Penmate Inmate Support Guides

What to Expect During Security Screening at Cook County Jail

Security screening can feel stressful, especially your first time at Cook County Jail. The process keeps contraband out of the facility, and staff enforce the rules closely.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Cook County Department of Corrections screens every visitor to prevent contraband from entering the jail. This isn't treated as a minor rule violation. Bringing contraband into a penal institution is a criminal offense, and visitors who attempt to bring or leave contraband in the Cook County Department of Corrections can be charged criminally.

Note: Bringing contraband into the Cook County Department of Corrections is a criminal offense. If you attempt to bring or leave contraband, you can be charged criminally.

Expect to be searched before your visit. Cook County's rules require all visitors to go through scanning devices and/or a pat-down search.

Screening can also determine whether your visit happens at all. If staff have reasonable suspicion that contraband is involved, they can deny your visit (with approval from the watch commander).

Pockets Items

  • ✓ Expect to be asked to empty all items from your pockets before you are escorted for a visit.
  • ✓ Do not bring paper into the visiting area.
  • ✓ Do not take any other item into the visiting area.

If contraband is discovered, or staff suspect you're trying to bring it in or leave it behind, the consequences are serious. Cook County states that it is a criminal offense to bring contraband into a penal institution, and visitors who attempt to bring or leave contraband in the CCDOC shall be charged criminally.

Watch commander approval: If there is reasonable suspicion of contraband, your visit can be denied with the watch commander's approval. Attempting to bring or leave contraband can lead to criminal charges.

Practical Preparations

  • ✓ Empty your pockets when asked, before you are escorted for your visit.
  • ✓ Do not take paper into the visiting area.
  • ✓ Do not take any other items into the visiting area.

If you have questions about scheduling an in-person visit, email DOC.visitation@ccsheriff.org.

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