STATEVILLE Correctional Center

[Dazzler]

FROM IDOC'S WEBSITE:

Stateville Correctional Center
Marcus Hardy, Warden

Facility Data
Stateville Correctional Center
Opened: March 1925
*Operational Capacity: 3,868
Maximum Security Adult Male
*Stateville Correctional Center Population: 1,590
*Northern Reception and Classification Center Population: 1,843
*Stateville Minimum Security Unit: 192
*Total Current Population: 3,625
Average Age: 35
FY2010 Average Annual Cost Per Inmate: $30,055.00

*As of 11/30/2011. Reflects bed space capacity analysis as outlined in the January 1, 2012 Quarterly Report to the Legislature.
Stateville Correctional Center is the parent institution for the Northern Reception and Classification Center and Stateville Minimum Security Unit

Visiting Hours
 

IDOC Visitation Rules and Information

Visitors to any correctional facility will be required to produce photo identification and verification of date of birth. Please be sure to bring 2 forms of identification with you; these would include a current photo ID such as a driver’s license, a state ID card, government ID card, military ID/driver’s license, or acceptable documentation of non-U.S. citizenship including a current Passport, or Visa, documentation must contain the visitor’s date of birth. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted. Visitors will also be required to provide vehicle information and other pertinent data, such as government identification, official credentials, attorney registration, and or law student certification.

Maximum security visits are 7:30am to 2:30pm (daily)
Minimum security visits are 8:00-2:00pm (weekends and holidays)

Visitors must arrive by 1:30 pm weekdays and 12:45pm weekends & holidays.

General population and protective custody inmate visits are limited to two hours on weekdays and one hour on weekends and holidays.  All segregation inmate visits are limited to one hour.

Facility Address

Business Mail:
16830 So. Broadway St.
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434

Inmate Mail:
Inmate Name & IDOC#
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434 

Phone: (815) 727-3607
Fax: (815) 727-5511

Facility Information

Stateville Correctional Center's mission is to encourage and promote a climate of safe and secure conditions in which offenders and staff can develop positive attitudes and encourage work and program opportunities and experiences that guide offenders toward reintegration into the community.

The facility sits on a total of 2,264 acres of land with a 33-foot wall with guard towers surrounding it. This adult male maximum security facility consists of a 32-bed infirmary in the health care unit and three living units that house general population, segregation, protective custody and temporary writ inmates. The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) functions as the major adult male intake and processing unit for the entire state. The NRC contains 1,800 beds in 24 housing units. Within the NRC is also the minimum-security unit, which can house up to 384 offenders in two units.

Inmate Programs

Academic:

    ABE (Adult Basic Education)
    GED (General Education Development)

Vocational:

    Barbering

Industries:

    Soap
    Furniture

Volunteer Services

    Creative Art
    Choir
    Religious Bible Studies

Other:

    Library
    Life Skills
    Anger Management
    Substance Abuse
    Life Style Redirection
    Chaplaincy
    Community Work Crews
    Counseling

http://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/facilities/Pages/statevillecorrectionalcenter.aspx



 

Northern Reception and Classification Center
Marcus Hardy, Warden

Facility Data
Northern Reception and Classification Center
Opened: 2004
*Northern Reception and Classification Center Population: 1,843

*As of 11/30/2011. Reflects bed space capacity analysis as outlined in the January 1, 2012 Quarterly Report to the Legislature.
Stateville Correctional Center is the parent institution for the Northern Reception and Classification Center
Visiting Hours
 
No visits, except legal when working on a current legal case.

Facility Address

Business Mail:
16830 So. Broadway Street
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434

Inmate Mail:
Inmate Name & IDOC#
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434

Phone: (815) 727-3607
Fax: (815) 727-5511

Facility Information

The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) functions as the major adult male intake and processing unit for the entire state. The NRC contains 1,800 beds in 24 housing units. Within the NRC is also the Stateville Minimum Security Unit.

Offenders admitted to the NRC are in reception status.  They remain in reception status until they are transferred to a permanent institution.  Privileges and movement are limited at the reception center.  The average length of stay is 3 weeks to 2 months; however, it may be longer due to court writ, medical hold, bed space availability, an early release date, or other considerations.

http://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/facilities/Pages/NorthernReceptionandClassificationCenter.aspx

[Scout]

The guys at the Ville are finally getting cable.  G had told me he heard it was coming and had talked to one of the A/W's about it, but Bill confirmed it in my phone call with him yesterday.  I can't recall the time frame, lol and I'm not 71!!!  I bet the guys are going to be thrilled!

[dancer]

Stateville is in Joliet IL on 53.  It is actually north of Joliet,  next to Crest Hill. 

If you live over 300 miles one way from the prison,  you can call the assistant warden's office at X6611 and request extended visits.  You should do this at least two weeks in advance.  I have never gotten a letter back confirming this but the inmate you visit will get it. Then in the gatehouse and visit room there will be a copy of it.  Request each day you think you might visit separately.  You should know that you can only visit one weekend day a month.  If you are taking a long trip to visit,  you might want to try to straddle the end of one month and the beginning of the next as then you could visit on a Sat. and then a Sunday,  if Sunday is the 1st for example. 

It can take a long time before you are actually able to visit.  They often wait for "batches" of visitors before processing them.  Watch what wording you have on T shirts.  No sleeveless for anyone including infants. No see through tops,  no cleavage, no short skirts or shorts.  It is best to bring another set of clothing if you have any doubts at all.  Time after time I have seen irate people at Stateville who cannot visit because of problems with their ID or clothing.  It is always good to double check everything before you visit, and call to see if they are on lockdown before you set out.
 
Stateville has a lot of men in and out of there,  because inmates come there to go to court in Cook County, and also they have R & C there. 

There are wild cats on the grounds!   Sometimes they are sitting together watching you go into the gatehouse. 


You buy a debit card and then put money on it to be able to buy food for the inmate.  You will need to put your cell phone in your car,  not in your purse.  After you get your two id's together and the two papers they give you,  you can lock your purse in the locker for 1 quarter, and then take the key with you. 

They do not accept social security cards at stateville as ID.  You have to have one photo ID like a driver's license, or state ID.  the other ID can be a work ID,  voter registration card,  or certified copy of birth certificate.  Children under 17 do not need to be on the inmates approved visit list.  You can have only three visitors.  I believe you can have an infant on a lap and that does not count.  if it is your first visit,  you may want to call there and ask to talk to someone to get the exact requirements.  I have taken children to visit three times,  and I needed to have their birth certificates and also proof that I had permission to bring them.  Once a letter from a judge that was certified that I had permission to do this,  and once it was a notarized letter from the birth mom giving me permission,  listing the dates, and they still called to check up on me. 

The vending machines have quite a variety of food available,  from ice cream, wings,  to grapes last time, and real juices.  The prices aren't too bad.

I always stay at the Ramada LTD in Bolingbrook on 53.  It has a pool,  jacuzzi,  good continental breakfasts and is 7 miles from the prison.  They even have a handicapped room that is reasonably priced. 
Children must remain seated.  They generally do not allow small children to sit on the inmate's lap. 
the pace bus 831 has a stop for stateville.  I think a greyhound bus goes there also.

Most of the staff are very pleasant at Stateville, but a few are "grouchy".
 
You will be allowed a brief hug and peck of a kiss at the beginning and end of visits.  There is NO touching allowed at the tables.  The tables they have,  the inmate is raised up and there are three metal stools attached to the table.

There is a separate area for segregation visits.  Steel yourself if you visit your loved one while he is in seg.  You will get a one hour visit.  He will look bad.  He will not be able to comb his hair or shave.  He probably will lose a lot of weight in seg. He will have a belly chain and handcuffs to it and have leg chains.  They will then chain him down to the floor from the stool.  Try not to cry until after you leave. 

the phone number for the Ramada is  630 972 9797
 
 

[Kamama]

 That's great news that they'll finally get cabel. Wow!

By the way, when i go to visit my husband at Stateville, i always stay at a motel 6 at Joliet, near Joliet Mall. They offer what you need, which is a room, for an acceptable price of about $40.00 p.n. It's about 15 minutes driving to Stateville. As I'm coming over from the Netherlands, I hope once to learn to know any people, to have a talk and/or a meeting with, for the hours I've to entertain myself! Are YOU maybe the one? Let me know.

[dancer]

two choices of places to stay near stateville.
Super 8 in Romeoville 1301 Marquette Drive, romeoville 60446 630 759 8880
call for reservations at 1 800 800 8000
and my favorite, though a few dollars more is the Ramada a block down
520 S Bolingbrook Drive 630 972 9797 It has a pool and jacuzzi and a better continental breakfast.
Also the Ramada in Bolingbrook has a handicapped room for the same price.
It is 7 miles from the prison.

[Aki]

If you stay on Division (the street running along side of the prison) it will take you to Rt 30 aprox 3 miles, there you'll find a Hampton Inn, Best Western, Super 8, Motel 6 as well as a couple more choices. The Louis Joliet Mall is less than a block away from 6 or 7 major motels as well as dozens of places to eat, from McDonalds to a Lone Star.

[Ashby28]

Hi,

I am trying to locate the policies and procedures for Stateville Correctional Center.  My nephew was the work camp, but tested positive for drugs.  He says he wasn't using and I believe him.  He has been gone 4 years and has never tested positive for drugs the whole time.  He gets out in 6 months and he definitely would not screw that up now.  There were several discrepancies in the testing and I want to see the actual procedure that has to be followed.  Does anyone know where I can get that?

Thanks,
Stacy

[Dazzler]

Hi Ashby...I'm not sure what you're looking for?   Are you asking what their drug testing procedures are?  If so, we have little information on how the DOC conducts their testing.  However, if you're asking what the procedure is for your nephew to file a grievance to dispute this false test the rules of the DOC are in our forum IDOC Rules and Regulations...Title 20.  There is a link there to the entire disciplinary code of the department.  It describes each step that an inmate should take to grieve this and any disciplinary hearings that arise from this incident.  I hope this helps you.  If not, please come back here for more help. 

[Chickie]

Hi Stacy,

My Fiance was @ the work camp there, i asked him about this, he said they received a packet on the drug testing procedures, with the handbook that they received on their first day there.  Other than that, I can only suggest that you contact a counselor there.   Good Luck Stacey! 

[Ashby28]

My nephew wasn't allowed to see the results of his test.  The package with the cup was opened when he came into the room.  He thinks that is a violation, but before I pursue that as a possibility I wondered if the state has to publish what their drug testing procedure is.  His mom thought it might be on line. That's what I'm looking for, the actual procedure for testing the inmates.  It seems to me that it would have to be done in a uniform manner.  He has already filed a greivance.

Thanks.
Stacy

[Dazzler]

Stacey...my only advice to find this information is to call Springfield office of Inmate Issues.  Ask them if this information is available to the public.  Unless, like Chickie says, your nephew was given this information with his handbook.  The cup was unsealed before he made his drop?  That seems odd.  Have you spoken to a counselor already?

[Ashby28]

I'll call them today.  It's so hard to find which office to call.  I have talked to 2 different counselors.  His assigned counselor has decreed him guilty and said that I have no idea what is going on with my nephew or who he is hanging out with.  I asked for him to get a different counselor and they said it can't be done.  The counselor did say that when he, himself, is tested, they open the package right in front of him, so he thought that was strange too.

[Dazzler]

"Hanging out with?"  In prison?  I wasn't aware they could hang out....where are the correctional officers?

[dancer]

Take a look at the money saved while they are on lockdown and don't have to pay the inmates state pay for those days.  It ain't chump change!

[dancer]

Here is a partial  transcript from the MSNBC Lockup: stateville program.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6928998

[EMERALD]

Dancer, thanks for that info, I found it really interesting.  Over here, we rarely get to see programmes like that on TV so it brought it a bit closer.  What a terrible place it seems to be. pg>>

[pinkgirl02]

So...if they're on lock down for a long time they don't get any money to buy stuff they need for that amount of time? Or did I read that wrong?

[Dazzler]

No, that's correct pinkgirl...when the inmates are on lockdown they don't receive the little state pay that they get for necessities.  It's usully about $10 per month. 

[dancer]

What the heck did I do with the link?  It was something I found doing a google search,  while looking for that photo of the Stateville visit room.   It showed they had paid out about  $75,000 less than the year before in inmate compensations.  it was under the audits.

[Dazzler]

They also cut the state pay last year I believe...J's was cut from $13 to $10 dollars...

[Amesballz]

My man works in the gym at Graham and makes $15 a month...but when they went on lockdown in July for a week because someone held a nurse hostage, he got docked for that week and couldnt write to me for a while because he ran out of money for postage after he bought all of his toiletries!!  ARGHHH the prison system is so frustrating sometimes!

[dancer]

E's state pay has been  $10 a month the last four years that I've known him.  At the audit document it showed  IDOC had paid out  $11 mil in settlements!  that was up a lot from the last two years.   someday we needed to have a calling campaign about state pay.  I think in April it was $3 at Stateville due to lockdowns.  I  got a copy of E's account and saw it. 

[jewels]

J's has also been $10 for the last 4 years that I know of, minus lockdowns. The point is they were given this money each month to provide themselves with essentials, instead of the state giving them to them. With commisary now being so over inflated and state pay being cut so often due to lockdowns, it rarely covers these essentials.
However I do feel we need to exercise caution if we protest about the amount because other states either get nothing or just a very few dollars. I wish Illinois also was given envelopes and stamps like some states are.

[Dazzler]

IDOC is responsible for supplying basic necessities...it's a cheap way for them to get off without providing these items...I guess the inmates don't need basic necessities during one of their long lockdowns...they charge for toilet paper now, remember?

[dancer]

they do?  You sure it is just not for extra TP?   Other states that I have written penpals,  FL  NY and CA,  you can just send in stamps with your letter,  unused with the backing.  Usually there is a limit,  like  20 stamps at a time.  I can't imagine a whole lot of drugs come in under postage stamps. in CA you can send envelopes and writing paper also.  Their mail system is worse than IL for delivery,  at least at High Desert.
It would be interesting to make up a list of basic necessities and price them out at each prison.  shampoo,  razors,  write outs, soap,  toothpaste and toothbrushes, combs,  hair grease,  and then extra clothing and winter coats,  gym shoes. Figure out what they need once a month,  or once a year.  If they smoke they are just out of luck unless they have money coming in. They don't get meals for a 12 hour period of time,  and they are often hungry if they don't have some soup or candy in their box. It must be really hard not to be able to run, or play basketball,  because you only have state boots. You don't see many of those in the visit rooms,  but when I've visited Corey and seen lots of guys out in the yard,  lots of men wear them.  It really does infuriate me that they charge them inflated prices for those necessities. 

[jewels]

However do the guys who have no-one and nothing, manage? J gave his last cellie some soap because he had nothing except the clothes he stood in. Soon found out why! The guy was at the bars trading with it for some ciggies!
However do they manage with the toilet paper issue. I mean, when you gotto go, you gotta go and if you are out of paper? I almost forgot they have to get their own loo paper now. If the idoc can get away with not providing anything, they will!

[Dazzler]

I believe they are alotted a certain amount and after that they must pay for it...J used it for everything...he even stuffed his pillow sometimes for added fluffiness....geesh...

[jewels]

Can't say I blame him about the pillow. Lots of them say the pillows are like bricks to lay their heads on.

[Sister]

I think my brother said told me before that they get one roll per week.........and you have to make it last, or you are out of luck unless you have bought some.  He usually keeps some on hand because they run out. 

He was excited the other day when he called because he had gotten  to see the night sky.  He hadn't seen one in almost a year.  They had let them out of their cell for some reason or other and they got to go past a window.   Out here, we take things like that for granted, getting to see a beautiful night sky.

[EMERALD]

Yes Sister, your'e so right about that.  Only today, a letter from my guy stated that he has been at Tamms coming up 9years.  I thought of all the stuff id done and all the places id seen in those 9 years. It made me so sad.

[dancer]

I guess I agree with limiting TP.  Some people use it and wrap it around their hands!  My daughter goes through about a half roll a day. 
ok ladies,  help me figure this out.  I'm still looking for that other document I saw!
Take a look at the bottom of page  14 and then  page 15 about commissary funds.  It is talking about employees getting paid from commissary profits!  why?   
http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lac/audits/corgen04.pdf#search=%22stateville%20audit%20illinois%20%20%202004%20%202005%20%22

[jewels]

How can TP be limited? What of those inmates who really need it? Can you imagine having to only have access to so many sheets a week? I used mine for all sorts, including when I have a cold!

[dancer]

I think this is one of the sites I saw the other day.  This is just an audit for  three years up til  2002 and I don't see a category about inmate pay here.  I think they mean PersonnEL.  You would think someone putting together a state report would know how to spell.  Take a look at the numbers of employees goign up every year.  Also telecommunications  costs went way up.  maybe because of a new prison being built?  But phone services prices have gone down. 
I'd like to see  2003 to 2005 report.  It would be interesting to see if the number of employees did go down. 
Oh,  also look at the category about taking out of inmate pay to pay for incarceration if they make over  $25 / month. 
http://www.state.il.us/AUDITOR/Corrections Gen Off 02.htm
http://www.state.il.us/AUDITOR/Corrections04.htm    04
if the link does not work,   copy and paste it,  then clear off everything after auditor and look for the list of audits,  and go to corrections. 

[dancer]

darn that link does not work and I copied it. 
here is the report.  Probably we want to remove most of it?  the format did not transfer.  I do see we can request copies!   
REPORT DIGEST
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
DEPARTMENT-WIDE FINANCIAL AUDIT

For the Year Ended:
June 30, 2002

GENERAL OFFICE
COMPLIANCE AUDIT

For the Two Years Ended:
June 30, 2002

HERE'S THE LINK - http://www.state.il.us/AUDITOR/Corrections%20Gen%20Off%2002.htm

[Sister]

Yes Sister, your'e so right about that.  Only today, a letter from my guy stated that he has been at Tamms coming up 9years.  I thought of all the stuff id done and all the places id seen in those 9 years. It made me so sad.

I tend to think of that every time I see a beautiful sunset, or the sun rising, or a pretty view with trees........etc.  How lucky I am to be seeing those things.......it is a priviledge indeed.

[dancer]

I often use really bright paper to print off my letters to the guys at tamms,  or put in colorful photos of nature,  just because their world is so devoid of color. 

[masonik4]

Hi all, I normally don't reply much, although I do share posts and blogs, but this is an interesting subject, of which I can kinda relate to.

Being from NC prisons, I understand a bit about how these things work, but I always caution any reader that no inmate can truly speak for any other inmate, since we have all done our time differently. Having said that, let me kinda share what I know about how some prisons work.

When I was in prison, I had several different jobs, from working as a janitor, working in the kitchen, road squad and even a GED teacher assistant (I actually used to be a real GED teacher after I graduated from college).  I was paid as little as 40 cents a day, and as much as $1 a day, depending on the job.  The dollar-a-day jobs were very few and far between.

I was making I guess about $2.40 a week, or about $9.60 a month under a 40 cent a day job.  But let's face it, that will barely take care of the essentials.  However, there were ways around that.  First off is someting quite common, bartering....

Yeah, it IS against the rules, but you gotta do what you gotta do....

But there is also another way, that being indigent.  In NC, and other states, if an inmate does not make a certain amount of money in a month's time, the state will claim them indigent and give them a bag of very generic...AND I DO MEAN VERY GENERIC hygiene items.  This includes a small comb, a fingernail clipper (or board), cheap lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo & conditioner.  If I am correct, if you got less than $12 or $15 in a month, you were indigent, but you have to have that status for I think 2 months before you could claim the items.  It used to be that you got stamps too, but I think they stopped that.

As for tissue paper, I never had to pay for any because they were free at all times.  If you were in a cell camp, you got 2 rolls a day, but most guys wasn't going through two rolls a day.  In communal camps (dorms), the group bathrooms were stocked by janitors...something I was responsible for.

Lockdowns do indeed hurt everyone, as I think we can all attest to, and I have been on a couple.  It certainly makes it difficult for guys to get the things they need.  A lot of guys rely heavily on those few dollars they get per month, and I cannot tell you how important it is for a person to have a few dollars in his pocket while in prison...even if it is a card camp.

There are some other things I wanted to say, but I think they have been covered, and I also wanted to just kinda lend my sympathies to those who have loved ones in those situations.  Having been there myself, I understand the frustation, and had to kinda hold my tongue on other issues that might be factors that I will not speak of.  At any rate, hang in there guys.

[Jims]

darn that link does not work and I copied it. 
here is the report.  Probably we want to remove most of it?  the format did not transfer.  I do see we can request copies!   
REPORT DIGEST
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
DEPARTMENT-WIDE FINANCIAL AUDIT

For the Year Ended:
June 30, 2002

GENERAL OFFICE
COMPLIANCE AUDIT

For the Two Years Ended:
June 30, 2002

HERE'S THE LINK - http://www.state.il.us/AUDITOR/Corrections%20Gen%20Off%2002.htm

I thought the part about IDOC's efforts to recoup the cost of incarceration from inmates was particularly interesting. I thought once a person was convicted, he became a ward of the state. So how can they try to recoup costs of housing them and providing for them? If they have to pay for themselves, wouldn't that negate the "wards of the state" theory? It looks as if they decided to make concerted efforts to grab assets of incoming inmates and to pay closer attention to what inmates have on the outside.

[Sister]

I often use really bright paper to print off my letters to the guys at tamms,  or put in colorful photos of nature,  just because their world is so devoid of color. 

I particularly try to find cards and paper and that kind of thing with nature on it.  My brother used to really love the woods, mountains, trees and such, he really loves a pretty card with a forest or a sky.

Thanks, Masonik, for sharing that. 

[JJL]

^%$#
Can somebody answer a question for me PLEASE?!!?!?!?!

When I go to Stateville on the 18th to visit Jo, I will need to get my own canteen card to put some money on for vending. My prior visit I used his mom's card so I didn't have to worry about it, I just gave her the cash to put on the card. But I won't be seeing her this time. Do you get a new card from the visting center staff, or does it come directly from the machine where you add money to the cards?

I hate going somewhere and not knowing exactly what to do. I was so glad his mom was with me the first time so I could learn the "ropes" of how do everything for a visit. And sometimes depending on the staff, they aren't always too friendly to even approach let alone ask a question.

I know that the cards are $1.00. At least that's what his mom said. I just want to know what to do before I get there.

THANK YOU! I LOVE THIS SITE!

[Dazzler]

I called Stateville and they told me the cards are 85 cents????   She said you put $1 into the machine for the card and that money goes on the card also, then you may add additional amounts as you like.  I hope this is right information.  I thought the card was $1 when I visited there last two years ago.  The lockers are two quarters...From what I've heard there are two female CO's working the reception room and they are very friendly and pleasant...hopefully they haven't been moved...

[JJL]

Thanks for the info. Yeah there was one CO in particular, Barnes, that I really liked. She was very nice. But then the last day of my visit in September, there must have been some new CO or something, cause she was real nasty, short and ms. follow the book. Barnes was there the first 2 days so I really appreciated her especially after that lady on day #3. Same with the CO's or whatever they are in the actual visiting room. There were 2 ladies that were real nice. But on the 3rd day, there was a different one in there who was not quite as friendly. That kind of stuff means a lot to me and I'm sure to other visitors as well. You figure we're already going into an unhappy sitatuation so anything extra that makes it even moreso is really not necessary.

Yeah, I remember the quarters for the lockers. And I definitely don't forget the "shakedowns". They wouldn't even let me take my chapstick in. Like what am I'm going to do, slide it to him so he can lube the bars and break out?  *(%$#

First of all I know there have probably been people that have tried crazy shit. But I would not do a thing to jeopardize my time to see Jo. I travel too far to do that and would never want to make his time there any more traumatic than it already is.

[jewels]

Hard to read green!
I always thought the cards were $1, but when I was last there I had to get a new one as mine decided to develop a fault, You put a dollar in for the new card, but it is actually only 85c and the remaining 15c goes on the card with the spending amount.Maybe you visited when the others were on their days off? let's hope so.
  Hope you have some wonderful visits and concentrate on him if you get not very nice staff, just smile sweetly,knowing you are soon going to see your Jo!

[Sister]

The last time I went to Stateville, the card machine was out of order, you could add money to the card if you had one, but if you didn't already have a card, you were out of luck...no soda or food........thank goodness I still had my card.

I have had both nice c.o.'s and not so nice c.o.'s in both the reception area and the visiting room.   There are all kinds, I guess.

[Scout]

The lockers are only one quarter at Stateville...I recommend making sure you have one, more often than not the change machine doesn't work.

[JJL]

Hi everybody!  .>>  I am back from my 3 day visit seeing Jo at the Ville! Everything actually went without a hitch this time....except one thing.

Ya'll remember in October (18th) when I went and the visit was cancelled for Lockdown right? Well I had already put $20 on his canteen cash card before the visit was cancelled. I had bought a new card of my own so I had put the $1 in first which left a .15 balance, then put the $20 on it so it had $20.15. Well I didn't think to check the card when I went this week cause I knew I had $20 on it.

Get to the visiting room, which was HOT AS HELL this time, go up to get a nice cold diet coke...and the card said I only had .15! OH MY GOD!  :-(  I was so ********. I was upset cause I wasn't going to be able to feed Jo and hell I was mad my damn self cause it was hot as hell and we were going to be sitting there for 4 hours with no food or drink. You know my daughter was a little peeved about that too. HA! And Jo did not even worry about it. But I know on the inside he was thinking "damn i'm hungry". HA! The next day when we visited, he said when he went back to his cell he fixed him some food and his cellie was wondering why he was hungry asking him man didn't you just come off a visit? Why you hungry? HA! Of course he had to turn it into a joke like I did that mess on purpose to make him suffer for not sending me anough letters or something.  *(%$#  He always got jokes!

So, I asked the CO's in the visiting room which ofcourse were no help and said they had no control over it.
Is there anyway I can get that $20 back?

Needless to say the next 2 days I put a little extra on the card, checked the balance about 3 times before we went to the visiting room just to be sure I could feed him. HA!

[Susan]

I am SO glad that you got your visit. I was thinking about you yesterday, wondering if you had better luck this time.

Yay!

[love91]

ive heard different answers so if anyone has visited statesville and knows for sure.... can u wear a bra with underwire or no? and if u cant, do u think they'll give problems bout metal body piercings...tongue, nose, belly button? also you have to be at least 17 to go without a parent right? how much money should i put on the card so that he can eat a good meal? around what are the prices for the food? i have a DL can i use a school id for the other id? any info would be greatly appreciated?

[Dazzler]

I never had a problem with an underwire at Stateville.  A school ID with a photo is a good second ID.  Unlike Pontiac, Stateville never had any restrictions on jewelry...body or otherwise.  You must have your arms covered at Stateville.  THey'd better not see that navel piercing...because then you're showing too much skin to get in. :)  They are very strict at Stateville about clothing.  Bring spare clothes in the car if you think it won't be allowed.  No cleavage, no short skirts.  Dress like a nun and you should be alright.  Nothing sheer either.  I answered you about the vending prices in the Visiting forum.

[muah]

not sure about statesville

[dancer]

I didn't even know about the underwire.  After the ordeal with my foster daughter's underwire bra at Lawrence,  none of my bras have underwires in them. you can wear as much jewelry as you want.  Stateville even counts a lot of white tops as see through.  They don't want your bra showing through at all.  Like dazzler said,  a change of clothes in the car is a real good idea.   

[JJL]

I only wear underwire and do every time I visit the Ville with no problems.

[love91]

thanx everyone for all your help

I never had a problem with an underwire at Stateville.  A school ID with a photo is a good second ID.  Unlike Pontiac, Stateville never had any restrictions on jewelry...body or otherwise.  You must have your arms covered at Stateville.  THey'd better not see that navel piercing...because then you're showing too much skin to get in. :)  They are very strict at Stateville about clothing.  Bring spare clothes in the car if you think it won't be allowed.  No cleavage, no short skirts.  Dress like a nun and you should be alright.  Nothing sheer either.  I answered you about the vending prices in the Visiting forum.

i have to have my whole arms covered? as in i have to wear long sleeves? or are short sleeves ok?

[love91]

can sum1 tell me how a visit at statesville generally goes? im kinda nervous  ii guess since its such a high security prison and ive only visited people in cook and dupage couny lately... the last time i visited sum1 in prison was my uncle in dixon like 7 yrs ago!! so i was reading, theres no touching, no holding hands, nothing? and what does it mean by the inmate is raised up on the table and then theres 3 stools?any info on how yiour statesville visit went would be greatly appreciated... thanx

[Dazzler]

meli, it's not as frightening as you might think.  The visits are not behind glass like the counties are.  The visiting tables are sort of kidney shaped....with three lower stools on the outside rounded edge.  The inmate sits on the inside edge on a stool higher than the visitors' three.  He's elevated so you aren't really face to face...he's across the table from you and higher, looking down a little at you.  This stops any passing of things under the table for sure...

When the inmate comes down the stairs after his search you may stand up and greet him and kiss and hug.  No tongue...lol.  And not too long of a kiss/hug either.  You may also walk to the stairs and repeat this when the visit is over.  There is a bank of food/drink machines on one wall and you must buy the food.  He must remain seated.  It's not so scary.  You enter at the new visitor's center and you'll be checked in and searched there.  Then you must walk to the main Administration building and climb the stairs where you will go through two different checkpoints.  You will show your approval slips and put your hand under an infrared light to check for your hand stamp you'll receive.  Then you will go down a flight of stairs to the visiting room.  When you reach the bottom there's a CO's desk where you will hand them your paperwork.  They will assign you a table for your visit and point it out to you unless he is already there.  Usually the visitor arrives before the inmate but sometimes my guy did get there first.  Dress conservatively or I guarantee you won't get in.  You may bring five books, mags , or newspapers to your visit and they will be given to your inmate fairly quickly.  Write the inmate's name and ID on them or in them.  When the visits is concluded you return throught the visitor's center.  There is a glass door that you will enter through, not the same door you leave the search area from.

[Kamama]

Short (not short-short) sleeves are okay, a nose piercing is okay.

[Scout]

They no longer stamp your hand...the light broke and they never repaired it.

[Dazzler]

 *(%$#  I never quite understood the point in stamping a woman's hand there anyway.  It was rather silly....

[JJL]

 ?>
It's not bad meli! It can be loud in the room if it's crowded and depending on whether the heat is working on overtime or not, it'll either be extremely hot or cold. Me and Jo have been known to slip a little tongue every now and then, but a quickie. HA! And usually if you time the visits just right so that you end your visit at 2:30 when they shut down, it's a little more relaxed as everyone is leaving. Hugs sometimes linger a little longer as the officers are announcing that everybody has to go and everyone converges towards the front slowly......kinda like a kid procrastinating at bed time. HA!

If you gotta use the bathroom, you gotta let a officer know and she'll take you to the bathroom, then pat you down when you come out. It's right there at the back of the visitors room. Foods not too bad for vending machine food. And last time I was there the ice cream machine was working. There are microwaves to heat up the food for you and your guy. He can't get up but they pretty much know or find out what's in the machines or you can browse and let him know what's in them. If you're lucky there will be condiments for sandwiches...mustard and ketchup packs. And good luck with napkins if they don't run out before you get there. HA!

[love91]

Thanx so much for all the info!! its greatly appreciated. i called statesville today and they said a school id would be ok as a second id. il be there this friday and il be sure to let u guys know how it went. thanx again!

[Kamama]

Have a great visit this friday.
 ?>?>?>

[jewels]

Have a wonderful visit meli! (*%#

[Forevermah]

Have a good visit meli,  will wait to hear from you.


Mah  !@#*&$

[dancer]

There is a book on Stateville prison.  It looks like there are a lot of others that are now out of print and unavailable.  This is at amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-1530964-0687015?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=stateville&x=10&y=13

[waiting4derek]

Does anyone have specific information for Stateville Farm? I'm trying to figure out is there is a 5 limit visit imposed each month for an inmate there? There doesn't seem to be good information anywhere and even the visiting room seemed baffled and didn't have the "for sure" answer to that question. Some of the CO's said yes and others said no???

[Forevermah]

waiting, I think jsmom posted back to you about the farm in another topic where you had asked. Please go to your profile and search out your posts and follow them back. You may find the post quicker this way.  You can also call Stateville and ask them.

Mah

This was her post to you:

waiting...Glad you finally got your news!!! My son left the farm Dec 26. I believe the reason for the limited visits is because they have jobs & don't like to take them from that. The visiting is actually only until 1:30, 2 hour visits. My son was always at his job when we got there for visits & we usually waited about an hour for him to be brought over but we did get our full visit from the time he arrived. We were allowed extra time during one visit when the visiting room wasn't busy & everyone had to leave at 1:30. There are about 20 tables in there...don't remember for sure. The inmate sits facing his visitors in a seat that is slightly raised, 3 seats for visitors. There are only 2 vending machines, one with drinks & the other with snack cakes, chips, etc. The CO's were mostly ok...had one who acted like she was all that!! She got after us when son held his 18 month old nephew...that isn't allowed!!! Vending card is bought from the machine, think it was $1.00 & then $$$$ added as needed. This machine is where you check in at & get shook down. Hope this helps! Any other questions, feel free to PM me

[jsmom]

I checked with my son & he said yes there is a limit of 5 visits per month. The guys all have jobs or will soon after arriving at the farm & therefore the reason for the limit of visits. He said this is in the book the inmates receive with all the rules when they arrive. Hope this helps.  /'.

[Debba]

My son arrived at Stateville R&C.  His name came up on the inmate search today, so I have his I Doc#.  My question is... Can I write to him during his stay at Stateville?  This is all brand new for me and my son.  It's a God send that I found this sight so quickly.

[Dazzler]

Welcome Debba.  Yes, you may write to your son right away and I'm sure he'll appreciate it.  However, the mail service at Stateville is deplorable so it may take awhile for him to receive it.  He may not be able to obtain any 'write-outs' so don't be upset if he doesn't respond.  Have you read our Ten Steps to Understanding the DOC?  If you go through that step by step it'll get you started.  He'll be in reception for about four weeks and until after that's done nothing will be normal....we have lots of information on the site and if you have questions you can't find the answers to please don't hesitate to just ask them.....we all understand exactly what you're feeling right now and we'll hold your hand through this...

[mamacita1]

As a fellow mom, where my child entered IDOC the first time, I certainly understand how you feel.

As Daz mentioned, he will need "write-outs" to write you.  In my experience, a generous soul (always a fellow inmate) lent him one to place us at ease.  Also, another generous soul (a correction officer) may allow him to make a phone call home, so be sure to set up an account with Consolidated.

Again, welcome to IPT!

mamacita

[Forevermah]

Welcome Debba to IPT.. we are glad you found us so quickly also.  There are many here, that like Daz said, will hold your hold through your journey with the IDOC.

You might want to check out our TEN STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING THE IDOC here,    http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/topic,1513.0.html    and if you have any questions, please post them.

Mah

[onedaycloser]

Does anyone know why it takes so long for our loved ones to receive mail while in reception and also to be sent to their parent institution? I just don't understand. It is hard enough for them to be away from us but even harder when you can not communicate with them at all. Not knowing if he is ok is killing me inside. 

[zillah]

My LO was in R&C for 11 days... I did not get a letter for 3 weeks.  I sent mail and magazines everyday - he did not receive them until he arrived at his parent institution.  He was able to send out a post card to his mom during that time. 

We are all here to help you out, I am sure you will hear from you LO soon. 

 

[onedaycloser]

Thanks! So not a good idea to send magazines and books yet

[Trishhhhh]

I am in the same boat.  My husband has been in reception at Stateville for 10 days now.  I got a post card from him then a letter asking me to send him a little by priority mail because he needed to hear that I was still here for him.  I have been writing him since the day he went there.  I guess he doesn't get them. 

[zillah]

I should also say that I am in Canada and my mail takes longer to get out there.  It also depends how long he is there.  You never know, he may receive your mail :)

[pattykins]

My husband is in Stateville R C since 10/24/08. I miss him so badly. He got bussed while we where on our honeymood on Sweetest Day in LaSalle County. He had a Cook County Warrant out for him.  Judge gave him 3yrs. and a drug program to do. I have not heard from him since the morning they where going to ship him out. My mother-n-law recieved a post card from him on 11/1/2008 saying that he was getting my pictures and letters and cards. Just that he wonders when he's going to clear. So he can start his program and get home. We have a beautiful 5 year old girl who is going nuts without her daddy. He means everything to her. And it wasnt good for her to see him get taken from us on 10/18/2008 by 2 LaSalle County Police Officers in handcuffs and etc.
Thanks for hearing me out everyone!!!!

[Trishhhhh]

pattykins~I know how you feel.  My husband left LaSalle County and went to Stateville.  He was there for 13 days and was transferred to Lawrence last Wednesday and I have not heard from him yet.  He was sent to Lawrence for their drug program.  If you haven't done it yet, sign up for VINE on the IDOC website.  They will send you an email as soon as he gets transferred to his "parent" facility.  Then you can contact Consolidated phone service (if you wish to) and as soon as his phone list is approved, he will be able to call you.  But don't expect it immediately after he transfers.  Like I said my husband has been at his parent facility for a week now and I haven't heard anything yet.  The have to meet with their councelor and do orientation.  It takes awhile.  Sorry to hear about your daughter, I have a 4 year old son that misses his daddy too.  Keep your head up, it will all seem like just a bad nightmare by this time next year.

[pattykins]

My husband is in Stateville R C since 10/24/08. I miss him so badly. He got bussed while we where on our honeymood on Sweetest Day in LaSalle County. He had a Cook County Warrant out for him.  Judge gave him 3yrs. and a drug program to do. I have not heard from him since the morning they where going to ship him out. My mother-n-law recieved a post card from him on 11/1/2008 saying that he was getting my pictures and letters and cards. Just that he wonders when he's going to clear. So he can start his program and get home. We have a beautiful 5 year old girl who is going nuts without her daddy. He means everything to her. And it wasnt good for her to see him get taken from us on 10/18/2008 by 2 LaSalle County Police Officers in handcuffs and etc.
Thanks for hearing me out everyone!!!!

[pattykins]

 11/12/2008
Hello to everyone. I had gotten a phone call from the IDOC website monday afternoon and they told me that today he had been transferred to Vandalia Correctional Center.  So hopefully I should be hearding from him in another 3 weeks or before thanksgiving day.
Thanks everyone who chated with me, and turned my frowns upside the right way instead of upside down.
Thank You for your prayers and answers, you know who you all are.

[ielene]

Has anyone else heard of them doing something different with commissary? I had not paid consolidated yet so my son called my mom saying if he didn't get commissary filled out last night it would be 3 weeks before he could order? It could be my mom got the message wrong but I Western Union him his monthly money. I am just wondering because if my mom didn't get the message wrong and they are doing things different no reason to worry. I have read where inmates get into trouble gambling, not something I would normally say my son would do but he has been locked up for 5 years now and you never know. I do know I am not paying gambling fees, so he had best be on the up and up with this.

[Scout]

It could very well be because it's the end of the fiscal year and they have to inventory, etc.  I know that my husband doesn't shop every week, it's like 2 or 3 times a month.

[ielene]

I sure hope that is what is going on. If it is not my son may be happy for the first time he is in prison 

[Bobsgirl17]

My l/o is at Taylorville.  He called me yesterday morning to say that he had to go to store on Thursday (it's usually Friday) and he has to shop for 3 weeks. They had just told him that morning.  I called Western Union that moringing and then followed up with the Trust Fund Office at TCC to make sure that if it was made through Western Union Wednesday morning, would it be on his books Thursday morning.  She said that the system updates at midnight so he would have his money. 

Hope this info helps!

[wifey]

We wired money on Monday and still no receipt at SV.  We are checking into that.  There is a 3 week shop because of the fiscal year and restructuring what will be available for them  Look for a lockdown soon as many of the CO's are already planning a lot of days off next week.  Tomorrow will be a big visiting day and they were saying today that if there was a lot of people, visits would be shortened. 

[ielene]

Thanks this info does help. I have not had to do this before and it raised a red flag. Like I said it is not in his charactor but he has been locked up some time now.

[Bobsgirl17]

Am I dumb or what...why can't I get directions (on Map Quest) for Stateville by using their mailing address.  I am coming from the west and I am not sure where it is.

[Kamama]

Stateville is situated at Route 53!
I think it's at Crest Hill, not Joliet! The mailbox is still at Joliet though!
Division St. runs at the side of Stateville.
Hope you'll yet find your way.

[ielene]

I went to visit today and got there around 8.30am. At 10.30am a guard came out and told us it would be another hour. Said there was no one to count the inmates? A bit after noon the same guard comes out and says she needs everyone’s passes visits have been cancelled? It was never said that they were on lockdown but anyone going in the morning might want to make sure first.

[hiswife22]

The same thing happened to me before. after waiting almost 4 hours they came out and said the visits were canceled. Then later that night my fiance called and told me that when they did count, they thought they "lost" an inmate when he really had a pass to go to the hospital that day. I'm sure its something stupid like that! I hope anyways, they just got off lockdown for being on almost a month!! Are you planning on going again tomorrow to visit?

[ielene]

I had not planned too as I wanted to get this camper ready for the brutal winter. I think I will go Friday and a day over the weekend Monday and Tuesday. I hate that I wasted a whole day waiting. There was a mother who came from Oklahoma and one from Florida and a brother from Texas there, I felt very sorry for them. 

[hiswife22]

i'm sorry you had to waste your whole day, i know how it is! especially for those people who came from all over the country and got their visit canceled because one of the guards didnt want to get up and do the count themselves. I am going Friday also. I hate going fridays too because it always is more crowded and the waiting time is rediculous sometimes. I guess i will just go earlyer and hope for the best!

[Kamama]

I hope visits run today for you!

[ielene]

Yes, visits went as normal today.

[LStoney]

Just wondering if anyone can help.....My boyfriend is currently being held at Stateville R & C, pending parole violation and writ on 3-18.  I am fully aware that everyone on this site is in agreement that while in R&C they get no phone priviledges.  On the contrary, my man told me that the first time he was in R&C (january 2009) that they let him use the phone at least 3 or 4 times, although when he tried to call me and his brother, he said it wouldnt go through.  Confusing to me.  Why would the IDOC let them use the phone if they do not even get to submit a list in R&C?   Does anyone know if they get to submit a list while in receiving?  Also, if no list, why would they allow phone calls if the only service for outgoing calls is through consolidated?  What would it look like if he is trying to call?  I had one call on my house phone caller id that said "out of area", I was not home to answer it.  I did have consolidated last year, for six months, but when I try to pull up my account, it is not found.  Anyone ever receive a collect call from statevill receiving? 

[hbmom]

Lstoney..my l/o was there for almost 4 weeks, we never got one phone call. hang in there!

[jenplus2]

As far as I understand it, there are no phone calls while in R&C. Maybe someone with more answers will be along soon. I am curious now as to how your l/o is able to make calls?

[LStoney]

He told me that last time he was there, they let him out a few times to makes calls, but the calls wouldnt go through.  At that time I couldnt set up with consolidated until he made the first attempt.  While he was in reception, January 2009, for 45 days, is when I kept called consolidated to see it his attempt was made and it finally was....so he must have called with no connection going through.  I am hanging in there.  Thanks to all for support as we all need it.

[LStoney]

here is a pretty good link that explains this facility.  It is old, but probably still accurate
http://www.entropias.com/visits/pdfs/stateville.pdf

[angelhere4u]

Ok. I hope that I am doing this right. This is my first time on this website. Does anyone know about the Northern Reception Center? Is that a bad part of the prison. I just saw the episode of Stateville Prison on Lock up on msnbc. It looks like a really bad prison and I am just worried about him. He has only been there since the 27th of last month and they told me that he can not even get mail until he has been there for four weeks. I can't hear from him, they are on lock down and I don't know how bad the northern reception center is. Can someone please help me?
 
 
 

[Marks_guy]

Reception is a whole different section of Stateville prison. I'm not sure if they would have shown that part on TV since it is for people just coming into the system. Reception is pretty much always on lockdown, no visits and very rare phone calls. Not because it is a bad part of the prison, but because the IDOC wants the inmates to realize they "aren't in Kansas anymore." Basically, they force the inmate to go without in order to reinforce the idea that they are now locked up.

He can get mail, and I encourage you to send it. However, the mail is EXTREMELY slow there. Maybe that is why they said he couldn't have mail for four weeks. Anything you send that isn't delivered on time will follow him when he is sent to his parent facility.

  to IPT, and know that there are many others who have been where you are now. If you haven't done so yet, check out our 10 Steps Board. It has a lot of great information for people just starting their journey with IDOC.

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/topic,1513.0.html

[Dazzler]

We also have photos of the R and C Center at Stateville.  It's a fairly new facility, opened just a few years ago.  It's very modern, clean, air-conditioned and the inmates are single celled during reception to eliminate any fighting or other danger.

[angelhere4u]

how do i go to see the pictues. Also, now I know that he can get my mail how long do you think before he can write back?

[Marks_guy]

Here is a link to the R&C photos:

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/topic,10493.0.html

Usually, inmates in Stateville R&C are given one write-out (an envelope) and that's it. Some are able to make a phone call or two, but it is rare. Otherwise, they are not capable of contacting the outside. It's hard to judge when you will hear from him. If he uses his write-out to contact his mother, then you probably won't hear anything until he gets to his parent facility and goes to commissary.

[His Ryder]

Ok. I hope that I am doing this right. This is my first time on this website. Does anyone know about the Northern Reception Center? Is that a bad part of the prison. I just saw the episode of Stateville Prison on Lock up on msnbc. It looks like a really bad prison and I am just worried about him. He has only been there since the 27th of last month and they told me that he can not even get mail until he has been there for four weeks. I can't hear from him, they are on lock down and I don't know how bad the northern reception center is. Can someone please help me?

 
 NRC Aint that bad. You do get calls from there but you need to be on his list and have an account with consalidated in order to get them. You can write and he will get the letter on time maybe like 4 days. If you send him something like a book or some it might take a lil longer. My husband been there for 5 months now and hopefully be outta there by the end of this week. He calles me every monday unless they on lockdown witch is always. He gonna be okay dont worrie. Its only a matter of time that he will be moved


ALL CAPS edited out by Staff

[angelhere4u]

Well thank you for that. The only thing is that he will be out soon I hope. He only had a few months left and is finishing his sentence from when he was released out on parole. The only thing is that he is waiting to go in front of the parole board again to see when he is getting out. I can't wait. It's driving me  crazy when every day he has not gone in front of the board yet. Does anyone know how long that will take? Or how long it could take?

[Marks_guy]

I believe the review board makes 1 trip to each prison a month.

[His Ryder]

Well thank you for that. The only thing is that he will be out soon I hope. He only had a few months left and is finishing his sentence from when he was released out on parole. The only thing is that he is waiting to go in front of the parole board again to see when he is getting out. I can't wait. It's driving me  crazy when every day he has not gone in front of the board yet. Does anyone know how long that will take? Or how long it could take?

Parole Board comes every 2nd wed of each month. My husband was suppose to see them today but they came day b4 yesterday

[angelhere4u]

So, if they didn't see him today it won't be till next month. I think that its all a waiting game. I have never waited on anyone that was in prison before and I hate this. Got a letter twice a week when he was in texas and then since he has been there I haven't got anything from him. Thanks for answering all the questions guys. I am really new to all this.

[Marks_guy]

I think you have discovered the big secret to dealing with the IDOC: It's all a big waiting game! Wait for a bed to open up so they can be moved to parent facilities, wait for phone and visitor lists to be approved so we can talk to or see them, wait on Consolidated to set up our accounts, wait on the mailroom to deliver our letters, wait on Springfield to make changes to policy, wait on transfers, wait on information.

If you have never been a patient person, this journey will certainly force you to become one!

[angelhere4u]

Yeah the waiting game is no fun. I hate it though because I look online every night to see if there is any change. I just hope that he sees the board any day now and they tell him how much longer he has. Yea I wish that I could go see him but I am in Oklahoma and he is in Illinois. Sucks. The distance and the waiting game just makes it ten times worse. Then to top it off I have not got a letter from him yet, and driving me nuts. And he can't call because I don't have a phone just the computer and the internet is on cable. Sooooo its all a waiting game, and I have never been a real patient person. I have been to county before but I can see that prison you have to wait so much longer. Yay!!!

[free2beeme39]

angelhere4u...make sure you sign up for vine they will notify you via email when he is moved.....I got my vine notice in the morning & the IDOC web site didn't update till later that evening. Welcome to IPT. 

Terri 

[angelhere4u]

Thank you. I think that I already did that is through the IDOC website right?

[angelhere4u]

now they moved him to lawerence. Is that a facility? or what is he going to be moved again?

[Amanda.Marks]

Lawrence is a facility. If on his IDOC thing it says his parent facility is Lawrence, then that is where he will stay.

[Marks_guy]

Now that he is at his parent facility, he will submit his visitor and phone lists. They usually take a week or two to be approved. Below are the links to our boards on setting up phone service and Lawrence.

Phone service:
http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/board,16.0.html

Lawrence:
http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/topic,5626.0.html

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/topic,7904.0.html

[Mcaballero]

I have a question.. My husband was in will county from Sept 14~Nov 4th when he was sentanced to 2 yrs. They picked him up on Nov 16 and sent him to Statesville. I havent heard anything since. Can he call me I have an account already set up with prepaid money? I just wrote him a letter today...If he was sentanced to 2 yrs and his projected parole out date is Sept 14, 2011 does that mean he cant get any sort of good time? Will that be the earliest he cn leave??

[Marks_guy]

It sounds like they have already calculated his county time. The only way he can get more time off is to complete certain classes and programs. Once he is sent to his parent facility, he'll have to talk to his counselor about enrolling in one.

Usually, inmates cannot call from R&C. You are very lucky if Consolidated let you set up an account early. They normally don't allow that.

[Puzzled]

When my son went into Stateville R & C  Sept they were doubling up on inmates to cell.  I think the backlog has probably changed it from 1 man to dual.  Who knows could be triple by now?

Also Marks Guy, I found that the first time I called Consolidated I was told he had to put me on a phone list first however, when I called a couple days later, the operator said he had not submitted a list but I could set up service anyway.  So I think it's which operator at Consolidated your talking to.  Logically, if your not on the list, they have your money and I think it's over a month to get a refund, once you ask for it....it's a win win for Consolidated to take the money first....LOL   

[MrsRamos]

Heyhey!

So I was just curious, what prisons do (if anything) on new years and what they did for Christmas. I havent talked to my hubby and wanted to know if they do any thing at Stateville. Thanx!

K

[Forevermah]

Heyhey!

So I was just curious, what prisons do (if anything) on new years and what they did for Christmas. I havent talked to my hubby and wanted to know if they do any thing at Stateville. Thanx!

K

The prisons are all usually locked down on New Years Eve.

[jsbaby526]

Woops. I wrote to my LO who is currently in Stateville waiting to be transferred and on the letter I addressed it to their "Broadway Street" address which is listed on IDOC as the business address (I didn't see this until today and I mailed out two days ago.) I did however still write P.O. box 112 underneath. Has anyone else made this mistake and their LO got the letter? My letter was pretty long...pages and pages, actually. I would hate for it to be sent back and him never get it. I was just wondering if I should write another one saying the same thing and mail it or what lol...

[TimeStandsStill]

When my LO was in Stateville R&C, I addressed the envelope using both the street address and the P.O. Box and he received everything I sent.  When there are 2 addresses on an envelope the post office delivers to the one that is right above the city and state.  Your LO should get your mail with no problem except the mailroom is very slow and it may take some time for him to receive it.

[jsbaby526]

When my LO was in Stateville R&C, I addressed the envelope using both the street address and the P.O. Box and he received everything I sent.  When there are 2 addresses on an envelope the post office delivers to the one that is right above the city and state.  Your LO should get your mail with no problem except the mailroom is very slow and it may take some time for him to receive it.

Thank you so much :)

[Cecilia]

Can some one tell me the Correct address of stateville in Illinois? And how to get there I'm on route 53 Bolingbrook. Everytime i try asking stateville i get diff directions plus when i put it in my gps it says i have to travel 1 hour. This is nuts cant anyone in that prison know what they are talking about. Plus can i wear boots with heals when visiting?

[lurios2]

I never figured out the address either, lol. Im from Chicago, so when I go, I get off the I-55 on the Bolingbrook exit and turn left. I take it until the road stops and you have to turn. At that point I turn right (there's a gas station on that corner). I take that road aaaaaallllll the way down to the prison, which will be on your right. You'll pass Lewis University, then a high school, and a police station. The police station is the block before the prison sign and entrance, so slow down so you can turn. Be careful though, I've passed it up a couple of times because I wasn't paying attention!

That's how I get there anyway, not sure if it helps. I'm horrible with directions, but isn't Route 53 Bolingbrook the street that the I-55 exits to? If so, you should be able to find it with my directions, you just take Route 53 Bolingbrook towards the I-55 entrances and keep going.
Hope this helps....

[Forevermah]

Can some one tell me the Correct address of stateville in Illinois? And how to get there I'm on route 53 Bolingbrook. Everytime i try asking stateville i get diff directions plus when i put it in my gps it says i have to travel 1 hour. This is nuts cant anyone in that prison know what they are talking about. Plus can i wear boots with heals when visiting?

Stateville Correctional Center
16830 S Broadway St
Crest Hill, IL 60435

(815) 727-3607

[lurios2]

I'm sorry, I forgot to answer your second question. Yes, you can wear boots with heels. I usually wear heels when I go see J :-)

[Cecilia]

Thank you guys soooooo much 

 

[cieraj89]

I am so glad someone asked about NRC cuz I was wondering the same thing! Thanks to u and the person who answered that was very helpful!

[ace2011]

Question?
My boyfriend is going to be held at Stateville for a few weeks until they decide where to send him. Is he aloud visitors while being just a temporary inmate at Stateville??

[bmonska]

If your boyfriend is going to Stateville for receiving & classification, he won't be allowed visits during that time. He won't be allowed visits until he is transferred to his parent prison and then starting visits depends on where he's sent and how long it takes for his visitor list to be approved. He won't be allowed to call during R&C either. It's the hardest part of this whole trip! He will be able to write though if someone is cool enough to give him a write out. Usually they'll give them one write out when they get there. He may not be able to write more after that. He will appreciate your letters very much so write often! He'll get mail while in R&C.

[chippyn]

Hi everyone :) ok so my LO just got transferred to statesville yesterday. So i dont know a thing about statesville! He came from Menard. Ok, so i have a few questions and hope you guys can help me. How many visits per month are allowed??? How often do they get the phone??? And to send mail what is the adress?? What is the dress code rules for visitors and does statesville have alot of lockdowns like menard? Im sorry its alot of questions but i dont know a thing about statesville !!! Lol well thank you and your answers will be greatly appreciated :)

[Forevermah]

Hi everyone :) ok so my LO just got transferred to statesville yesterday. So i dont know a thing about statesville! He came from Menard. Ok, so i have a few questions and hope you guys can help me. How many visits per month are allowed??? How often do they get the phone??? And to send mail what is the adress?? What is the dress code rules for visitors and does statesville have alot of lockdowns like menard? Im sorry its alot of questions but i dont know a thing about statesville !!! Lol well thank you and your answers will be greatly appreciated :)

Please go to the first few post in this topic and you will get all the information you are asking for.

Stateville does not have as many lockdowns at Menard, or at least they haven't in the last year or so.


NOTE:  Well chippyn, I stand corrected, Stateville went on LD this afternoon, your inmate must of jinxed  them.

[chippyn]

Lol sorry! Yes i guess my LO jinxed them! Ok so i know they only allow 1 weekend visit a month. Im not sure but is it 4 weekday visits a month or less?

[Jklove]

Yes it's one weekend visit a month and four weekday visits.

[boobah418]

does anybody know how long mail is taking now to get to our loved ones at sv?? (not NRC ...gen population)

[webmari]

Can some one tell me the Correct address of stateville in Illinois? And how to get there I'm on route 53 Bolingbrook. Everytime i try asking stateville i get diff directions plus when i put it in my gps it says i have to travel 1 hour. This is nuts cant anyone in that prison know what they are talking about. Plus can i wear boots with heals when visiting?

Stateville Correctional Center
16830 S Broadway St
Crest Hill, IL 60435

(815) 727-3607


I just noticed this address of Stateville. And it is different from the one I am using??
I always use:

Stateville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434

Or is the receiving section having a different address?

[chadsangel4]

does anybody know how long mail is taking now to get to our loved ones at sv?? (not NRC ...gen population)

It seems to be taking longer than usual.  I sent a letter over 2 weeks ago and have yet to receive a response  :(   Hopefully I get a letter today or tomorrow.

[Forevermah]

Can some one tell me the Correct address of stateville in Illinois? And how to get there I'm on route 53 Bolingbrook. Everytime i try asking stateville i get diff directions plus when i put it in my gps it says i have to travel 1 hour. This is nuts cant anyone in that prison know what they are talking about. Plus can i wear boots with heals when visiting?

Stateville Correctional Center
16830 S Broadway St
Crest Hill, IL 60435

(815) 727-3607


I just noticed this address of Stateville. And it is different from the one I am using??
I always use:

Stateville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434

Or is the receiving section having a different address?

Stateville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, IL 60434


This is the address you are suppose to use for inmate mail. 

The other address as stated, was for someone to put into their GPS to get to Stateville for visiting.

[webmari]

Ah, I see, sorry for the confusion then and thank you.

[jcruz1104]

question:
Has anyone heard of a visiting list that is separate:
 like one list of people for weekdays and one for weekends?

my friend is in stateville and mentioned, he has a list of people for weekends and another for weekdays.

[Jklove]

Never heard about two different lists. I know I can visit both weekends and weekdays, I think everyone can.

[jcruz1104]

Never heard about two different lists. I know I can visit both weekends and weekdays, I think everyone can.

that's what i thought i NEVER heard of that either and i know where my hubby is,  its not like that. or anywhere else hes been. 
thanks.

[jcruz1104]

sorry i guess i got it wrong, it is to have some names on a list that can only visit on weekdays. .
example: my name on a list but i can only visit m-f?

has anyone heard of that?

[webmari]

I never heard of that. Those weekend visits are only 1 hour anyway and as far as I am aware of, persons on the visiting list can visit any day that there are visits allowed. But then, I am doing this only since about 2 years now and maybe others have other knowledge.

[boobah418]

that maybe true because when my bf was at sv i would go visit him on the week days no problem everything was good then the last time i visited him at sv a few weeks (hes now at logan) it was on a sunday (first time goin on a weekend) because i started a job last month that i work during the week so wen i went on that sunday they told me he didnt have a list... i was like what the hell i aalways come here to visit no problem ...so they let it slide and let me go in but told me to tell him to get a visiting list in i was like he already has one but okay lol so idk about that.

[jcruz1104]

another quick question. does s'ville do call out on certain days or time?

i only wonder becuz my hubby is in facility and he can call basically when ever. literally.
but i know thats not like that every where. I know when he was in county it was only at certain times cuz they got locked down every few hours..
Is that how s,ville is?

[mgonzalez]

lifesaver!!!!!! i found out from bennys brother that the list is the same as weekdays just one visit per weekend so thats his day :) i get all others till further notice lol meaning his aunt or friend not gfriend just me!!!!!!!! lol thanks lifesaver!!!
 

another quick question. does s'ville do call out on certain days or time?

i only wonder becuz my hubby is in facility and he can call basically when ever. literally.
but i know thats not like that every where. I know when he was in county it was only at certain times cuz they got locked down every few hours..
Is that how s,ville is?

[Amanda.Marks]

Hello,
One of my friends wants to visit her LO in Stateville but she is planning to take the train down to Joliet from Chicago... does anyone know of a public transportation system that could get her from the train station to the prison? I am not familiar with the area, but thought that I would ask.

[Kamama]

At Joliet Station she can take Pace bus route# 832 direction Orland Square. It has no Saturday, Sunday or holiday service though! The bus gets hourly,first bus at 6:10AM, next 7.10 and so on till 5:10. In about 10 minutes  it reaches Statesville.

[JOSEY_MONTES]

Can NRC inmates gets visits?My husband sent me a letter and said they changed the rules.Just wondering if this is true.

[jdmlt]

Just call the prison...give the person that answers the phone your LOs # & name. Advise them he is in receiving and if you can visit. If it changed he/she should be able to let you know. His visiting list would of had to be approved too.

[Forevermah]

Can NRC inmates gets visits?My husband sent me a letter and said they changed the rules.Just wondering if this is true.

If  he is there on a parole violation and has been there for more than 60 days, they are allowing visits, but only after 60 days.

[JOSEY_MONTES]

Ok thanks .He has only  been there since10/20/2011.so we got to wait a little longer.

[Craigmom]

My husband and I will be going Friday to visit my son in R&C waiting for bootcamp. He will be there 64 days by then. I've read all the past posts on visiting hours and what to wear and not to wear, proper I.D., etc.  I have a couple questions on those vending cards. I understand the cards are purchased there and somehow we can put money on them. Do we just have cash ready to insert into a machine to put money on them and how much would be a good amount? Do they get to keep and use the card afterward in commissary or something? Because I don't know how much longer he will be there(hopefully not long) and I don't want to have leftover money just sitting on a card that no one will be using again.

I know to call Monday to make sure his visiting list has been approved and to call and make sure they aren't on lock down before we go that day. I think I read somewhere that we can bring him up to 5 books or magazines when we visit?  Is there anything I'm missing or I should know?

[Steadfast]

At Stateville, when you enter the visiting center, get a visitors' form to fill out that asks your name, inmate name and number, relationship, driver's license number, and car license plate number.  If you have magazines, there is also a form you need to fill out with the name of the inmate, his number and you list the names of the publications.  I also write my inmates name and number on each magazine or book.  The magazines and their form get placed on a window ledge in the hallway.  You then give your identification and your visitors' form to the CO who will process it for you.  You will have a seat until they call you to come through and get patted down and searched.  Lockers are 25 cents, and the only things you can take into the visiting room are your ID, your vending card and glasses.  Everything else must be left in a locker.  Vending cards are purchased in the visiting reception area and only one dollar, but do not make change, so be sure to have a dollar bill and a quarter for the locker.  After you get the card, you can add any amount you want by putting cash in the machine.  The vending machines at Stateville are very reasonable (hamburgers $1-3/wings $3.50/chips $1).  Your inmate will be starving, so I would put at least $15 on the card.  You will not be able to add any money once you leave visitor reception.  If money is still left on your card, you can always sell it to someone coming into the visiting area.  Vending cards are not transferable to other facilities, and cannot be used for commissary.  Dress code is relaxed, but nothing revealing and no ripped jeans.  Hope this info helps.  Have a nice visit.

[Craigmom]

At Stateville, when you enter the visiting center, get a visitors' form to fill out that asks your name, inmate name and number, relationship, driver's license number, and car license plate number.  If you have magazines, there is also a form you need to fill out with the name of the inmate, his number and you list the names of the publications.  I also write my inmates name and number on each magazine or book.  The magazines and their form get placed on a window ledge in the hallway.  You then give your identification and your visitors' form to the CO who will process it for you.  You will have a seat until they call you to come through and get patted down and searched.  Lockers are 25 cents, and the only things you can take into the visiting room are your ID, your vending card and glasses.  Everything else must be left in a locker.  Vending cards are purchased in the visiting reception area and only one dollar, but do not make change, so be sure to have a dollar bill and a quarter for the locker.  After you get the card, you can add any amount you want by putting cash in the machine.  The vending machines at Stateville are very reasonable (hamburgers $1-3/wings $3.50/chips $1).  Your inmate will be starving, so I would put at least $15 on the card.  You will not be able to add any money once you leave visitor reception.  If money is still left on your card, you can always sell it to someone coming into the visiting area.  Vending cards are not transferable to other facilities, and cannot be used for commissary.  Dress code is relaxed, but nothing revealing and no ripped jeans.  Hope this info helps.  Have a nice visit.

Thank you, just the detailed information I was hoping for!  I understand everything must be left in a locker but was wondering if it would be easier to just leave my purse locked in my car and take my ID in my pocket.  Also, hoping that I can maintain and not need it, but would they let me have a Kleenex in my pocket in case I have to blow my nose or is there something in the reception area?  Does all food have to be eaten in the visiting room, if my son has a bag of chips can he take it back with him?  Thank you.

[Kamama]

No kleenex in the pocket, really only id, vending cart and lockerkey. You can get for the 'bathroom' when you have to blow your nose and take any toiletpaper. Once at the visitingroom you can get napkins at the desk.
And yes, all food have to be eaten at the visitingroom, you nor the one you're visiting can take back any when the visit is done.
And for the vending card, you can put to $20.00 on it, nothing more! And always better to have more than just one quarter with you, for the you never know you'll still need more than one. When you need to open again the locker, it doesn't return you the quarter you put in. Well there is yet a money change machine, put one dollar in and you get 4 quarters returned. But as it is, sometimes it's out of order!
When you're visiting, have a nice visit, go with the flow-just follow other visitors. When it's your first visit you'll get a form to fill in after you have checked in. I'd do the checking in before you get the magazines process done.

[Craigmom]

No kleenex in the pocket, really only id, vending cart and lockerkey. You can get for the 'bathroom' when you have to blow your nose and take any toiletpaper. Once at the visitingroom you can get napkins at the desk.
And yes, all food have to be eaten at the visitingroom, you nor the one you're visiting can take back any when the visit is done.
And for the vending card, you can put to $20.00 on it, nothing more! And always better to have more than just one quarter with you, for the you never know you'll still need more than one. When you need to open again the locker, it doesn't return you the quarter you put in. Well there is yet a money change machine, put one dollar in and you get 4 quarters returned. But as it is, sometimes it's out of order!
When you're visiting, have a nice visit, go with the flow-just follow other visitors. When it's your first visit you'll get a form to fill in after you have checked in. I'd do the checking in before you get the magazines process done.

okay good to know. I have the address for Statesville I will put in my GPS. But getting to the right building, is there signs to follow so we don't end up driving all over looking for the right place? We have to have two forms of ID. We plan on using our drivers license and our Veterans cards which also have our pictures on them. Will  that be good enough for them?

[Kamama]

South of the first junction with I-55, Illinois 53 follows old U.S. 66 and parallels Interstate 55, entering downtown Joliet, which is about four miles (6 km) east of I-55. Illinois 53 also passes directly in front of Stateville Correctional Center between Joliet and Romeoville.  You can't miss Stateville, unless you're blind, it's written down in the grass in big letters at the entrance of the facility. You drive staright, at the end turn some left where the parkinglots are. There are two buildings, you'll see visitors written on one of them. There you enter, get a form at the desk and start the process.
Visitors to any correctional facility will be required to produce photo identification and verification of date of birth. Please be sure to bring 2 forms of identification with you; these would include a current photo ID such as a driver’s license, a state ID card, government ID card, military ID/driver’s license, or acceptable documentation of non-U.S. citizenship including a current Passport, or Visa, documentation must contain the visitor’s date of birth. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted. Visitors will also be required to provide vehicle information and other pertinent data, such as government identification, official credentials, attorney registration, and or law student certification.Maximum security visits are 7:30am-2:30pm (daily) Don't think the visits start at 7.30 am though, the building will just get open. When very lucky you'll get processed in half an hour, but waiting an hour at least is more usual! And often it happens you'll have to wait anymore time before your l.o. will show up. Don't think either visits will be finished at 2.30 pm. Around 14.15 at last visits will be over, they'll have the room empty 2.30 pm.
Visitors must arrive by 1:30 pm weekdays (12:45pm weekends & holidays

[Craigmom]

South of the first junction with I-55, Illinois 53 follows old U.S. 66 and parallels Interstate 55, entering downtown Joliet, which is about four miles (6 km) east of I-55. Illinois 53 also passes directly in front of Stateville Correctional Center between Joliet and Romeoville.  You can't miss Stateville, unless you're blind, it's written down in the grass in big letters at the entrance of the facility. You drive staright, at the end turn some left where the parkinglots are. There are two buildings, you'll see visitors written on one of them. There you enter, get a form at the desk and start the process.
Visitors to any correctional facility will be required to produce photo identification and verification of date of birth. Please be sure to bring 2 forms of identification with you; these would include a current photo ID such as a driver’s license, a state ID card, government ID card, military ID/driver’s license, or acceptable documentation of non-U.S. citizenship including a current Passport, or Visa, documentation must contain the visitor’s date of birth. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted. Visitors will also be required to provide vehicle information and other pertinent data, such as government identification, official credentials, attorney registration, and or law student certification.Maximum security visits are 7:30am-2:30pm (daily) Don't think the visits start at 7.30 am though, the building will just get open. When very lucky you'll get processed in half an hour, but waiting an hour at least is more usual! And often it happens you'll have to wait anymore time before your l.o. will show up. Don't think either visits will be finished at 2.30 pm. Around 14.15 at last visits will be over, they'll have the room empty 2.30 pm.
Visitors must arrive by 1:30 pm weekdays (12:45pm weekends & holidays

I need to clarify...visits are only for 2 hours correct?

[Jklove]

Yes 2 hours on weekdays and 1 hour in the weekends.
Unless you get special visits (when you live over 500 miles away I believe), then you get some more time.
Have a great visit!

[Craigmom]

Yes 2 hours on weekdays and 1 hour in the weekends.
Unless you get special visits (when you live over 500 miles away I believe), then you get some more time.
Have a great visit!

I thought so, at least that's what I read in an older post. But was just double checking so I didn't misunderstand something. It will be really good to see him, we can't wait. But we will hate to see him there. But momma can't cry....

[Craigmom]

When I take books to my son when we visit him Friday, do I have to put them in a particular big envelope or can I just bring them in a plastic bag or what? I don't want to get up there and have them nit pick because I didn't bring them in a special package when I didn't know. Although, it appears they can tell ya whatever they feel they are in the mood for that day, so it may not matter but at least I'm gonna try!

[Steadfast]

You don't need to put them in anything.  I usually write my L/O's name and number on the cover and then there is a carbonpack form you fill out listing the publications.  You will get a copy of the form.  The inmates usually get them in a few days (after all the CO's have read the ones they find interesting).  My inmate's "People" magazine had been badly manhandled by the time he received it, and I am sure if we had dusted it for fingerprints, several different employees of IDOC would have been identified.

[Craigmom]

You don't need to put them in anything.  I usually write my L/O's name and number on the cover and then there is a carbonpack form you fill out listing the publications.  You will get a copy of the form.  The inmates usually get them in a few days (after all the CO's have read the ones they find interesting).  My inmate's "People" magazine had been badly manhandled by the time he received it, and I am sure if we had dusted it for fingerprints, several different employees of IDOC would have been identified.

Thanks, I will give it a whirl then. I think it would be much easier if the C/O's just checked the darn things then and let them have them while at the visit to take back with them. But that would be too easy.

[Steadfast]

Anything coming into the prison must be first checked for contraband, so you are not allowed to give anything directly to an inmate.  I have friends who have asked me to take homebaked goods or candy to my L/O and I just laugh at them and then explain why this is not allowed. 

[Craigmom]

Can anyone who is sure, tell me if I can bring  my son a hard back book to stateville when I visit him tomorrow? It is a religious book, a book of daily devotions. It's not a full size book but smaller about 5 inches  I thought that they can only have paperback books, but I wanted to make sure. I'd really like to bring him this book. Also, I don't know how long it takes them to give the books to them after the visit. But by chance if it takes them a few days to get it to him and he has already transferred to bootcamp, what happens to the books?

[Angela]

Craigmom,

 If ever in doubt call and check it out! 

[Craigmom]

Didn't get your reply before I left early this morning so I just brought it with me and asked at the window. I figured if they said no, I'd just bring it back home. They said yes, but he's still waiting on what we brought him last week! I wasn't aware that it all got processed through the same process as if it was mailed in. I thought someone on here said that they get the items we bring in about 3-4 days after.  Oh well, I guess he'll get them sometime before he comes home!

[Niesee20]

My lo will be in stateville for 90 days 1/10/12, and I wanted to visit him on the 27th. But my question is im currently 9mths pregnant with his child and due on the 20th. What information will I had to bring for the baby and what items will be allow while visiting. Such as how nany diapers, can I bring the can of milk or do it have to be in the bottle or a container. Will the car seat be allow. Please help. I really want him to beable to see his first daughter before he goes to bc.