MENARD Correctional Center

[Scout]

I believe it's only two SC.  I've never seen the non-contact room at Menard (knock on wood), but if it's anything like the others, than it's two.  They used to visit in the guard hall and then you could have more than two.

[Lissa]

Hey SC it is 2 and they have to be adults. Is yours in Seg too?

[Scout]

They don't allow children to visit in seg at Menard?  Now, that's odd.

[Lissa]

Scout
I can recheck that but that is what they told me.

[Scout]

It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to find out and post it Lissa, for others benefits...I know that visits are limited to two seats, and a toddler who can sit on your lap isn't counted, but different places define toddlers different.

[Lissa]

Ok I stand corrected. I just called Menard's and the lady was very nice and told me that yes children can come but it can only be 2 at a time for visits so like one adult and one child.

[Wolf | Lover]

Anyone know the name of the Chief Administrative Officer at Menard to schedule extended visits with?  Can a written request be faxed over or does the original have to come by mail?  How much time in advance is required ("sufficiently in advance as per IDOC Administrative Code is rather subjective)?   If it can be faxed, anyone got the fax number ... lol

[Scout]

Jims can correct me if it's changed, but last year it was A/W Allen Martin.  I sent my letter a week and half before my visit and recieved the response in time.  A safe bet would be about two weeks before the visit.  If they're like Stateville, the main numbe ris also a fax number, but you can call and ask,

[Jims]

I think it's now A/W Ramos. I believe Martin left. Ramos isnow A/W Operations.

[Lissa]

I don't reemmber who mine was but I sent mine in like 3 weeks before to the warden and he forwarded to whoever and I got an answere right away. It will tell u in the letter to bring it to the visiting room with u but dont they know about it they will have a fit. Show the guards in the electric eye because they write something about it on the top of the card.

[Wolf | Lover]

I called down to Operations and confirmed it is A/W Ramos as well as I was told a written request can be submitted by fax and their fax number is 1-618-826-1139 if any needs it for future reference.

[Lissa]

Thanx Southern Cat! I will reemmber that next time i go for extended visits.

[Jims]

I found a fascinating article detailing the history of Menard:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3945/is_200310/ai_n9312385/print

[mydyisgod]

very good info there Jims...thanks a lot....

[runrn]

 orna  Hi to everyone.  First I'd like to compliment the creators of this website for their ingenious work
with all the information, tips, funnies, etc.  These emoticons (is that what you call all these little faces?)
are priceless.  It makes me halfway happy just looking at them.  Now to my important question.  My son
was taken to Menard Medium Security Unit on 11/22 and I've not heard from him yet.  My other son and I want to go visit this Monday, 12/4 but how do I know if he has his list of visitors approved yet?  I called his counselor once and he said they usually fill out their papers upon their arrival but do we then need to be APPROVED first?  I talked to another inmates mother who said she went down about a week after her son arrived and she was able to see him.  It's a 5 hour drive from here so I need to know for sure that we can see him before we go.  Anybody have any information on this?  Or know who to ask? Thank you in advance for any help. 

[Amy]

Welcome to the Illinois Prison Talk family.
You've come to the right place, we have many members with love ones at Menards.
To answer your question, My son is also at Menards. I was told I couldn't visit or get
a call until he submitted our names for approval. I was going nuts, after a week, I finally
called Menard and asked who I could speak to regarding  visiting my son, they referred
me to a department called the "Electric Eye", which I called and they took down the information
and asked that I call back the following day, I also asked to speak to his assigned counselor
and between him and Electric eye, they pushed it to be approved so I could visit. I suggest you
try the same, wish you luck. Let us know what happens. There are others here that will share
information and advice.

http://www.idoc.state.il.us/     Has all info. on visiting at Menard

[Jims]

Menard recently put through a new rule whereby they are not allowed to tell people who call in whether or not they're on the inmate's approved visiting list (at least at the max unit; perhaps the MSU is different). It sucks. Normally it only takes about a week to be approved, and I think that's especially true at the MSU. Try the counselor, try the warden's office and explain to them about the 5-hour drive. Your son should have gotten his approved list back to let him know you've been approved.

[dancer]

I do understand why they probably have this rule.  Can't you see a lot of girlfriends pretending to be an "ex" or someone they aren't sure he's still seeing?  I hope you are able to get an answer and can go visit him!

[vglowacki]

I know I can't speak for Menard MSU... but my fiance is in Pontiac MSU... I went and saw him on 11/23 and he got to Pontiac on the 13th of november .. so ask the gatehouse if its approved or not dont say am I on it, just saw you have a 3 hour drive and dont wanna drive down for no reason.. .they will usually say yes or no whether he's allowed visitors or not

[dancer]

Can anyone tell me how mail runs at Menard?  How long from the time you mail it til they get it?