- Legal EditorHenry Dahut, J.D.
Henry Dahut, J.D.
Attorney - Legal Publisher - Educator
Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.
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- ContributorRobert Thomas
Robert Thomas
Prison Reform Expert
Robert Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, where his doctoral research focuses on mass incarceration, restorative justice and prison reform. His expertise includes critical legal studies and the political history of the United States prison system.
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Overview of the Illinois Prison System
The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) manages the state prison system in Illinois. The IDOC oversees numerous facilities, including adult correctional centers, transition centers, and adult boot camps.
State Prisons in Illinois
As of 2024, Illinois operates 28 state prisons. These facilities range from maximum-security prisons to minimum-security facilities and include specialized institutions catering to specific inmate needs.
Management Structure
The IDOC operates under the direction of the Illinois Governor and is managed by a Director, who is appointed by the Governor. The department is structured into various divisions, each responsible for different aspects of prison administration, including operations, parole, and rehabilitative services.
Incarceration Rate
As of the latest data, Illinois has an incarceration rate of approximately 372 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average in the United States.
Classification of Prison Security Levels
Illinois state prisons are classified into several security levels:
Maximum Security: For inmates considered high-risk and requiring strict supervision.
Medium Security: For inmates who pose a moderate risk.
Minimum Security: For inmates who are considered low-risk and may participate in work release programs.
Specialized Facilities: Including those for young offenders, women, and those with mental health needs.
Locating a Prisoner
To locate a prisoner within the Illinois state prison system, you can use the IDOC Inmate Search Tool available on the Illinois Department of Corrections website. This tool allows you to search for inmates using their last name, IDOC number, or birthdate.
Family Visitation Rules
Family visitation is encouraged as part of the inmate rehabilitation process. Key points include:
- Visitation Schedule: Each facility has specific visitation hours and days. Visitors should check the IDOC website or contact the facility directly for details.
- Visitor Approval: The facility must pre-approve all visitors. This includes completing a visitor application and passing a background check.
- Rules and Regulations: Visitors must adhere to dress codes, behavior standards, and other regulations the facility sets.
Parole and Factors in Parole Decisions
Parole decisions in Illinois are made by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB). Factors considered include:
- Nature of the Crime: Severity and circumstances of the offense.
- Behavior in Prison: Inmate’s conduct and participation in rehabilitative programs.
- Victim Impact Statements: Input from victims of the crime.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: Evidence of the inmate’s rehabilitation and readiness to reintegrate into society.
Educational and Vocational Programs
Illinois offers various educational and vocational programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation:
- Educational Programs: GED preparation, adult basic education, and post-secondary education opportunities.
- Vocational Training: Programs in trades such as carpentry, automotive repair, and culinary arts.
Rehabilitative Programs
Rehabilitative programs are crucial for reducing recidivism and aiding inmate reintegration and offers:
- Substance Abuse Programs: Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
- Mental Health Services: Counseling and therapy for inmates with mental health issues.
- Anger Management Courses: Programs to help inmates manage anger and reduce violent behavior.
- Life Skills Training: Courses on financial management, parenting, and effective communication.
Illinois Prison System NEWS
ABC 7 News: Correcting Illinois Stateville Prison Has Critical Problems. Found to be Decrepit, Unsafe, and Inhumane:
Pros and Cons of the Illinois Prison System
Pros
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: A wide range of programs to support inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
- Family Visitation: Encourages family connections, which can aid in the reintegration process.
- Educational Opportunities: Access to education and vocational training that can improve post-release employment prospects.
Cons
- Overcrowding: Many facilities are over capacity, which can lead to inadequate living conditions and strain on resources. 2
- Funding Issues: Budget constraints can impact the quality and availability of programs and services.
- Recidivism: Despite efforts, recidivism rates remain a challenge, indicating the need for ongoing improvement in rehabilitative strategies.
Sources & References
Illinois Prison Visitation Rules
ILLINOIS STATE PRISONS:
Big Muddy River Correctional Center
Big Muddy River Correctional Center
251 N. Illinois Highway 37
Ina, IL 62846
Telephone: (618)-437-5300
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Big Muddy River Correctional Center
251 N. Illinois Highway 37
Ina, IL 62846
Centralia Correctional Center
Centralia Correctional Center
9330 Shattuc Road
Centralia, IL 62801
Telephone: (618)-533-4111
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Centralia Correctional Center
P.O. Box 7711
Centralia, IL 62801
Crossroads ATC
Crossroads ATC
3210 West Arthington
Chicago, IL 60624
Telephone: (773)-533-5000
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Crossroads ATC
3210 West Arthington
Chicago, IL 60624
Danville Correctional Center
Danville Correctional Center
3820 East Main Street
Danville, IL 61834
Telephone: (217)-446-0441
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Danville Correctional Center
3820 East Main Street
Danville, IL 61834
Decatur Correctional Center
Decatur Correctional Center
2310 East Mound Road
Decatur, IL 62524
Telephone: (217)-877-0353
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Decatur Correctional Center
P.O. Box 3066
Decatur, IL 62524
Dixon Correctional Center
Dixon Correctional Center
2600 N. Brinton Avenue
Dixon, IL 61021
Telephone: (815)-288-5561
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Dixon Correctional Center
2600 N. Brinton Avenue
Dixon, IL 61021
East Moline Correctional Center
East Moline Correctional Center
100 Hillcrest Road
East Moline, IL 61244
Telephone: (309)-755-4511
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
East Moline Correctional Center
100 Hillcrest Road
East Moline, IL 61244
Fox Valley Adult Transition Center
Fox Valley Adult Transition Center
1329 North Lake Street
Aurora, IL 60506
Telephone: (630)-897-5610
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Fox Valley Adult Transition Center
1329 North Lake Street
Aurora, IL 60506
Graham Correctional Center
Graham Correctional Center
12078 Illinois Route 185
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Telephone: (217)-532-6962
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Graham Correctional Center
P.O. Box 499
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Hill Correctional Center
Hill Correctional Center
600 South Linwood Road
Galesburg, IL 61402
Telephone: (309)-343-4212
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Hill Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1700
Galesburg, IL 61402
Illinois River Correctional Center
Illinois River Correctional Center
1300 W. Locust Street
Canton, IL 61520
Telephone: (309)-647-7030
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Illinois River Correctional Center
P.O. Box 999
Canton, IL 61520
Jacksonville Correctional Center
Jacksonville Correctional Center
2268 East Morton Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Telephone: (217)-245-1481
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Jacksonville Correctional Center
2268 East Morton Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Lawrence Correctional Center
Lawrence Correctional Center
10940 Lawrence Road
Sumner, IL 62466
Telephone: (618)-936-2064
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Lawrence Correctional Center
10930 Lawrence Road
Sumner, IL 62466
Lincoln Correctional Center
Lincoln Correctional Center
1098 1350th Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Telephone: (217)-735-5411
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Lincoln Correctional Center
P.O. Box 549
Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln Correctional Center
Lincoln Correctional Center
1098 1350th Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Telephone: (217)-735-5411
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Lincoln Correctional Center
P.O. Box 549
Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan Correctional Center
Logan Correctional Center
1096 1350th Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Telephone: (217)-735-5581
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Logan Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1000
Lincoln, IL 62656
Menard Correctional Center
Menard Correctional Center
711 Kaskaskia Street
Menard, IL 62259
Telephone: (618)-826-5071
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Menard Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1000
Menard, IL 62259
North Lawndale Adult Transition Center
North Lawndale Adult Transition Center
2839 West Fillmore
Chicago, IL 60612
Telephone: (773)-638-8480
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
North Lawndale Adult Transition Center
2839 West Fillmore
Chicago, IL 60612
Peoria Adult Transition Center
Peoria Adult Transition Center
607-613 North Main
Peoria, IL 61602
Telephone: (309)-671-3162
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Peoria Adult Transition Center
607-613 North Main
Peoria, IL 61602
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
5835 State Route 154
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Telephone: (618)-357-9722
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 999
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Pontiac Correctional Center
Pontiac Correctional Center
700 West Lincoln Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
Telephone: (815)-842-2816
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Pontiac Correctional Center
P.O. Box 99
Pontiac, IL 61764
Robinson Correctional Center
Robinson Correctional Center
13423 East 1150th Avenue
Robinson, IL 62454
Telephone: (618)-546-5659
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Robinson Correctional Center
13423 East 1150th Avenue
Robinson, IL 62454
Shawnee Correctional Center
Shawnee Correctional Center
6665 State Route 146 East
Vienna, IL 62995
Telephone: (618)-658-8331
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Shawnee Correctional Center
6665 State Route 146 East
Vienna, IL 62995
Sheridan Correctional Center
Sheridan Correctional Center
4017 E. 2603 Road
Sheridan, IL 60551
Telephone: (815)-496-2181
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Sheridan Correctional Center
4017 E. 2603 Road
Sheridan, IL 60551
Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
950 Kingshighway Street
East St. Louis, IL 62203
Telephone: (618)-394-2200
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
P.O. Box 129
East St. Louis, IL 62203
Stateville Correctional Center
Stateville Correctional Center
16830 So. Broadway St.
Joliet, IL 60434
Telephone: (815)-727-3607
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Stateville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434
Taylorville Correctional Center
Taylorville Correctional Center
1144 Illinois Route 29
Taylorville, IL 62568
Telephone: (217)-824-4004
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Taylorville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1000
Taylorville, IL 62568
Vandalia Correctional Center
Vandalia Correctional Center
Route 51 North
Vandalia, IL 62471
Telephone: (618)-283-4170
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Vandalia Correctional Center
P.O. Box 500
Vandalia, IL 62471
Vienna Correctional Center
Vienna Correctional Center
6695 State Route #146 East
Vienna, IL 62995
Telephone: (618)-658-8371
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Vienna Correctional Center
6695 State Route #146 East
Vienna, IL 62995
Western Illinois Correctional Center
Western Illinois Correctional Center
2500 Rt. 99 South
Mount Sterling, IL 62353
Telephone: (217)-773-4441
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Western Illinois Correctional Center
2500 Rt. 99 South
Mount Sterling, IL 62353
