SOUTHWESTERN Correctional Center

[Forevermah]

In the post below it says different than what you had said. so now im really confused  hearing to different things. i guess once my husband gets there or when i get to talk to him i will find out for sure.

The MAXIMUM time any inmate can get off for programs/classes is 90 days.  It doesn't matter how many classes/programs he takes, he can ONLY get an extra 90 days (3 months) credit off his sentence and those have to be earned.

IF he got any credit on another visit to IDOC, he is not eligible to earn credit time again, he can still take classes/programs, but he won't earn any extra time (credit) off  his sentence.

[NeddieB]

Went for my first visit at Southwestern this weekend.  I know there are not many posts about SWICC so I thought I would share my experience.  When we pulled in we had to stop and give them our ID's and the CO's then searched the vehicle.  The CO's were extremely nice and actually asked how our trip was getting there.  They saw we came from a distance.  They knew it was our first time visiting and explained exactly what we needed to do.  When we went into the building you have paperwork that must be filled out.  They do an inventory of your jewelry, hair clips, belt and shoes.  The vending machine card costs $5.00.  The lockers are free.  After we were searched we were lead into the visiting area.  It is very similar to a school cafeteria.  There are several tables and five vending machines.  You have to check in with the CO in the visiting area and show them your ID.  They then assign you to a table.  When my son came in we were able to hug and kiss him.  The entire visit he was able to hold his fiance's hand.  The inmates are allowed to go up to the vending machines with you, however cannot handle the vending machine card.  The CO's announced this is like handling cash and that is not allowed.  We were allowed to visit for four hours.  We stayed overnight at a hotel and came back the next day for another visit.  He is now allowed to have 2 four hour visits per month.  When he gets to his next level he will be allowed more visits per month.  Since Saturday was April 30th that counted as a visit in April and Sunday was counted for his first visit in May, so we get another visit in May.  The CO's were extremely nice and very helpful.  When we came back on Sunday it was the same CO's from the day before and they asked where we had stayed.  They gave us directions to a better place and it was much closer.

I am so relieved now that I have actually been there to visit.  I hope this helps anyone who may have a loved one there or a loved one that has applied for a transfer.  I know I had a lot of questions and thankfully there were some wonderful posts on here that helped me a lot. 

[Marks_guy]

Thanks for posting your visiting experience. Some time in the future, I'm positive it will help someone else know what to expect!

[mary77]

Is it hard to try to get into Southwestern? I know some places are like East Moline but I'm hoping this one is different?