How to send messages, photos, and packages
Staying in touch with someone at MCC Chicago typically means phone calls and secure electronic messaging. Inmates have telephone privileges, and routine calls are monitored. Unmonitored attorney calls may be allowed under certain circumstances based on facility policy. MCC Chicago also uses TRULINCS for secured messaging—the inmate must be approved to use the system, and you must consent to monitoring. Messages are text-only and subject to size limits. The institution's P4500.12 references TRULINCS-related Trust Fund forms like the TRULINCS Contact Request Form (BP-A1054). To get set up, follow the vendor and facility steps to create an account, complete identity verification, and make sure the incarcerated person adds your number to their approved call list. TRUFONE call recordings are stored temporarily and deleted after 180 days unless kept for legal or administrative reasons.
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Want to send something to someone at MCC Chicago? The rules depend on what it is. Most packages from home aren't allowed, but books and magazines can get through—if they come from the right source.
Yes. Routine inmate phone calls are monitored, though unmonitored calls to attorneys may be permitted under certain circumstances.
TRULINCS allows secured electronic messaging, but the inmate must be approved to use it and you must consent to monitoring. Messages are text-only and size-limited, and P4500.12 references related Trust Fund forms such as the TRULINCS Contact Request Form (BP-A1054).
TRUFONE call recordings are kept temporarily and are deleted after 180 days unless they’re needed for legal or administrative purposes.
MCC Chicago sorts mail as general or special. General mail is opened and inspected; special incoming mail marked as such is opened only in the inmate's presence. At similar IDOC facilities, mail may be scanned and uploaded as PDFs for tablet viewing, with paper copies available on request.
Packages from home aren’t allowed without prior written approval; exceptions from home are limited to release clothing and authorized medical devices. For books and magazines, confirm MCC Chicago’s vendor and delivery requirements before you send anything.
Yes. MCC Chicago uses a secured electronic messaging system (TRULINCS) for approved inmates and approved contacts, and messages are text-only, monitored, and size-limited.
Trying to stay in touch with someone at MCC Chicago? Your two main options are phone calls and electronic messages through TRULINCS. Before you get started, there are monitoring rules and approval requirements worth knowing about.
You can't just show up at MCC Chicago and sign in for a visit. The inmate has to put you on their approved visiting list first, and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) must clear you before you're allowed through the door.
Getting approved to visit someone at MCC Chicago happens in two steps: the person you're visiting adds you to their list, then the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) runs a background check before you can come in.
