Video visit rules for Illinois DOC: booking windows, weekly limits, and recording/behavior rules
Illinois DOC video visits run on a tight schedule with strictly enforced rules. Plan around the booking window and follow the conduct requirements — you're far less likely to lose a visit you worked hard to arrange.
Illinois DOC caps how often video visits can happen, and both limits affect your planning. Someone in custody can only receive 1 video visit per day - even if multiple people want to connect. There's also a weekly cap: 2 video visits per week, total. This applies even if the person is in restrictive housing; those visits count against the same limit. Space your visits out. Schedule two early in the week and you won't be able to book another until the following week, even if open slots appear.
- ✓ Schedule video visits at least 7 days in advance.
Video visits aren't available between 2:30pm and 4:30pm - that window is blocked for institutional count procedures. Skip it entirely when looking for times and plan around it so you don't waste effort on slots that won't exist.
Video visits in Illinois DOC aren't private - all calls are recorded. Attorney-client privilege doesn't apply. Assume everything you say and show on camera is being monitored and saved, and plan your conversation with that in mind.
Note: Don't use standard video visits for confidential attorney-client communication. Illinois DOC explicitly states that attorney-client privilege does not apply, and all visits are recorded.
Prohibited Behavior
- ✓ Any display of nudity.
- ✓ Any behavior or actions that are sexual in nature.
- ✓ Use or display of weapons, drugs/alcohol, or related paraphernalia.
- ✓ Activity or display of graphics/paraphernalia associated with any Security Threat Group.
- ✓ Unlawful activity or depiction of unlawful activity.
- ✓ Recording or filming the visit by any visitor participant or any third party.
Display any inappropriate behavior and the video visit ends immediately. This includes the conduct listed above, plus any attempt to record or film the visit from your side (or by anyone else in the room). Want the full time you scheduled? Keep the camera view clean and the environment calm and rule-compliant from start to finish.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Book early: schedule at least 7 days ahead so you’re not stuck with no options.
- ✓ Avoid the blackout window: don’t plan on booking anything between 2:30pm and 4:30pm.
- ✓ Keep the visit rule-safe: prohibited conduct (like nudity, sexual behavior, weapons/drugs, STG graphics, or unlawful activity) can end the visit.
- ✓ Don’t record: visitor recording/filming is prohibited and can get the visit terminated.
Quick reminder: Illinois DOC limits video visits to 1 per day and 2 per week for the person in custody (including those in restrictive housing). Plan your week around these caps.
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