How to Visit Cook County Jail, IL (IL)
Visiting Cook County Jail takes some preparation, but it's manageable once you know the process. Two things catch most people off guard: visitor approval status and the strict rules about what you can bring inside.
You must be approved for visitation before you can schedule an in-person visit. Not approved yet? Contact the Cook County Jail Visitor Information Unit at 773-674-8225 or 773-674-8194. You can also use the Individual in Custody Locator to find details on the approval process.
Go in with as little as possible. You'll be asked to empty your pockets completely before entering, and nothing can go into the visiting area. No paper, no personal items. This includes things people forget they're carrying: receipts, notes, loose paperwork.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Confirm you are approved for visitation before trying to schedule an in-person visit.
- ✓ If you are not approved and can’t schedule, contact the Visitor Information Unit at 773-674-8225 or 773-674-8194, or use the Individual in Custody Locator for approval information.
- ✓ Before you’re escorted into the visit, be ready to fully empty your pockets.
- ✓ Do not bring paper or any other items into the visiting area.
Before making the trip, confirm the current approval process and what you'll need if you're not already approved. Use the Individual in Custody Locator to find the right contact, or call the Visitor Information Unit directly at 773-674-8225 or 773-674-8194.
Note: Call ahead about what you can bring. The rule is no paper or items in the visiting area. If you have medical needs that require an exception, ask about that specifically.
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