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Illinois State Prisons

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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

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

IDOC Official Website

Illinois Prison Visitation Rules

Illinois Parole

Contacting A Prisoner

Prison Policy Initiative

Inmate Search Lookup

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

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