SHAWNEE Correctional Center

[Dazzler]

Post information here please



 Shawnee Correctional Center

Shawnee Correctional Center
Allan Martin, Warden
Facility Data
Shawnee Correctional Center
Opened: December 1984
*Operational Capacity: 2,067
Medium Security Adult Male
*Shawnee Correctional Center Population: 1,830
*Hardin County Work Camp Population: 188
*Total Current Population: 2,018
Average Age: 33
FY2010 Average Annual Cost Per Inmate: $16,325.00

*As of 11/30/2011. Reflects bed space capacity analysis as outlined in the January 1, 2012 Quarterly Report to the Legislature.
Shawnee Correctional Center is the parent institution for Hardin County Work Camp
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.

 

General Population

9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday

Visitors arriving after 3pm will be processed, however, from 3pm-4pm, Offender movement is stopped and Offenders will not be allowed to move to the visiting room until movement resumes. Visitors must arrive no later than 1 hour prior to the end of the visiting session. Visits limited to 3 adults at one time

 

9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. (1st Session) and 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. (2nd Session) Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

Visitors must arrive no later than 1 hour prior to the end of the visiting session.

 

General Population Offenders may have a total of 5 visits per calendar month, up to 4 hours per visit. Visitors can attend once per day (once per session on weekend day or holiday) and can attend both sessions on a weekend day or holiday, if desired, as space allows. Each session attended counts towards the offender’s maximum of 5 visits per calendar month.

Segregation

9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. (daily)

Offenders in Segregation, designated as non-contact visiting restriction, or on room restriction are limited to 2 visits per calendar month, for 1 hour per visit.  Visits are limited to 2 adults at one time, immediate family only; immediate family includes mother, father, child, brother, sister, grandmother or grandfather only.  If a child can be held on an adult visitor's lap, they will not be counted as one of the two (2) visitors.

 

Additional Information for All Visits

    Weekday visits limited to one per week. Persons age 17 years of age and older must be on offender's approved visiting list. Persons age 10 through 16 years of age who are not a member of the offender's immediate family may be allowed to visit only with notarized written consent of parent or guardian.  Immediate family defined as offender's child, sibling, and grandchild, whether step, adopted, half, or whole, and spouses. Persons under age of 17 must be accompanied by an approved visitor who is age 17 or older. Persons under 12 years of age may only be permitted to visit when accompanied by parent or guardian who is an approved visitor or when prior notarized written consent has been given by a parent or guardian who is in the free community for the child to visit when accompanied by a person designated in writing who is an approved visitor and who is at least 17 years of age or older.
    Visitors are required to show photo identification such as a driver's license, a state identification card or acceptable documentation of non-US citizenship including a current passport, Visa, or Matricula, and documentation that includes their date of birth.
    Any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense or who has criminal charges pending, including but not limited to, an individual on bond, parole, mandatory supervised release, or probation or an ex-offender, may visit an offender only with prior written approval of the Warden. Individuals who require such approval must obtain this written approval for EACH visit.
    All visitors, their vehicle, and their property are subject to search.
    The dress code will be strictly enforced. Visitors must be appropriately dressed or the visit will not be permitted at the discretion of the Shift Commander. Inappropriate, revealing clothing is not allowed, such as short skirts or dresses, wrap-around skirts, short shorts, see-through or low cut blouses, break-away pants, Spandex bodysuits, clothing that allows underclothing to be visible, clothes with holes in suggestive areas. Clothing must be in good taste and not advertise or suggest anything illegal, gang-related, or of a sexual nature. With the exception of religious headgear, no hats, gloves, scarves or headbands are allowed.
    Visitors and offenders may not exchange any item during a visit, absent prior approval of Warden.
    Smoking is not permitted at the facility.

    Inappropriate behavior of a visitor or possession of contraband may result in a temporary or permanent visiting restriction. Visitors must follow all rules posted in the visiting room. Contraband discovered in the possession of an offender either during or after a visit will be assumed to have been introduced by the offender's visitor(s).
    The Warden may further restrict or limit visits at any time due to the availability of space and staff, institutional emergencies, lockdowns and for a reasonable period of time thereafter, or for violations of state or federal law or department rules by the offender or visitor. For additional information, contact the Warden's Office at 618-658-8331.

Facility Address

Business Mail:
6665 Route 146 East
P.O. Box 400
Vienna, IL 62995

 

Inmate Mail:
Inmate Name & IDOC#

6665 Route 146 East
Vienna, IL 62995

 

Phone: (618) 658-8331

Fax: (618) 658-4014

Facility Information

The mission statement of Shawnee Correctional Center is to provide for the protection of society through the humane and secure incarceration of adult male offenders, based upon a foundation of legislative and judicial decisions. The administration is committed toward instilling responsibility and mature decision making in its offenders. By providing extensive and high quality educational programs, work assignment opportunities, public service, leisure time activities and religious avenues, the institution is expected to go far beyond the provision of the minimum necessities of food, sanitation, clothing, housing and medical services to the offenders at the facility.

 

The Shawnee Correctional Center is a medium security adult male facility and is located in rural Johnson County in southern Illinois. The center is also responsible for a satellite facility, the Hardin County Work Camp, located near Cave-in-Rock.

 

Shawnee Correctional Center consists of a 24 buildings, totaling 369,029 square feet. The living units consist of four X-type units, one receiving and orientation unit, two segregation units and a 16-bed health care unit. The facility sits on 60 acres with 40 acres inside the fence.

 

Inmate Programs

Academic:

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

 

Vocational:

    Commercial Custodial
    Auto Mechanics
    Youthful Offender Counseling
    Career Technology

 

Industries:

    Metal fabrication services, including welding
    Outdoor recreational furniture and specialty fabrication items
    Recycling - Go Green Initiative

 

Other:

    Religious Volunteers
    Life Skills
    Drug Education
    Anger Management
    Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program
    Leisure Time Activity
    Chaplaincy
    Library

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

[shaynsgirl05]

Shawnee is somewhat decent. Visiting hours are for 4 hours and you must arrive by 1 to get to visit from 1-5 monday through friday. On weekends you need to arrive at 9 am in order to get a full 4 hours in and in the 4-8 session you usually only get 3 hours. There is a hospitality house and the phone number is 618-658-2722. They require at least a weeks notice of reservation. They have all the amenities of a house except a stove but has microwaves. The cost is reasonable $10 a night per room and is for all close institutions. The sister that runs it will tell you of things you need to bring and their hours.

[JDsMom]

Hi everyone, well I seen today on the IDOC website that my son has been sent to Shawnee CC....from what my hubby says it's a pretty decent facility compared to the ones he's experienced. So at least now I can look forward to visiting him, and getting letters......will update when I know more!  ht

[dancer]

Here is the address of the hospitality house:


Hospitality House of Vienna
504 W Vine St, Vienna IL
618-658-2722

It serves visitors to Shawnee and Vienna,  which are both located in Vienna.

[sunshine]

My fiancee is being sent to Shawnee, does anyone know how it is there?

[rsandelli]

My husband was there about 4  years ago.  It wasn't so bad back then, not sure if it's the same now.  The guards were pretty decent at least and there were lots of programs offered.

[JDsMom]

Hi, my son is at Shawnee.......it's better than alot of places, not too big, and yes most of the staff are courteous to you. The population is about 2000 give or take a few, it is overfilled by about 100+ inmates, so there are issues with overcrowding as in most places these days. Visitation is pretty easy as long as you follow the rules there. You must have two forms of ID, one a photo ID, I used my Insurance card for the other one. You can take cash into the visiting room for the vending machines, $1.00 and $5.00 bills, but no more than $20.00 maximum. There is a change machine, sometimes it is not working, but the machines take dollar bills. You must sit across the table from your loved one, but they do allow holding hands, hugs n kisses. LOL As far as the food goes, my son says " It sucks", so make sure hubby has some commissary money so he can buy himself some snacks etc.
I was also told by a staff member there that the prison houses approx. 90% gang members of one form or another. As long as you keep your nose clean and obey the rules , he shouldn't have any issues with them. My son was recently sent to segregation, the guards found a shank under his cellmates bunk, long story short, his cellie blamed it on my son, so they both got seg and disciplinary ticket, outcome is still pending however, so hopefully it will be resolved soon. I've not heard of any violence by inmates there, other than an occasional fight . Feel free to private message me if you would like to chat, I'll send you my IM's
Take Care!
Hugs,
Rett

[JDsMom]

Ok, I meant to add the visiting hours and days ........Monday thru Friday 9 am - 5 pm  once a week  Weekends : 9 am -2 pm and 4 pm-8pm, there are two sessions daily on weekends....but if you go to the first session, you cannot go to the second one, you have to wait to come back on Sunday. You are allowed 5 visits per month maximum. You won't be allowed visits until the warden approves his visiting list, which can take up to 3 weeks. You can call and ask for the gatehouse, sometimes the staff will let you know when you have been approved, here's the number (618) 658-8331 , ask for the gatehouse when they answer...So hang in there!
 There is a place in Vienna, which is where Shawnee is located, called the Hospitality House. It is for inmates families to stay the night when visiting , there's a phone number listed here somewhere, maybe someone else can point you to it. It is run by a Christian organization, they ask for a $10.00 donation. You will need to bring your own sheets and pillow cases, and personal items. They provide coffee, snacks, soups. It is in a restored hotel, right by the bus station. There is a main floor which has a living room, with TV, a reading nook with magazines/books, a huge kitchen and dining room, so you can bring your own food, but there is no stove, just a microwave and fridge, coffee pot, dishes etc. Upstairs is the sleeping rooms, you can get a single or a double, there are showers in the rooms. You cannot take any food or drinks upstairs, but you can stay downstairs as long as you like provided you are not being noisy LOL You cannot smoke in the hotel, but you can go outside to smoke, they have chairs outside, there is a deck with a grill you can use, and also a playyard for kids.They are the nicest people I can assure you! Call about a week in advance to register, so that you can book a room. If you ask, they will tell you the quickest route from your area. I live in Central Ill near Bloomington, and it took me about 4 1/2 hours to get to Vienna from here. If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

[JDsMom]

I found the Hospitality House number LOL here it is :
(618) 658-2722   Also, check out time is Sunday at 9:00 am, as they attend church.

[sunshine]

Can the second piece of ID be a social security card?  Thanks for all of your help.

[JDsMom]

Hi Sunshine, I'm not sure what other types of ID they will approve, one must be a drivers license, or state issued photo ID, you can call down there and ask to be sure what they will and will not accept. Ask for the guardhouse/gatehouse, they are the ones who process you in and they are the ones to ask ....

[sunshine]

Hi there, thanks, I went there this weekend and I used my driver's license and my work Id, the second day, I used just my driver's license. 

[sunshine]

Who can we talk to about the vending machines, on visit, when there Saturday, machines had a few things in them, but on sunday, they were empty, so we had to eat junk food.  My baby wanted some food, that is ridiciulous, they know families come on weekends. What's up with that?

[JDsMom]

It's been that way a few times when I visited, I don't know how often they stock them, but when we visited early (around 9 am, the machines were pretty full on a Saturday).......maybe someone else here has a suggestion.....

[dancer]

Just a heads up for anyone wanting to get married at Shawnee.  Sunshine said she had some last minute problems at her wedding.  They told her she  couldn't have  witnesses but then  when the time came,  they required them!  Two visitors came forward to witness.

[MDL08]

Can you give me a link for the Shawnee correctional chat? I'm not seeing it? 
Also, could someone tell me a little about their daily "schedules" at Shawnee & how much time per day do they spend in their cells if they are in the general population?  Nephew has been there almost a week now & hoping to hear from him soon!

[ernie694]

I called Shawnee yesterday looking for info.   Most of what is in the original post is still correct.  Few additional things i found out

Visiting:   5 visit per Month.  Weekday visits 4 hours, If it isnt crowded sat or sun visit can be up to 4 hours.

Mail:  Right now the mail lady said they were only about 2 days behind.  Rather than tell me what i cold send she said it would be qicker to tell me what i cant.    2 Magazines   The Source and XXL are NOT allowed.   then the norm  no penetrations bondage or gang stuff.

Orientation is on Tuesday.  So the first Tuesday after your LO gets there he will get his paperwork and fill out his visitor list and phone list.  They said 7-10 to get that apporved.

Was told 18/6   that is lock vs out time.   CORRECTION   22 hours locked in cell a day

They get to purchase from commisary weekly.

As i get more info or confirm from my hubby  (when i finally get to talk to him) ill keep you all posted

[ernie694]

OK all,  Updated fist hand visting info on Shawnee.

2 forms of ID.    1 MUST be DL or state ID with your current address on it.   the 2nd can NOT be a SScard or credit or debit card.   Has to be something that has a # on it that they can put in the system.   (I got lucky and the check in CO was so nice and let me visit with my DL and SS card but told me next time to bring her something else so she could put it in the system.

Sat AM visit..  Arrvied @ 9 promptly.   finally got back to visiting room about 9:45.    it wasnt too busy.   He walked in at 10:35.     we were allowed to stay til 2pm.  Sunday am crowd was smaller.  Again I arrived just b4 9am.   He came into the visiting room at at 9:45.   Visit was allowed til 2pm which is when the morning hours end so we actually got more than 4 hours  :0)

Quarters!!!   Bring Quarters.  $20.00 limit per visit.  no vending card and was told by many there the vending machines dont always like dollar bills.  The vending machines do run out.   Sunday AM there was hardly anything in it.   Someone did show up to fill them around 11am.  trust me he was swarmed.  lol 

OH!!!   OK if you have gotten thru into the visiting room and have to go to the bathrrom    you have to go all the way back out to the front check in.   DONT panic and hold it thinking you will loose a lot of your time.   Youve been frisked they know where you ae coming from and going to.   The just buzz you right thru all the doors both ways.   5 minutes tops for me to take a potty break.   You dont have to re sign in,  get frisked or any of that agian.   

Defiantely stay at Hospitality House.    It looks a lil rough from the outside but it is GREAT.    and 20 a room a night.   Ive paid a whole lot more to stay at roach motels when traveling.   

[tatamelove]

im new to all of dis and i was just wonderning>>>>>>>>>>>    my boyfriebd tha fater of my child has been sunt here his sentsnce is 28mnths so his projected parole date is 08 26 2010. He has nver ben to prison b4 is it a chance dat he could get out earlier den next yr in august and i live in chicago and i hAV no car and want to go visit him and take his daugheter is thea anybody dat no anything????

[Dazzler]

Welcome to IPT.  If his sentence is 28 months there's a possibility that he's eligible for 50% good time and he'd be released earlier.  He can also get additional good time for schooling and some programs.

[tatamelove]

so wat would he b serving like about 6mnths

so i well me and my daughter can take a bus or something out there from chicago

[Dazzler]

If his actual sentence was 28 months then he'd serve about eight months, unless he gets additional good time for schooling, or if he had any good time applied from the County.

[tatamelove]

he served like a month n a week n county and he plan to get his ged n thea

[tatamelove]

i want to no how would my l o be able to no wen he is getting out and how could he calculate it who could he talk to bout dat n also how would he get home is it a bus or something dat drops dem off some whea

[bcblues09]

Hope everyone is having a good Monday.....

Just wondering if anyone else has had a CO tell them they cannot wear a blouse or a top with buttons?? I was wearing my typical workday outfit - a very, very modest-looking blouse (that was buttoned up!) with black dress pants and dress shoes, no jewelry. I just didn't want to wear jeans and a t-shirt again, but maybe I should've. I was allowed in to visit but was given a little bit of a hard time about it.

[Dazzler]

There's no rule against buttons on a blouse...that's ridiculous.  They will however cause a stink if the blouse was sheer or they thought it could be seen through...

[ernie694]

I have never had any trouble with button up blouses.   I have even one a white one that you can barely make out the outline of my bra and havent had any probems.   Im really curious when this happened bcblues.  I was just down at shawnee all weekend including today.  This seems very very strange.  The only people i have seen them give greif about what visitors are wearing are the dumb girls (no offense meant but common sense would tell them what they are wearing isnt approriate) who show up with there bellys or ass showing from a short top ,or VERY lowcut tops.   

[bcblues09]

This was on a Wednesday - no, it wasn't see-through by any means. It was dark floral, I didn't have "gap-osis" and it wasn't snug fitting, so I have no clue what the problem was. She acted like she was doing me a BIG favor by letting me go through with a "buttoned" shirt. I literally started sweating because she made me so nervous - I hate that! - so by the time I got in there, it looked like I was having a hot flash.

I've never had any problems when I have gone down there on the weekends, so maybe I'd better stick to that or just wear my baggy t-shirt/jeans/tennis shoes again.

Thanks for your input, you guys!

[ernie694]

Weird,  maybe they had to bring someone up who doesnt usually do visits,  I know once they brought a Co from the mail room up.  She wanted to look at the bottoms of my feet.  Now that was weird   lol

[tatamelove]

Hi still wondering if anybody had any updated info on a way I could get to Shawnee on a weekday or something its just me and my 8month girl and were coming from chicago and she havent seened her dad n 2 months

[kizertree]

I, too, am new to this. My son is now in Shawnee. I have alot of information, now, thanks to this website and the prison's website.  But, is there any way of locating the comissary items and their cost? Also, what items are we allowed to send the residents?

[Dazzler]

Welcome to the forum.  I'm not sure if there's a current commissary list posted here.  You might try the search feature up top and enter Shawnee commissary.  Lists are hard to come by.  Most prisons just post one on the dayroom wall and inmates share it.  As far as items to be sent to inmates there's not much allowed.  You can send mail, money, books, magazines, subscriptions, newspaper, calendars, puzzle books.  If you check the forum about inmate mail there is a topic about what has been returned to others from the IDOC...that'll give you some insight.  There are discussions about what type of magazines are not allowe also.  No glitter is allowed on cards or letters....lots of little tips...

[ernie694]

I, too, am new to this. My son is now in Shawnee. I have alot of information, now, thanks to this website and the prison's website.  But, is there any way of locating the comissary items and their cost? Also, what items are we allowed to send the residents?

Welcome to IPT.   My hubby is down there and has been for 6 months now.  I dont have a complete commissary list but I can see if my hubby can get an extra copy next week when he goes, they pass them out the day they are to go (except when they say they dont have any and then the guys have to scramble to write a list down).  I did post some prices off a receipt he sent me, i beleive under the commisary thread.  Right now commissary seems to be an every 3-4 week thing.  Mail is slow going in but if you decide to send magazines or puzzle books and you use a large envelope from the Post office, beleive it or not those go thru faster.  Hardback books are allowed but my hubby has asked that I not send him any since they take up more room in his aleady limited allotted space.  If you have an other questions just ask and if i have an answer Ill let you know.  If he is just getting there one of thefirst things he will need to get is a pair of sneakers, they were 30 or 40 dollars when my hubby got his. Good luck, hang in there.

[kizertree]

Thanks ernie694 & dazzler! I did find your prices from the receipt posted and wrote them down. I also sent my son a letter and asked him to send one if possible.  Since he just got there, I am assuming he cannot call out for a couple of weeks? I haven't gotten any letters yet either. The knowledge that they are somewhere you can't get to is an awful feeling...does one ever get used to it?

[ernie694]

I did ask my hubby about a commissary list.  he said it would be next to impossible to actually get his hands on the full list with prices.  what they are given is an order form and a lot of the stuff that is on the full list aren't on the order forms.  There is still talk down there that some items that should be available to the inmates are not because they are walking off. 

Does it get easier... yes it does.   time passes.    slowly at first it seems then you wake up one day and realize 6 months have past, and you are still standing, you survived, your LO survived.  I can look back at these months, and have to admit they did go faster than I thought they would, although during the time it did not seem to pass quickly.  I am lucky that I am able to make the very long trip down there once a month.  While it is a hard trip on me and kills an entire weekend between driving, visiting, and downtime in between the 2 visits by the time i get home I'm pretty much burned out and it isn't til Tuesday or Wednesday that i start to feel a little normal again.

Mail is slow both ways down there.  visiting lists and phone lists need to be approved.  I don't know how long  your LO has been down there, but the first step is getting to orientation and that is only 1 day a week.  so if he arrived on orientation day or the day after he would have an entire week b4 he could even fill these forms out to be approved.  If he didn't have any writeouts then he will have to wait for commissary to get one, unless someone gives him one.  Sadly since commissary is so spread apart a lot of guys know they need to ration what they have because they can never be sure when they will go to the store next.   The best way to find out when the phone list is a approved is to call consolidate to set up an account.  They will be able to see if your number is in the system.  just a wanring on that.  Once it is in the system it still could be days or even a week b4 you get the call, he has to be given his pin # before he can call.  But at least you will know that the process is moving along.

Hang in there. 

[agoodson1020]

New and Need More Information...

My son's status on IDOC now says Location:  Shawnee 

I have quite a few questions so here goes!

1.  Does that mean that he is already there or that is where he is going?
2.  How long before I can expect to get a phone call?
3.  How long before I will be able to visit?
4.  How long before he will be able to get commissary?
5.  If I send money today, how long before it gets on his account?
6.  Since he obiviously doesn't have money now for commissary, what items do they get when they get there, if anything?
7.  What is their general daily schedule? 
8.  How long before he will be able to get started on some classes?
9.  Is there a specific number I could call there to get more information?  How do you call to talk to his counselor?

I am just so lost about how all of this works.  I found some good information on here, however much of it is dated a couple years back, so I don't know if things are different now.

Any additional information that I could get would be more than appreciated.

Teri

[WAID]

Welcome to IPT! Make sure you read the forum about entering IDOC & everything else that may apply, pretty much doesn't change alot even among facilities so it would still apply. I'll try to fill in your questions here though.
1. He is already there. That site is updated nightly. Sign up for VINE to be notified of future transfers.
2. About 2 weeks, give or take. Mail him a letter with phone & address for submitting his phone & visiting list.
3. After he tells you the list is approved, he'll also get his phone pin. Bout 3 weeks, give or take. Then he can call you, depending on your phone service it will go through or notified on that call that you can set up account with Consolidated.
4. They can only shop bout every 4 weeks. Not sure when they allow new arrivals to shop or if they have to wait for their houses next cycle. Be prepared for expensive tv(225.) & hot pot requests.
5. Mail takes about 4-5 days to get there, m/o would post 2 days after. Western Union would be posted next day.
6. They get the bare minimum. I believe it was 3 pairs of clothes, undergarments, shoes/boots & a coat if weather calls for it. They get a small state bar of soap, toothbrush & paste, so many rolls of T.P. & thats about it for hygene items they provide.
7. They are locked down bout 20 hours a day, they get 3 times out a day for yard or free time to make calls, besides chow. Usually around 8am, 1pm & 7pm. Not positive on meals times but breakfast is at 5, lunch at 10 & dinner at 3 or 4. If they have a job, class or med line visit they get passes for those besides the free time.
8. No clue, his counselor will tell him if & when he can go.
9. Shawnee Phone: (618) 658-8331 Ask for counselors office, weekdays. Any of them can help with general info., specific questions on him they will direct you to his counselor who has his file.
Just breathe, he'll be ok. Let us know if you need more info. & someone will be along to offer assistance.

[ernie694]

Only thing i can add to what WAID posted is the out times.   My hubby is in 4 house and they only get out 2 times a day   am and pm no afternoon out time.    the time out varies day to day as they only let one level out at a time so it is either 1st out 8am-9am or 2nd out  9:30 am -10,    same with the evening   7-8 pm or 8-9 pm.     4 house chow times are 4am, 9am, and 4pm. 

Commissary, the do not let new arrivals go to commissary b4 the next time the house they are in gets to go.  so it could be a month b4 he gets to commissary.    4 house went this week.

[agoodson1020]

Thank you WAID and Ernie for the information.  I was able to talk to a counselor this morning to get a bit of information.  He was very nice and gave me some additional information.  I was feeling okay after talking the counselor until I saw my son's new picture on the IDOC website.  He just doesn't look good.  I wasn't surprised that he wasn't clean shaven like he was in the first picture they had up there...but I just didn't expect that he would look so worn.  He has horrible dark circles under his eyes, appears to be pale however, I supposed that might be exaggerated by the excess facial hair which is dark.  I guess I didn't expect that his dark complextion (he works construction and always has a tremendous tan that most women would die for) to lighten so much in just two weeks.   

I am so worried about him...I am just going out of my mind.  I so desperately want need to know that he is okay

[concerned parent]

 

Good Morning All:
My son was just transferred to the Shawnee Correctional Center.
I am very confused....
Who can I contact to get my phone ready for his incoming phone calls?
How do I found out the source for sending him money for his commissary?
Thank you in advance for the help.
Have a great day!!!

[Dazzler]

Welcome to IPT.  We have a board here that tells you step by step how to enter the world of the IDOC...it will walk you through each step necessary to get started with a loved one in the system:

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

[concerned parent]

Thank you

[lecrone6]

 :kitty:My husband is in Shawnee and has been for 6 months.  If you have any questions that aren't answered on IPT let me know.  I'll be happy to help you as much as i can.

[concerned parent]

:kitty:My husband is in Shawnee and has been for 6 months.  If you have any questions that aren't answered on IPT let me know.  I'll be happy to help you as much as i can.

Who do I call to get my phone set up for my son to call??? :)

[debbier]

 1-800-235-4416 is the number to call to get your phone set up to take calls.  I found out last Thursday that my son went to Pinckneyville.  Yesterday I found this site, the best thing that could have happened for me - I set up my phone yesterday morning and about an hour later, HE CALLED!!!  Great timing - I was not expecting a call from him so soon.  It was bittersweet, as he is not happy to have gotten Pinckneyville, but he sounded good!

[codyandbecca]

Debbier, First and foremost welcome to IPT!!! I am also glad you found us. You will find lots of support and guidance on this website. I am also happy that you got your first phone call. They are always the best ones but heck they all are awesome!!!! If you need anything just hollar!!!

[debbier]

Wow, thank you for the welcome!!  I think I am already addicted to this site.  It is wonderful to have people that I feel I have a connection with.  I don't have friends or family that could possibly understand what it is like to have a loved one in prison.  And, I am the only connection for my son!  He doesn't have a girlfriend and most of his friends don't write to him - they are pretty upset with him for ending up in this situation (as am I, but I love him to death!)
Debbie

[Forevermah]

:kitty:My husband is in Shawnee and has been for 6 months.  If you have any questions that aren't answered on IPT let me know.  I'll be happy to help you as much as i can.

Who do I call to get my phone set up for my son to call??? :)

Welcome to IPT concerned parent, you should start here:

TEN STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING IDOC PROCEDURES
http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/topic,1513.0.html

You will find the information on the phone service from Consolidated Communications and much more that you will need to know about IDOC while your son is incarcerated.  If you have anymore questions, post them in the appropriate topics and someone will be glad to help you.  Again, welcome to IPT, glad you found us.

Mah 

[concerned parent]

 

Good Morning to all:

Thnak you very much for the much needed information all of you are suppling. It will make things so much easier.
Also, how did some of you create the cool extras on your posts?

Have a great day!!

[Forevermah]

Good Morning to all:

Thnak you very much for the much needed information all of you are suppling. It will make things so much easier.
Also, how did some of you create the cool extras on your posts?

Have a great day!!

You are welcome, go to this board:

Navigating the Forum and you will find tips on how to do things!
http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/board,25.0.html

If you have any questions on things on that board, please post them in the appropriate topics.

Mah

[concerned parent]

THANKS

[WAID]

Just an FYI for Shawnee mailers. It's taking 14-17 days for incoming mail to get to the inmates.

[agoodson1020]

Just an FYI for Shawnee mailers. It's taking 14-17 days for incoming mail to get to the inmates.

I visited my son this weekend and this is correct.  He however called me yesterday afternoon to tell me that they have hired an additional person to work mail so it may pick up a bit.

[kemos girl]

My fiance just got transfered to Shawnee from Danville and I need some updated info on the facility..I'm so upset right now, my heart is 6 hours away from me and I know he will be alright I just hope I will.

[Forevermah]

My fiance just got transfered to Shawnee from Danville and I need some updated info on the facility..I'm so upset right now, my heart is 6 hours away from me and I know he will be alright I just hope I will.

I just added the new misson statement about Shawnee from IDOC website in the very first post in this topic, please go back there and read the *new* information.

I am sure you will be OK .. others have coped with having their loved ones this far away, it just takes time to get used to a new facility.  Best to him and you..

[kemos girl]

Thank you

[loving mom]

Hello!  I am new to this.  Does anyone know if there is a money limit they can have for commissary.  My son just went to Shawnee.

[Marks_guy]

There is no limit to how much they can have on their account. However, anything over $2000 will be taken by the state as "room and board."

You can use Western Union or JPay, and the money gets there pretty quickly. Or you can send money orders in $50 increments.

[mattsgrl]

Has anyone got any updated info on this ridiculously long lockdown. My husband went in front of the parole board yesterday. Because of this lockdown, I can't get any word on the news from his meeting with them! UGH!!!

[kemos girl]

Well in the lockdown thread for shawnee there's myself and a few other ladies who put up updates but as far as I know from my fiance they could be lookin at 30 days, its been about 16 days so far but u can write him a letter and ask him and if he got any writouts he could let u know that way..just a suggestion but if I hear anything more from my fiance I will post it

[elizy]

hello everyone!!  I have a quick question on how I get on my inmates visiting list?
the inmate Im going to go vist doesnt know im going to visit him and I no im not on his visting list so I was wondering how I get on it? do I go over there or do I have to call first!??? it would be a lot of hlep if someone could help me with this little problem i have!!!!  thanks!

[eb2008]

hello everyone!!  I have a quick question on how I get on my inmates visiting list?
the inmate Im going to go vist doesnt know im going to visit him and I no im not on his visting list so I was wondering how I get on it? do I go over there or do I have to call first!??? it would be a lot of hlep if someone could help me with this little problem i have!!!!  thanks!

you'd have to tell him to put you on his visiting list

[Forevermah]

hello everyone!!  I have a quick question on how I get on my inmates visiting list?
the inmate Im going to go vist doesnt know im going to visit him and I no im not on his visting list so I was wondering how I get on it? do I go over there or do I have to call first!??? it would be a lot of hlep if someone could help me with this little problem i have!!!!  thanks!

Unless an inmate puts someone on their visiting list, they cannot visit.  You would have to contact him, the surprise is lost, and tell him you want to visit and then he can add you.  This may take sometime to get his list reapproved, so hang in there, he'll let you know when you are approved.  There is no one you can call or anything you can do, it's all up to him.

[kemos girl]

Write him and tell him to put you on his visitor list, there's no other way.

[elizy]

how do i no if I'm on an inmates visiting list?? I sent him a letter about putting me and his son on the visiting list. but now how do I find out if I am on his visiting list? what do I have to do in order to find out?  this is really frustrating because I have really been wanting to visit my baby's dad. please help me if you know how to find out if you are on an inmates visiting list?! thanks!
(do I have to call to find out or do I have to go to the place and see if I am on it or I don't know?)

[eb2008]

You'd have to write him && ask him of you're on there. they (IDOC) no longer answers those types of questions because it almost always ended in fights....

[kemos girl]

Write him and ask him if you and his son is on the visitor list. Do you put money on your phone for him to call you? Only he can tell you.

[lunchlady]

Help! I've heard so many different answers about things, I'm not sure what is right.
                       1. how  often can they order from the comissary?
                        2.how much is the tv?  I've heard 222. and 300.
                        3. I'm being told the tv, stock pot and a fan will be around 400.  True?


                                        Thanks alot!!

[billswife97]

my husband is in shawnee and i will talk to him this afternoon i will ask him for a price list and then let you know.

[Forevermah]

Help! I've heard so many different answers about things, I'm not sure what is right.
                       1. how  often can they order from the comissary?
                        2.how much is the tv?  I've heard 222. and 300.
                        3. I'm being told the tv, stock pot and a fan will be around 400.  True?


                                        Thanks alot!!

Check out this link for some of the commissary prices at Shawnee:

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/topic,16238.0.html

[tabbylover]

I would like some updated information about Shawnee my LO is being transferred from Sheridan today.

1. How long is mail taking now?
2. How much are vending cards?
3. Is jewelry ok to wear on a visit?
4. Is the visiting room hot?
5. flip flops ok or no?
6. Is there a work program out of this facility?
7. How long does it take to get into see him?  Sheridan was up to 2 hours.

[Angela]

I would like some updated information about Shawnee my LO is being transferred from Sheridan today.

1. How long is mail taking now?
2. How much are vending cards?
3. Is jewelry ok to wear on a visit?
4. Is the visiting room hot?
5. flip flops ok or no?
6. Is there a work program out of this facility?
7. How long does it take to get into see him?  Sheridan was up to 2 hours.

1.)Mail takes about 8 to 14 days, 2,3,4,5 questions I don't know, 6.)Yes- it is Hardin Work Camp.7.)You see him once his visitors list is approved at least 30 days or more.

[tabbylover]

thank you Angela

[billswife97]

We went on monday. My daughter was wearing flip flops and they didnt say anything to her. It usually takes half an hour for them to get to the visiting room which is air conditioned. So far all the gaurds have been nice. You can take 20 dollars with you. I recomend it to be in sinles or coins because the change machine is usually broken. And a lot of the time there is nothing in the sandwich machines. Hope that helps. Any other questions just ask.

[Angela]

thank you Angela

Your Welcome 

[tabbylover]

We went on monday. My daughter was wearing flip flops and they didnt say anything to her. It usually takes half an hour for them to get to the visiting room which is air conditioned. So far all the gaurds have been nice. You can take 20 dollars with you. I recomend it to be in sinles or coins because the change machine is usually broken. And a lot of the time there is nothing in the sandwich machines. Hope that helps. Any other questions just ask.

Thank you Bills wife it really helped hearing about the sandwich machine.  I will time my visits during the day so he does not miss dinner.

[billswife97]

No problem glad to help. If u need anything else just ask

[louise]

My son is a new roomer, his projected release date is 4/12, I've read about over "Crowding" what is the his possibility of being released early? Or are we looking at the long haul? Till April.   If we're looking at "April" is there a possibility he could get into a GED class-if so how long does that "usually" take to get in a class and would if feasible for him to take a class with only a short time.  Thanks Mother

[Forevermah]

My son is a new roomer, his projected release date is 4/12, I've read about over "Crowding" what is the his possibility of being released early? Or are we looking at the long haul? Till April.   If we're looking at "April" is there a possibility he could get into a GED class-if so how long does that "usually" take to get in a class and would if feasible for him to take a class with only a short time.  Thanks Mother

louise, the MGT&SMGT program that was awarding inmates time for early release was canceled almost two years ago now and nothing has replaced.  There is no early release, accept for the time they can earn in classes/programs.

Have your son contact his counselor and ask about getting into either the GED program or some other classes that may award him some extra time off.  The classes/programs are hard to get into now because of the overcrowding going on.  He needs to talk to his counselor ASAP so that if he got into the GED he would have time to complete it!

Good Luck to him!

[louise]

Thank you for your quick response.  My other questions are as follows: 1. How soon after the men arrive, can they receive or make phone calls? and have visitors.  2.Can they use phone cards, cell phones (probably not, Just asking) or Securus, inmate telephone service.  How do they get transported back to the area where they live, when released? How does Shawnee assist? Does there left over monies follow them?  Can we write letters, how soon?  Thank you for your kindness and support.  Mother

[Forevermah]

Thank you for your quick response.  My other questions are as follows: 1. How soon after the men arrive, can they receive or make phone calls? and have visitors.  2.Can they use phone cards, cell phones (probably not, Just asking) or Securus, inmate telephone service.  How do they get transported back to the area where they live, when released? How does Shawnee assist? Does there left over monies follow them?  Can we write letters, how soon?  Thank you for your kindness and support.  Mother

Please go to this link and it will answer your questions and many more:

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

Be sure to read the Consolidated Communications topic, they are the ONLY phone service allowed in IDOC, no phone cards allowed.

You then want to start reading on our Parole/Re-Entry board here:

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/board,54.0.html

If they have somewhere to parole too, they indeed can parole back to the area they are from. They just have to get it all approved.


You can write letters as soon as you want, as long as you have his ID#, the address should be on the first post in this topic.

[destinswife]

Has anyone stayed at the Limited? I read the reviews on it and they weren't so great. I was just wondering about the cleanliness of the place. I have tossed around the idea of staying at the hospitality house but I am a little more private than what is offered. I stayed in Marion last visit and it was ok but I just don't like having to drive the extra 30 mins to get there after driving 4.5 hours to begin with.

[UOI23]

I am going to visit my brother in Shawnee tomorrow and I was wondering do they use the vending machine cards or money there? How much money can you put on the card?

[destinswife]

Yes they do take the cards and you have to start out with a 5.00 bill, then you can put as much as you want on it. The machine will take 1's, 5's, 10's and 20's as well. I have had over 50.00 at a time on the card. Have a great visit!