How to send messages, photos, and packages
Sending mail to someone at Big Muddy River means going through a scanned-mail process. Incoming non-privileged mail is scanned in color (front and back) and uploaded to the individual's Bulletin Board for viewing on their tablet. The scanned originals generally aren't returned to you. There's no cost to send or receive scanned electronic mail. If someone doesn't have tablet access, they'll get paper photocopies instead. IDOC accepts written correspondence, greeting cards, drawings, and photos for scanning, though certain items aren't eligible. A rule change takes effect Sept 30, 2025: books, magazines, and other publications must be mailed directly from publishers. Visitors can't drop them off—except through limited approved program, library, or religious program channels.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Mail at Big Muddy River follows Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) rules — most personal mail gets converted into scanned images. Here's what gets scanned, what doesn't, and one common item that's flat-out prohibited.
Need someone at Big Muddy River to stop contacting you? Use the Mail Stop and Phone Restriction Request form. Fill it out and submit it to the facility Warden—they'll handle blocking mail, phone contact, or both.
If you're used to dropping a handwritten letter in the mail and knowing it arrives exactly as you wrote it, Big Muddy River works differently. IDOC uses an electronic scanning system for incoming non-privileged mail. Here's what gets scanned, how your loved one receives it, what it costs, and what happens to your originals.
No. Starting Sept 30, 2025, publications must come directly from publishers—visitors can't drop off books, magazines, or other publications. Limited exceptions exist for certain approved programs, facility libraries, or religious programs.
Most non-privileged mail is scanned in color (front and back) and uploaded so the individual can view it on their tablet or Bulletin Board. Scanned originals generally aren’t returned to the sender. Privileged/legal mail is exempt, and people without tablet access receive paper photocopies.
IDOC accepts written correspondence, greeting cards, drawings, and photos for scanning. The facility also has specific item types it won’t scan or photocopy. Original photos mailed directly from photo printing vendors are typically delivered unless they’re unauthorized.
Visits go smoother when you show up with only what's allowed. Use this checklist to avoid getting turned away at Big Muddy River for bringing the wrong items—or having nowhere to put them.
If your loved one is at Big Muddy River, their phone service is part of Illinois' statewide switch from Securus to ICSolutions. Here's what the timeline looks like, what transfers automatically, and what you'll need to do to avoid losing money or missing calls.
Your first visit goes smoother when you handle the paperwork and scheduling upfront. Here's how to confirm who you're visiting, make sure you're approved, book a time online, and show up with everything Big Muddy River Correctional Center requires at check-in.
