How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Hill Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hill Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Hill Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Hill Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Hill Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hill Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Hill Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Hill Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Hill Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Hill Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Hill Correctional Center
   600 S Linwood Rd
   Galesburg, IL 61401
   Phone: (309) 343-4212

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:45 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Hill Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Hill Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (309) 343-4212 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Hill Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Hill Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hill Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hill Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Hill Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hill Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Hill Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Hill Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Hill Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

At Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg, Illinois, individuals in custody have access to structured visiting programs designed to maintain family connections, including both in-person visitation sessions held twice daily and comprehensive video visitation services available seven days a week. The facility's communication systems, recently transitioned to ICSolutions, provide electronic messaging capabilities through CorrLinks, enabling residents to stay connected with their support networks throughout their incarceration.

The medium-security facility, which houses adult males on its 71-acre campus, typically offers educational programming that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training opportunities designed to prepare individuals for successful reentry. Counseling services often encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and behavioral intervention initiatives that address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior. The facility may also provide life skills training, anger management courses, and pre-release preparation programs to help individuals develop the tools necessary for community reintegration.

Supporting the rehabilitation process, Hill Correctional Center likely maintains religious and spiritual services, recreational activities, and work assignment programs that provide structure and skill development during incarceration. Library services and legal research access are commonly available to support educational pursuits and legal needs, while medical and mental health care ensure the wellbeing of the population. These comprehensive programming efforts work together to create opportunities for personal growth and positive change during an individual's time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located on 71 acres in Galesburg, Illinois, Hill Correctional Center houses approximately 1,189 adult males in a medium-security environment where structured routines shape each day. The facility's 29 buildings include various living units that accommodate the population within the 38-acre secured perimeter. Residents typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training opportunities that may be available at medium-security facilities in Illinois.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at Hill Correctional Center, with in-person visitation available during two daily sessions: 8:30am to 12:30pm and 10:30am to 2:30pm. Visitors must sign up in advance and can also utilize video visitation services seven days a week from 8:30am to 2:30pm and 4:00pm to 5:30pm through ICSolutions technology. The facility has transitioned to ICS CorrLinks for electronic messaging, allowing residents to maintain regular communication with approved contacts. Mail correspondence continues through the traditional postal system, with all correspondence addressed to the individual's name and IDOC number at 600 South Linwood Road.

Throughout the day, residents may participate in various programming activities typical of Illinois Department of Corrections facilities, which often include educational classes, vocational training, recreational activities, and work assignments that help maintain facility operations. Evening hours generally involve additional counts, meals, and limited recreational time before lights-out procedures. The facility's medium-security classification allows for somewhat more movement and programming opportunities compared to higher-security institutions, though all activities remain within the structured environment necessary for maintaining safety and security.