How to contact an inmate at Pontiac Correctional Center
This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
Pontiac Correctional Center inmate search
To contact a person start by searching for the person on the facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the persons full name. Nicknames should not be used.
After finding the person you are looking for you can then create a messaging account to send letters and photos.
How to message an inmate
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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Pontiac Correctional Center .
Sending Photos and Postcards
A great way to send love and support to loved one at Pontiac 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 Pontiac Correctional Center.
Frequently asked questions about Pontiac Correctional Center
-
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 Pontiac Correctional Center.
-
How much does it cost to send a message to Pontiac 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.
-
What services can I use to contact an inmate at Pontiac Correctional Center?
Penmate
You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Pontiac 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 for 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 Pontiac 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.
-
What is the mailing address of Pontiac Correctional Center?
Mailing address:
Pontiac Correctional Center
700 W Lincoln St
Pontiac , IL 61764
(815) 842-2816Business hours:
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Overview of Pontiac Correctional Center
Pontiac Correctional Center is a maximum-security men's penitentiary situated in Illinois that operates under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Corrections. The facility was opened in 1871 as a state hospital before being converted into a prison in 1927. The penitentiary has a capacity to house around 1,900 prisoners while being staffed by around 620 employees.
Many of the inmates at Pontiac Correctional Center are serving long sentences for serious crimes, and around one-fourth of them are incarcerated for life. While the prison offers educational programs, the emphasis is more on work programs for prisoners that perform manual labor in fields such as construction and farming, among others. Many of the inmates work dismantling electronic materials to extract valuable components; the program provides vocational training to prisoners that helps with rehabilitation.
The correctional center has been in the news in the past over accusations of mistreatment of prisoners. There were reports in the past that the facility lacked proper heating and medical care for inmates. However, authorities have taken measures to address complaints such as overhauling the medical clinic and adding new heart monitoring machines. Furthermore, the prison also implements measures for drug rehabilitation programs to address the growing drug addiction issue among inmates.
Overall, Pontiac Correctional Center has come a long way since its establishment many years ago, and many Illinoisans hope that the prison will continue to improve with each passing year. The institution remains critical to the state's prison system, regardless of its distinct
What services are provided by Pontiac Correctional Center?
Pontiac Correctional Center, in Pontiac Illinois is a medium-security prison that provides a variety of programs and services to its inmates. Some of these services include educational, counseling, and vocational programs. The facility aims to help inmates rehabilitate and reform their behavior to become productive members of society once they are released.
One of the most important programs provided by Pontiac Correctional Center is education. Inmates who have not attained high school diplomas are given the opportunity to earn their GED. Additionally, the jail has partnered with Parkland College to enable interested inmates to pursue a college education, earning degrees in a variety of fields like clean energy and horticulture.
Pontiac Correctional Center also offers counseling services, including substance abuse counseling. Its staff aims to identify substance abuse issues early on and assist inmates through a structured program of support groups, meetings, and other resources. Individual counseling sessions are available, allowing inmates to work one-to-one with staff, set goals, and develop a plan to become sober.
Vocational programs provide hands-on training to inmates and teach them multiple transferable skills to use in the outside world. As such, recruitment is always held in the jail, with the State of Illinois, various organizations, and industries which have a vast array of skills. Examples of these programs are carpentry, auto design, electrical look and horticulture. Facilities like the wood and automotive makerspaces teach inmates the tools of the respective trades.
Overall, Pontiac Correctional Center, Illinois’s prison programs offer a variety of services to inmates' effect, slowing somewhat the engagement in duplicity, education, health, and set the foundation to prepare for life outside. The opportunities and variations only emphasize the resources, such as the counseling and
