnectNetwork
- Money order by mail
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates have access to collect calls and can purchase phone time through the commissary. Video visitation may be available; check with the facility for current options.
Inmate Services and Programs
Stateville offers various educational and vocational programs, including:
- GED classes
- College courses
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
History of the Facility
Stateville Correctional Center opened in 1925 and was designed to be a modern, reformatory-style prison. The F-House, with its panopticon design, was completed in 1922 and was used until 2016 when it was closed due to safety concerns.
Security and Management Information
As a maximum-security facility, Stateville employs strict security measures, including perimeter fencing, armed guard towers, and internal control points. The Illinois Department of Corrections manages the facility.
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 visitors are subject to search and must follow facility rules.
Booking and Release Process
Inmates are typically transferred to Stateville from county jails after sentencing. Upon arrival, they undergo intake procedures, including medical screening and classification. Release procedures vary depending on the inmate's sentence and conditions of release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I send to an inmate at Stateville?
Inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors. Personal items are generally not allowed. Check with the facility for a current list of approved items and vendors.
How often can inmates make phone calls?
Inmates can make phone calls during designated times, typically several times per week. The exact frequency may vary based on the inmate's status and facility policies.
Is there medical care available at Stateville?
Yes, Stateville provides basic medical care to inmates. For specialized care, inmates may be transferred to other facilities or outside hospitals as needed.
Famous Prisoners at Stateville Correctional Center
- Richard Speck - Convicted of murdering eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966.
- John Wayne Gacy - Serial killer known as the "Killer Clown," convicted of murdering 33 young men and boys.
- William Heirens - Known as the "Lipstick Killer," convicted of three murders in the 1940s.
- Nathan Leopold - One half of the infamous Leopold and Loeb duo, convicted of murdering 14-year-old Bobby Franks in 1924.
- James Degorski - Convicted of the Brown's Chicken massacre, which claimed seven lives in 1993.
- Drew Peterson - Former police sergeant convicted of murdering his third wife and suspected in the disappearance of his fourth wife.
- Paul Runge - Serial killer convicted of six murders in Illinois and one in Wisconsin.
- Brian Dugan - Serial killer who pleaded guilty to the murder of 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico.
- Larry Eyler - Serial killer known as the "Highway Killer," convicted of murder and suspected in many more.
- Angelo Buono Jr. - One of the "Hillside Stranglers," convicted of nine murders in California but briefly held at Stateville.
