PINCKNEYVILLE Correctional Center

[Schrader42]

Thanks.  I'll be coming from Cicero, IL near I55 South and Central Ave.  The directions I have from Mapquest are usually pretty good but these are a little confusing. 

[DGsluv4ever]

I travel the P-vill from Peoria.  No tolls at all.  I use map quest directions too.  Roads weren't bad last time I went.  IT took me down some nice little senic two-lames roads (can't remember off hand) but it's proab. about the same because I take 155 and the start.  Have a safe trip and other questions ask. 

About the prison itself.  The staff have always been decent.  Most of them even nice.  No SS cards as ID so make sure you have 2 others.  It's very clean!

[Schrader42]

The trip to Pinckneyville was a complete nightmare!!  A 5-6 hour drive to get there took me 8 hours, got lost when I missed that confusing 64E exit and still got lost when I ended up in Missouri.  Wait, there's more....LOL  On my way back, missed another exit, almost caused an accident and ended up behind a State Trooper.  The Trooper blocked me in, yelled at me and I thank my lucky stars that was all he did.  No tickets...I guess he felt sorry for me as I had this confused look on my face, hot and tired!  He was nice enough to direct me to the next exit and even then, got lost for the 3rd time.  Well, I found 70E took that to 55N and made it home at 11 p.m.  Other than that, the visit went well, staff were good but no bathrooms in the visiting rooms.  I just don't see how the ladies who live in the city can take such a long drive month after month.     

[Sister]

It's a shame that so many have to drive so far to see their inmates........me included.......It very much seems to me that the D.O.C. does whatever possible to alienate inmates from their loved ones.........

[Schrader42]

Sister, I agree.  Not only is it difficult to travel long distance but the separation and the financial burden is heavy as well. 

[Sister]

Yes, Schrader....I have small children, too, and there's finding a reliable babysitter for them, along with the huge financial burden.   It would be nice to drive up there and stay for a few days........but that would be an even bigger financial burden, and then I couldn't do that while my kids are small, either........I easily spent 100$ on gas this time with gas prices so high.........

[Dworak03]

 I just came back from Pville this past Sunday (23rd). I have driven down there several times. I live 7 miles south of wisconson so the drive for me is about 7-7 1/2 hours 1 way. We always stay down there and visit for several days in a row. Being that we are so far, we have to. From my starting point I do have 6 tolls to pay but the drive is a pleasant one (aside from being so long). Each time we go we find another way to get there, once we have left the highway. A visit to Pville generally costs about 500-600 dollars between gas, hotel, food and food for him from the machines. All we pray for is that he is moved closer and SOON. There is not a facility in Illinois that could be any farther for us. Sorry your trip was so miserable. Better luck next time ( should there be one) We are heading out AGAIN on August 19th. Wish us luck. :)

[DGsluv4ever]

I am glad you had a good trip Dworak.  I haven't been down since May.  The drive for me is only 4 hours and it's senic.  Gas is just so high with everything else I can't afford to go any more often.  I hope you again have a good trip in Aug. Dworak!!!

[Nelly]

Hello to all I am making a request to obtain all information on Pickneyville that is available especially pertaining to visits.  I will be making my first visit to Pickneyville this month.  It will be the first time I visited my man since his incarceration over a year ago.  I've mentioned before that I will be flying from New York to St Louis and then more than likely driving to Pickneyville.  Any information is greatly appreciated (the vending machines, the hours, etc.) Can I
visit all weekend long etc.  Thanks so much all the information that you guys provide it's so helpful.  This site is the best especiallly for people who have no idea of the workings of the system.

[Dazzler]

 *(%$#  Nelly, sometimes even those that have been around a long time have no idea what's going on in the IDOC....LOL.

To answer part of your question, as I've never visited Pinckneyville, I think no Illlinois prison allows more than one weekend day visit.  Even our members who come from overseas must go either on Saturday or Sunday and then wait until Monday for the next visit.  Pinckneyville is rarely on lockdown so you've got that on your side too...

As far as the vending machines.  Most of the southern prisons use a vending service that charge $1 for the vending card.  However, as of January 1 some have begun using cards that are $5.  However, not all prisons have switched to this vendor.  We're still trying to gather information about this....some have changed their requirement on ID's also.  Please bring additional ID's with in case this happens to you.  Have at least one picture ID...driver's license is best and an addtional one such as SS card, passport, state issued ID card, etc.  You may bring in five publications.  Five books, magazines, newspapers...any combination of these.  The inmate usually receives them quickly after a visit.  They will be taken from the gatehouse.  Just be advised that the vending machines are EXPENSIVE.  So put enough money on that vending card if you both expect to eat....or if pictures are allowed at P'Ville.  $20 used to be good...but it doesn't buy much.   The cards don't usually go bad soon so any extra can be used next visit.  And believe me, our boys can surely pack away some food during a visit....LOL....I usually put on $40...and it went...a few pictures here and there...some burgers, drinks, candy...popcorn...it adds up.  Yeah, it's extortion, but there's nothing we can do about it...
Most prisons have lockers for visitors...bring two quarters...they don't make change in the DOC...

A few pointers I've picked up from visiting and hearing many different reports...as all prisons have different rules...another annoying thing...

Wear underwear...no underwires.
Slip on shoes are the best because it's just easier for the search.
Cover your arms, legs from the knee up and don't show cleavage..(until you're in the visiting room...lol)
No sheer clothing.
Go ahead and grab your man and hug and kiss him...just don't show tongue!
Sit like the lady that I know all IPT members are....
And relax and be polite to Staff...it makes the world of difference.
Forget the horror stories you hear about visiting a prison...it's a relatively pleasant experience...we get to see our men after all...

Now, just because I'm in a frisky mood, I'll tell you what NOT to do:

If the female staffer searches you just a little too personal..DO NOT ask her if she's a dyke!!!!
DO NOT bring a Map in with you...especially in any books for the inmate...lol
DO NOT have anything in your car that could be considered a weapon...even a pocket knife or rattail comb...
DO NOT put Oregano in your pocket just for kicks...
If you set off the metal detector...DO NOT tell them you have a metal plate in your head...
DO NOT argue with any Staff at the prison.  If there's a complaint or problem that must be handled immediately..ask to speak to an officer or Duty Warden.  Do not tell them YOU pay their salary...lol.

So aside from the obvious no-nos...I'm sure you'll enjoy your visits...just use common sense....it is after all still a prison.  And the DOC can be touchy about some things.

We've got members from P'ville so I hope they can fill you in on the real details....any other questions I can help you with?

[Dworak03]

unfortunately have done about 7 visits to Pville. Overall the staff is friendly with those few exceptions. We had became somewhat of "regulars" and seemed to be remembered when we arrived. You can in fact visit on Saturday and Sunday. We have gone everyday from Thursday to Monday @ 1 point. They are allowed 5 visits amonth and 2 on weekends. If the Monday is a holiday then you can't because they consider that the same as a weekend. 4 hour visits although they have given us longer. From the beginning I inquired about extended visits and was given a huge run around and no extension. Pretty safe to say they DON"T do them. The food in the vending machines is expensive, they say 1 price but charge another (45 cents for candy winds up costing 1.25). We found he liked the pizza best. He is not allowed to move from his table and they are pretty strict about sitting across from him not next to him. They did have cards, checkers and 1 scrabble game but then the last couple of times they were ALL GONE!!! I haven't been there since Oct. so maybe they have been replaced. I think that visits were until 6on the weekdays and 7 on the weekends. You must be there by 5:30 to get in. Underwires on your bra was FINE there they took that into account and we never had a problem. They do NOT accept ss cards. I actually had to go to the DMV right there in town to get a state id. Luckily it was close (about 1 mile away). There is a Super 8 across the street and we have stayed there before. Small but clean, has a pool and small breakfast every morning. There is grocery store, Mcdonalds, Hardees, Dairy Queen all relatively close. Closest shopping was a Walmart 8 miles away (open 24 hours) in Duquion. Hope all this info helps. Any other questions then just ask. Happy visiting and good luck to you. No coins needed for the lockers, they give you a "token". Only bring in your i.d's, keys and money to put on the card. Out of 7 visits our car was only searched once. 

[JDsMom]

Question about the vending machine card.......where do u get one and what's a good figure to put on it ? If it's not used up, can you add more money to it on your next visit ? I'm not sure when we'll be going down to visit,still waiting on the visiting list to be approved, but  my son's fiance lives in Peoria, I'm in Minier, so we usually plan a visit together along with the baby. Does anyone know the motel rates there ? Dazzler, I loved your DO's and DONTs LOL  &*&

[Jims]

The Super 8 Motel is $70/night. I think that's about it for Pinckneyville.

[Scout]

If you purchase a vending card, you keep it and add to it on each visit.  I'm not sure how much you should add, it depends on the length of your visits and how much your son eats.  We have two hour visits only and I put $20 on each time.

[lovnu4ever]

I am very new to all of this so maybe youve heard this question before. My boyfriend was transferred to Pinckneyville today. How long does it take before he can use the phone or get visits. Also do all inmates go to seg when they get there? If so how long does it usually take to get out of seg so they can have contact visits. Like I said I am new to this and i hope I am posting this in the right place;)

[iqyou]

 fait

Did someone answer your question about visiting at Pville?  I don't think anyone goes straight to seg unless they were in seg and sent to Pville because of the seg - then they stay in seg.
And, there are no contact visits while in seg and be careful when you scheduled your first non-contact visit when he gets out of seg.  I set it up for about 4 days after and his paperwork to cancel the non-contact visits hadn't gone through yet (apparently their is a delay between getting out of seg and getting out of seg on paper) so I had to do a no contact visit and it was horrible.
About how long it takes to get on the visiting list and approved - that is the same as any where and it's always best to call first and make sure that the approved list is at the gatehouse and you are on it.

[wfarmer24]

My son was transferred to Pinckneyville CC on Monday.  He is headed for boot camp.  Does anyone have any idea how long he will have to wait?  Thanks, Wendy

[jlnjy]

I made my first visit to P'ville recently. I was expecting the worst - bad CO's, strict dress code, request for birth certificate, and something other than a social security card for the second id. However, my experience couldn't have been more pleasant minus a little vending machine inconvenience.

My daughter, granddaughter, and myself went to visit with someone we knew prior to incarceration. I was very saddened when he was taken to county on a probation violation - he was with a friend that had a gun and he didn't know the friend had a gun - he was on a family outing and his friend came with him but they got pulled over for some reason (light out or something like that) and the so called friend pulled out his gun to throw it under the seat. Well long story short - it was found and the young man I know was violated for associating with someone unlawfully carrying a gun.

This young man had come a long way and took on the responsibility of fatherhood and a serious relationship with his girlfriend. She already had one child and then together they had a child. He grew up fast and began to focus on his family life - wanting better, seeking education and a trade - then boom, this happened and threw him back.

Anyway when I found out he was in county, I wrote to him and wanted him to know that I witnessed the growth in him and that I had seen his capabilities and maturity right before my eyes and to not let this situation get him down. He was in county for a while before he was sent to receiving in Graham for a very long time, and then finally to boot camp. Unfortunately he didn't make it all the way through boot camp and ended up in Pinckneyville - a teenager, it just broke my heart in so many ways but I also knew his actions are what put him there - P'ville. He had to learn. I sent him all kinds of GED preparation so he could study until his classes began - and he was very thankful and put them to good use. He passed his GED and scored pretty high - I'd have to look at his score again but I remember when I read his letter I thought - great job.

During the visit we talked a little about life in general and my daughter and he were talking about people they know. I made sure the parent in me came out to give him words of encouragement and also recognized his maturity once again - he's learned to just keep to himself period.

So as far as visiting the place --- when we pulled in, we took the first spot open where the sign read visitors. However, when we got inside they told us they wouldn't make us move, but next time be certain to park further down. (I think there was a hand made sign for visitors that was on the furthest end of the parking lot) We had brought our state ids and other id for the second one but they requested our social security cards - I thought I read that P'ville didn't accept them - well as the IDOC world turns, ya know always something changing and or reversing. The CO's were very friendly - it reminded me of IL River the first time we had visited there - its like they were expecting us and we were welcomed into their home. We filled out our paperwork - I don't remember being asked some of the questions that were on this paperwork but I filled it out anyway.

The machine for the vending cards was broken so we couldn't purchase a card. They said it had been broke for a week. I say it figures, Murphy's Law of dealing with IDOC. In fact, I think we could all contribute a Murphy's Law of IDOC for loved ones list - I may just start a thread about that. Ok, back on track , forgive me.

The waiting area and everywhere I walked through was super clean. The visiting room seemed large to me. The vending machines weren't completely working either - they were having problems with them. We had to wait quite a while for our friend to get in the visiting room. When the inmates come in to be checked in  - they have a waiting area with a big window where they can see into the visiting room and he noticed us right away. He told us he had to take his braids down because you can't be on a visit with the braids. He said he had them in a style of plats. I told him I would definitely write in advance of the next visit. He has another year or so left.

He told me of some not so nice things that go on in there - I know, I know its a prison but still - seems like some of the CO's there have a complex that they can do whatever they want to do. He was telling me that there is someone there that had surgery but that the surgeon / doctor cut off the wrong leg. I'm not sure about that - if he knew the person personally or if that was a prison rumor. He said that the guy is in a lawsuit with IDOC over it and he was offered a certain amount but refused it so the case is being continued. Anyone heard about this??

[Dazzler]

I doubt if any IDOC doctor is capable of amputating a limb.  If this surgery were necessary I'm sure it was done at an outside hospital.  They don't have the resources for surgery within the IDOC.  I'm sure if this were true we would have knowledge of it by now...especially if it involves a lawsuit.

[jlnjy]

Well Dazz I kinda thought there might be a little leg pulling - no pun intended - going on with this story. I've definitely heard it before about hospitals - don't go to such and such hospital there was a guy/lady that went in for this and instead they did that.