Before Your First Visit to Western Illinois: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
First visits can feel stressful—the rules are strict, and small mistakes can get you turned away at the door. Use this checklist to show up prepared for Western Illinois Correctional Center: signed up, approved, with the right ID, and nothing that'll cause problems.
Before you plan the drive, sign up in advance. Western Illinois Correctional Center requires visitors to use its visitation sign-up link. Show up without signing up first, and you may be turned away.
Adults 18 and older need to complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) before visiting - unless you're a legal visitor or government official. This is how the facility approves first-time visitors. Already went through the electronic PVI process? You may be able to skip the paper form.
Bring current photo identification - you won't get in without it. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, or documentation of non‑U.S. citizenship (current passport, Visa, or Matricula) paired with something showing your date of birth. Bring two forms of ID if you can, with at least one being a current state‑issued photo ID. Be ready to provide basic vehicle information during check-in.
If you’re bringing a child or teen, Western Illinois follows the IDOC rule that visitors under 18 are not required to show photo identification.
Items Allowed Prohibited
- ✓ Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices - not allowed in the Visiting Room.
- ✓ Food and drinks - not allowed in the Visiting Room.
- ✓ Smoking materials and tobacco/tobacco-less products - not allowed inside the facility.
- ✓ Currency - not allowed in the Visiting Room.
- ✓ Purses, bags, sacks, and packages - not allowed in the Visiting Room.
- ✓ Books, magazines, sunglasses, and personal keys - not allowed in the Visiting Room (small lockers may be available); also, visitors may no longer drop off books, magazines, or other publications for a specific individual in custody, and starting September 30, 2025, publications must be mailed directly from the publisher.
- ✓ Store all infant/toddler items in a clear bag or plastic container.
- ✓ Three diapers and wipes.
- ✓ One blanket.
- ✓ Two filled clear plastic bottles, or two sealed containers of baby food, or one bottle plus one sealed container of baby food.
- ✓ One change of clothes.
- ✓ One bib.
- ✓ One pacifier.
- ✓ One plastic spoon.
- ✓ One clear empty cup with lid.
- ✓ One coat or jacket and one hat.
- ✓ One pair of gloves or mittens (during appropriate weather).
Dress like you want to get in - because you do. Dresses, shorts, and skirts must reach the knee. If you're unsure about an outfit, go conservative: skip anything sheer, anything with holes or cutouts above the knee, sexually explicit or offensive graphics, and anything that could be read as gang-affiliated. Show up dressed inappropriately and the visit won't happen.
Expect security screening. You, your vehicle, and your belongings are all subject to search. Refuse, and the facility can deny your visit - and potentially suspend or restrict your visiting privileges going forward.
Need to breastfeed during your visit? Let staff know. They'll direct you to a secure, private area - not a restroom.
Note: If you step out to breastfeed, expect normal security procedures - visitors, vehicles, and property are subject to search.
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