Pontiac Correctional Center, IL

Visiting at Pontiac Correctional Center takes some planning, but the core rules are straightforward. Hours run 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and you must arrive by 1:30 p.m. Call ahead to confirm the incarcerated person's authorized visiting day before you travel. Bring two forms of identification: a current photo ID plus a document verifying your date of birth. If the person you're visiting is housed in the Maximum Security Unit, visiting days rotate monthly on an even/odd schedule—double-check which day applies that month. Visits for individuals in Administrative Detention require prior approval from the Intelligence Unit, with the request submitted at least ten (10) days before the visit date. Attorneys needing a private interview room must request and receive approval in advance through Legal Services.

Pontiac Correctional Center uses scanned mail delivery. The mailroom scans color images of envelopes and each mailed item, then uploads the PDFs to the individual's Bulletin Board with a notification to view them on their tablet. For in-person visits, hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and you must arrive by 1:30 p.m. Call ahead to confirm your authorized visiting day before traveling. If your loved one is in the Maximum Security Unit, visiting days alternate monthly between even and odd days—confirming the correct day matters. The facility's phone number is (815) 842-2816, and the fax is (815) 842-3420. Phone calls, video visits, and electronic messaging typically require registration with the approved vendor. Communications are monitored.

At Pontiac Correctional Center, IDOC scans and/or photocopies incoming non-privileged mail. Color PDF images of the envelope and each item are uploaded to the individual's Bulletin Board, and they're notified to view it on their tablet. This electronic scanning costs nothing for you or the person in custody. Original photographs sent directly from a photo printing vendor are normally delivered in original form unless they're unauthorized. Privileged and legal mail are excluded from copying and continue under current procedures. If the person needs a color reproduction or printed copy of something scanned, they can request it using an Individual In Custody Request Form (DOC 028) with the document number—but originals can't be returned after scanning. Publications aren't scanned. Starting Sept. 30, 2025, they must come directly from the publisher, and items postmarked after that date will be returned.

Pontiac Correctional Center opened in June 1871. It has an operational capacity of 1,612, including 66 mental-health beds, and held 561 people as of 6/30/24. People in custody at Pontiac may be eligible for medical release if they are medically incapacitated, expected to become incapacitated within six months, or meet qualifying terminal-illness criteria. File medical-release applications with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board—email an initial application to PRB.MedicalRelease@Illinois.gov or fax it to (217) 524-0012. Notarization isn't required. The Board must decide petitions within 90 days of receiving an application. If medical release is granted, five years of mandatory supervised release follow unless the underlying sentence or MSR term was shorter.