Western Illinois Correctional Center

All visits at Western Illinois Correctional Center must be scheduled ahead of time through the facility's visitation sign-up link. You can't verify by phone whether you're approved to visit, so write to the incarcerated person to confirm. Adult visitors age 18 and older (except legal visitors and government officials) must complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) DOC 0148 before arriving. In most cases, you may visit only one incarcerated person at a time unless you have prior written approval from the Chief Administrative Officer. Staff can search you, your vehicle, and your property. Refusing a search can lead to denial or restriction of visiting privileges. Dress modestly: shorts, skirts, and dresses must extend to the knee. Electronics, food, drink, tobacco, currency, and bags are all prohibited, though small lockers may be available. Some infant and toddler items are allowed in a clear bag, and breastfeeding is accommodated in a secure private area with pat searches before and after.

Western Illinois Correctional Center offers video visitation every day. The facility posts specific visiting hours, and you should log on about 15 minutes early so you don't miss your appointment. Video visits must be scheduled through the facility's approved communications vendor (not by calling the prison). Plan to create and verify your vendor account, download the app, and test it ahead of time. Phone calls and electronic messages in Illinois prisons are typically monitored and recorded. People in custody place outgoing calls only to approved numbers. Electronic messaging and visitor approvals often require vendor account verification before anything goes through. Non-privileged incoming mail is opened, inspected, scanned in color, and uploaded to the person's tablet. For mail stops or phone restrictions, contact the Victim Services Unit. For general questions, call (217) 773-4441 or fax (217) 773-2202.

You can add money to an inmate's account at Western Illinois Correctional Center through automated ConnectNetwork deposits, which transmit to the facility within one business day. Mailed deposits are generally processed the next business day after the facility receives them, so factor in mailing time if you go that route. Approved options may include electronic services, lobby or visitation kiosks, retail agents, or vendor mail methods. Electronic deposits typically post faster than mailed payments. To avoid delays or misapplied funds, enter the inmate's full name and booking/ID number or date of birth exactly as listed. Keep in mind that deposited funds may be applied to outstanding balances or obligations before commissary purchases, so check account activity when it's available. If you mail payment, follow any vendor instructions and allow extra processing time.