How to Contact an Inmate at Cook County Jail, IL (IL)

In-person visits at Cook County Department of Corrections are scheduled through the Cook County online scheduling application. Planning a video virtual visit instead? The Cook County Sheriff's Office says audio and video calls through that system are not monitored or recorded by CCSO. That said, they can't guarantee total privacy since the call happens in a correctional setting.

For in-person visits, bring current, valid photo identification that shows your address. The ID you present must match the one you used on your visitation application, so stick with the same document throughout the process. Be careful about what you bring onto the CCDOC compound. Bringing, attempting to bring, or leaving contraband is a criminal offense and can result in charges under 720 ILCS 5/31A-1.1.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Schedule in-person visits using the Cook County online scheduling application.
• ✓ Email DOC.visitation@ccsheriff.org if you have questions about scheduling in-person visitation.
• ✓ If you’re not approved to visit (and cannot schedule), call the Visitor Information Unit at 773-674-8225 or 773-674-8194 to ask how to become approved.

• ✓ Bring current, valid photo ID that shows your address. Make sure it matches the ID you used on your visitation application.
• ✓ Do not bring, attempt to bring, or leave contraband at the facility. This can result in criminal charges under 720 ILCS 5/31A-1.1.

1. Set up the video platform: Video virtual visits can connect through Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
2. Join the call and plan for limited privacy: CCSO states these audio/video communications are not monitored or recorded, but they also cannot guarantee total privacy because the call happens in a correctional setting.

What to Verify

• ✓ Confirm you are using the Cook County online scheduling application for in-person visits.
• ✓ If you have scheduling questions, verify you are emailing DOC.visitation@ccsheriff.org.
• ✓ If approval status is blocking you from scheduling, call the Visitor Information Unit at 773-674-8225 or 773-674-8194 for the current approval steps.

Before your video virtual visit, confirm which platform you'll be using (Zoom or Microsoft Teams) and follow the instructions for joining. CCSO says these calls are not monitored or recorded, but it's still wise to choose your words carefully. They also note they cannot guarantee total privacy in a correctional setting, so treat the call as less private than a normal video chat.

Need a disability (ADA) accommodation for visitation? Reach out as early as possible. The Cook County Sheriff's Office notes that advance notice may be required depending on your request. Call the ADA Compliance Officer at 773-674-7768 during normal business hours, or email CCSO.ADA@ccsheriff.org outside business hours to confirm the process.