How phone calls, video visits, and messaging work in Illinois facilities
How people in custody call, message, or video visit depends on the facility and its vendor. One county jail, for example, uses CTEL/CPC for phone calls and "chirping," while commissary runs through a separate system. Phone funds and commissary funds require separate deposits. That same facility notes that phone calls, video visits, and text messages are recorded unless you're the person's attorney or clergy and have been cleared. At the state prison level, IDOC facilities post their own video visitation schedules. Logan Correctional Center and Western Illinois Correctional Center both list daily video visitation hours and ask visitors to log on 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Some facilities tie messaging and video visitation to the same site families use for deposits. One jail directs families to JailATM for email and video call scheduling. If you run into account or scheduling problems with a vendor system, contact vendor support directly. InmateSales, for instance, lists customer service at 702-829-3001.
Common Questions
Q
Can corrections officers pass messages to an inmate in an emergency?
No. One Illinois jail states that corrections officers are unable to pass messages to inmates for any reason, including emergencies, so you should not rely on staff to deliver a message. If there is immediate danger, call 911, and for urgent but non-911 situations contact the facility directly.
Q
Are phone calls, video visits, and text messages recorded?
Yes, they can be. One Illinois county jail states that telephone calls, video visits, and text messages are recorded unless you are the person’s attorney or clergy and you have been cleared by the facility, and it also says all texting communications are recorded.
Q
If I have problems scheduling or account questions for video visits, who should I call?
Start with the vendor that runs the video visit platform for that facility, since registration and scheduling issues are often handled through the vendor. For example, InmateSales lists a customer service number (702-829-3001). For general facility questions, you can also call the facility directly, for example Logan Correctional Center lists a phone number on its facility page.
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