Scheduling and rules for in-person and remote visits
- Confirm whether you must sign up first. Logan Correctional Center and Western Illinois Correctional Center both state you must sign up in advance to visit.
- Schedule video visits ahead of time when required. One Illinois county jail states video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, either through a public video terminal, the vendor website, or by phone.
- Pick a time that is actually available. That same jail lists on-site scheduling windows (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and remote visit hours (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and it says visits are blocked during mealtimes from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Log in early. Logan and Western both tell visitors to log on 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
Video visiting costs can vary by location. One Illinois county jail offers free on-site video visits in the public lobby, while remote visits via computer or mobile device have a minimal fee. Visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. If your loved one has court, expect strict limits: one jail says officers will not permit contact with friends or family before, during, or after court appearances. The same jail also prohibits family visits at any medical facility.
Illinois has statewide visitation rules that may affect your plans. IDOC rules state that visitors may only visit one incarcerated individual at a time unless they have prior written approval from the Chief Administrative Officer. Tobacco and tobacco-less products are not allowed inside any IDOC facility.
Common Questions
Q
How do I schedule a visit at Logan or Western Illinois Correctional Center?
Both facilities state you must sign up in advance before visiting. For video visits, plan to log in 15 minutes early, Logan specifically tells visitors to log on 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Some Illinois facilities also require video visits be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, so build in a buffer and do not assume same-day availability.
Q
Can I visit an inmate while they are at court or a hospital?
Typically, no. One Illinois jail states officers will not permit contact with friends or family before, during, or after court appearances, and it also states family members and others are not permitted to visit inmates at any medical facility. If you think there is an exceptional situation, contact the facility for guidance.
Q
Are there limits on how many people I can visit or visit at once?
Yes, there can be limits. IDOC visitation rules state that visitors may only visit one incarcerated individual at a time unless they have prior written approval from the Chief Administrative Officer. IDOC also states visitors and incarcerated people cannot possess tobacco or tobacco-less products inside any IDOC facility.
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