DIXON Correctional Center

[Dazzler]

Dixon Correctional Center
Nedra Chandler, Warden

Facility Data
Dixon Correctional Center
Opened: July 1983
*Operational Capacity: 2,552
Medium Security Adult Male
*Current Population: 2,335
Average Age: 39
FY2010 Average Annual Cost Per Inmate: $23,871.00

*As of 11/30/2011. Reflects bed space capacity analysis as outlined in the January 1, 2012 Quarterly Report to the Legislature.

Visiting Hours
 
IDOC Visitation Rules and Information—please review before visiting

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
9:00 am to 8:00 pm with no admittance after 7:00 pm (daily)

Non-Contact
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm with no admittance after 7:00 pm (daily)

Segregation
9:00 am until 3:00 pm with no admittance after 2:15 pm (daily)

Additional Information for All Visits

    If you are planning on visiting Dixon Correctional Center your name must appear on the offender's approved visiting list.
    If you have been convicted of an offense other than a minor traffic violation (i.e. speeding, traffic light, seat belt, etc) you must obtain the warden’s written authorization prior to any visit.  You can obtain authorization by writing to the warden at the address provided below. In your letter you must outline the circumstance(s) of your conviction, status of probation and or parole and any pending judicial determination.  Your cooperation will assist the facility in determining your visiting privileges at Dixon Correctional Center and will avoid unnecessary travel to the facility.
    A debit card is required to purchase food and drinks from the vending machines located in the visiting room.　 A debit card can be purchased at the time of any visit; you will need to have a $5.00 bill to initially purchase this card.  Once the card is purchased you may load the card with additional funds; however, you are cautioned to not to exceed a balance of $50.00.
    Visitors are not permitted to wear suggestive, revealing, other provocation clothing.　 If you have questions regarding the dress code please contact the facility prior to visiting.
    To the ensure the safety of your children please ensure that your child(ren) are under your supervision and control at all times.　
    Cell phones are prohibited from entering the gatehouse.  You must secure your phone in your vehicle and cannot be stored in the provided visitor lockers.　

Facility Address

Business Mail:
2600 N. Brinton Avenue
P.O. Box 1200
Dixon, IL 61021

Inmate Mail:
Inmate Name & IDOC#
2600 N. Brinton Avenue
Dixon, IL 61021 

Phone: (815) 288-5561
Fax: (815) 288-9713

Facility Information

Dixon Correctional Center fully supports the mission of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) through the development of security levels and supervision of offenders. A major focus of the center's mission is to provide a comprehensive mental health program to address the individual and group needs of the mentally ill. The center strives to provide a safe and secure environment where mentally ill and /or developmentally disabled offenders, who are in need of placement in a correctional psychiatric setting, will have the opportunity to participate in treatment and educational programs that will assist them in their ability to function productively, both within the correctional setting and in their communities upon release.

Dixon Correctional Center is distinct in its size as IDOC's largest medium security facility and is unique in its diversity. The administration of the facility is divided into specialized areas that include units housing general population inmates, older inmates with special needs, inmates with disabilities as well as an infirmary.  The Special Treatment Center (STC) is medium security center that houses both mentally ill and developmentally disabled inmates.  The Dixon Psychiatric Unit is a maximum-security unit, which serves as IDOC's primary psychiatric correctional facility. Both the Special Treatment Center and Dixon Psychiatric Unit serve the needs of the mentally handicapped and developmentally disabled offenders by providing programs geared specifically toward a "special needs" population as well as a therapeutic environment.

The Dixon Correctional Center is situated on 462 acres of land just north of the city of Dixon, with 125 acres inside the perimeter fence. The facility sidewalks, signage, parking and other walkway areas are all in compliance with American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Inmate Programs

Academic:

    ABE (Adult Basic Education)
    GED (General Education Development)
    Associate of Arts
    Associate of Liberal Studies

Vocational:

    Commercial Custodial (GP)
    Bachelor Living (STC)
    Building Maintenance (STC)
    Laundry and Dry Cleaning (STC)
    Small Business Management (GP)
    Cosmetology (GP)
    Commercial Cooking (GP)
    Construction Occupations (GP)

Industries:

    Eyeglass


Volunteer Services:

    Religious Programs (Worship and Bible study)
    Alcoholics Anonymous
    Literacy Program

Other:

    Life Skills
    Substance Abuse
    Anger Management
    Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program
    Leisure Time Services
    Hospice/Adult Care
    Individual Therapy
    Group Therapy
    Sex Offender Program
    Community Work Crews
    Lifestyle Redirection
    Reentry Programs

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

[dancer]

Hi angel,
I have visited a boyhood friend of my man's at Dixon.  He gets out in three years.  I was pleasantly impressed with Dixon.  I loved that they had a child play area off the visit room.  If you ever go with a girlfriend who wants to visit someone also,  let me know.  He's a fun and handsome guy. You can visit really late there! 

[HIS ANGELL FOREVER]

yes thank you i dont go to much i dont have a car but when i do go its nice  it's really laid back for a prison and i love the play room i was so happy to see that cause then my kids aint buggin and my husband gets an oppurtunity to interact with our little angell's well i hope to see my husband soon i let you know how the visit went

[Schrader42]

My husband is in Dixon.

[dancer]

I viisted E's childhood friend at Dixon and I write him about twice a month.  He gets out in three years. 

[Schrader42]

Dixon is probably the best one of all and love the atmosphere.  Only problem, it gets too hot.  Wish my husband would come home soon but still has several years to go if his appeal doesn't go through.   .>>

[babygirl21]

my husband is in Gram correctional facility

[Aki]

Dixon had a rep for not being very nice to interracial couples, let me share my experience!

My ex had been at Hill for five years; he was two credits short of a BA when they decided to pull the college courses out. At the time there was only one prison left in Illinois that Knox College was still offering classes & that was Dixon, so it took some doing but I managed to get him transferred there. Three days after he got there, he called home.. one of the first things he said to me was “Boo, don’t get mad at me, but when you come visit, I cant hug or kiss you”. I asked him what the hell he was talking about and he told me that the word was they don’t like mixed couples and that everyone is telling him how folks are being charged with bogus sexual misconduct charges, the men are being transferred to Shawnee and the wives/girls are banned from visiting. So a few days later when his list cleared I went for a visit, I was waiting at the table when my husband walked in. He gave me a wink and quickly sat across from me at the table. About 15 minutes into our visit an older CO was walking past, so my ex called him over and inquired about what was allowed. He wanted to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, so there could be no misunderstanding. The CO tells us that a short kiss & hug are permitted upon greeting and saying goodbye, and that holding hands was allowed on top of the table. (same ole poop as the rest) I think I said something like.. “see I knew you could kiss me hello” and the older CO made a crack about “if you don’t kiss her I will”. Well that visit went fine, the following week I went back for another visit. Now mind you this was well into his 10th year in, we had never been talked to about our conduct in all them years. Any ways we’re sitting across from one another again, when I see the swat team (what I call them) come into the visiting room. I said to my ex “someone’s in trouble” never for a second thinking it was us. The CO’s come up to our table, they asked my ex his name & number, then turn to me and say “mam you have to leave now”. I was devastated, while I waiting for the female CO to give me back my ID I was sobbing, the biotch never says anything to me, but she’s smirking like a fat cat. When I got home I called the prison and spoke to some assistant warden, who was absolutely no help. The next day after making a few calls and getting no information, I called a sista girlfriend of mine who also happens to be an Illinois senator. I asked her to please find out why they did us that way. She called me back within 15 minutes and this is what she was told. “That I had on an orange tube top, that my ex had his hand down my top and I had my hand between his legs” I was floored, first of all we were sitting on opposite sides of the table, second I don’t own anything orange I had on black & white and I sure as hell don’t own a tube top” Now I’m sure it was all a mistake that a simple viewing of the security videos will straightened out. Listen to this crap.. I’m told that they don’t have any security cameras, now I know they’re just lying.. to enter the visiting area you have to stand in this hall that’s next to a small room with all glass walls, where it’s nothing but monitor screens, they can see what’s going on in any section of that prison. Now I’m beyond ********.. it took them about two weeks to send me a letter informing me that my visits had been permanently banned and that in one year I could write and have a board review our case. I was like no the F they didn’t, they truly picked the wrong couple to mess with this time. I wrote one letter explaining what had happened and my side of the story.. I included my background and our prior clean 10 year visiting record. I was 40 at the time, I had never had a parking ticket even, I owned a home and was a stand up law-abiding taxpayer and someone was going to listen to me. I went to the Illinois Government site on line where I got every Senator, Congressman, The Governors and any other elected officials email address and cut & pasted that one letter to each of them. The next day I had a bunch of email responses from officials and my phone started ringing off the hook. Within two days of sending that email I had Governor Ryan’s office calling me. Now up until this point, which was about three weeks after it all started, I couldn’t get anyone to listen to me. Now I have the top officials from IDOC calling me too. I told the Governors people that I was willing to do whatever it took to clear my ex’s and my names. Well three hours later I was hooked up to a polygraph machine. Needless to say I passed that BS with flying colors, I knew I would because it was all lies they were telling. They fears retaliation against my ex, so he still had to be transferred, but now they were asking me where I wanted his placed. I got a formal letter of apology and my visits are reinstated. I’ll get back to where he was moved another time, but there’s more to this story. A lady named Mary Hodges calls me and identifies herself as the head of internal affairs for the IDOC.. at this point everything had been resolved but I was still angry and would go on and on about it to anyone who was willing to listen. She tells me they went back and listened to every conversation my ex & I had since he arrived at that facility, so they knew he had been warned about our fate long before it ever happened. She also told me that 103 sexual misconduct charges had been brought against inmate in that year alone (it was only July) and that 101 were written by those same two CO’s, and all of the couples were either mixed or black. She then told me it was unprecedented for anyone to beat those charges, that I had been the first in her many years of being with the IDOC. I can’t even imagine how many countless victims there had been before us, but I know they never expected me to fight for our rights the way I did. I suppose they view all white women who are with a black man as stupid, low life, trailer trash, well not this lady. (oh yeah that blond wench who gave me back my ID was one of the CO’s that wrote that ticket)

I hope to God the unfair practice has stopped, but if you're an interracial couple, please be careful there!

[157]

OH MY WORD MY WORST  FEARS REALISED....... WHAT A STORY ... WHAT A TOTAL NIGHTMARE ! MY FIANCE IS CONSIDERING A TRANSFER TO DIXON ....... HE IS BLACK AND I AM ARAB DESCENT PLUS I AM FROM OVERSEAS ....... THERE IS PLENTY FOR US TO THINK ABOUT HERE , THANK YOU FOR THE INFO

[Susan]

Wow!

[snowbunny]

My guy is in Dixon as a temp he is still going through court he is there now on a parole hold if the charges are dropped he can come home if not 2 yrs on the parole plus the new charges and having no car i see him very rarely and now the hostage thing has me very worried anyone who has someone there and can tell me more about it would be greatly appreciated thanks Jeanette

[snowbunny]

Oh godness My man is at Dixon he is black/hispanic we have had no problems as of yet thank God the guards always seem very friendly to us I suppose because  they know with the time he has spent in doc he knows the games they play plus we have the kids whom are always next to Daddy and i across the table

[Lissa]

Hey Jeanette,
Let me know when you plan on going done since Dixon isn't that far I could take you and go site seeing in Dixon.

Melissa

[snowbunny]

As soon as I get a new ID i usually suprise him so when you want let me  know thanx cuz

[Lissa]

Well u have my number so call me when you have your id and we can make a trip. I wish mine was here so we could visit together.

[snowbunny]

Stupid 2 hr visits they are over so quick i am used to being there all day as at dixon you can stay all day during the week if you so wish i usually go around noon and stay till 9 (except weekends whicj are 4 hrs only) i have cried leaving the last few days as i never have maybe seeing him som much is making it harder to cope but my best friend met a guy there she talks to and he has no visits usually so we are going so she can see him and i see Babe i so can not wait forr this to be over
All of you seem so much stronger than me I actually fainted in our driveway wwhen they cuffed hin knowing what would happen
How do you all stay so brave I can not do it I am a crying wreck at the moment

[chitown]

Hello all!! just signed up today for this forum!

My loved one is in Dixon! =)


~chi-town~

[downtownchicago]

Recommendation: Do not show up at Dixon for a visit shortly after 2pm because the shift change starts then and you will not be allowed to even sign in and get a locker until 3:15pm.  If there are lots of other people already waiting, it's my understanding that you might end up with an even longer wait because count is 4-5pm, so if you couldn't get in before 4pm you'd have to wait until 5pm.

I was impressed with the visiting room and the relaxed entry process.  The room is very light and bright.  But the better food in the vending area runs out quick.  I was there Sunday into the early evening and the poor people who came in after me had practically nothing decent to choose from.

We did get a warning from a female CO about sitting too closely, but she was cool after that, probably because we complied with her request.  :-)

[snowbunny]

Yes the atmosphere there is so relaxed and the guards I have encountred are much more friendly than where my brother is. I feel more comfortable on visits to Hubby than ll brother. The food this past Sunday was GONE  so if you go stack food quickly there are several girls myself included who go a few times a week we know where the good stuff is and get what we can so we dont miss out .

[downtownchicago]

Snowbunny, I was told that there is a limit of 2 weekend visits per month.  Do you know about this ?  Is this a limit on the inmate or on the visitor, i.e., can my inmate friend have only 2 weekend visits per month, or am I only allowed to be there 2 times per month ?  Thanks in advance for any info.

The food situation is definiteily iffy !  My first visit the pickings were slim.  Second visit the vending area must have just been restocked and almost everything was available, decent stuff too like hamburgers and chicken sandwiches.  Third visit (last Sunday) it was a good thing I grabbed what I did before he arrived, otherwise I would have had little to feed him !  Close to the end of the visit I wanted to get him an ice cream bar and all that was left in that machine was ONE fruit bar, everything else was gone !  So I got the fruit bar.

[Forevermah]

downtown, the inmate, if stated on the IDOC website for Dixon, can only have two visits per month on weekends, is only allowed two visits, whether one be from you and one from another friend/person.. he can only have two.

I just looked at Dixon's page on the IDOC site, and it does not state on there, they are limited to only two visits per month per weekend, they don't have anything listed, no limits...

**Visiting Hours - 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
However, no visitor will be allowed in after 7:00 p.m. except for
non-contact visits which will not be allowed in after 8:00 p.m. **

http://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/facilities/information.asp?instchoice=dix

I know at some prisons you can only visit 5 times a month and it is stated right on that prisons page on IDOC.

The best thing to do is call and ask for the visiting center and ask them how many visits are allowed.

Mah

[downtownchicago]

Thank you very much for the info.  I was there last Sunday and we agreed I will go out again this Sunday, but that will eat up his two weekend visits and I need to make sure he's aware of the rule !  He probably is but he never mentioned the rule to me, someone else did.

[downtownchicago]

I see what you're saying about visitation limits ... each individual prison's page has varying info.  Dixon hardly has any info, nothing about 2 weekend visits per month.  Shawnee has lots more info, "Visits limited to five per calendar month per offender."

Well, maybe I'll see if I can get (or at least read !) a copy of the visitation rules for Dixon next time I'm out there and post them here.

[snowbunny]

downtown, the inmate, if stated on the IDOC website for Dixon, can only have two visits per month on weekends, is only allowed two visits, whether one be from you and one from another friend/person.. he can only have two.

I just looked at Dixon's page on the IDOC site, and it does not state on there, they are limited to only two visits per month per weekend, they don't have anything listed, no limits...

**Visiting Hours - 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
However, no visitor will be allowed in after 7:00 p.m. except for
non-contact visits which will not be allowed in after 8:00 p.m. **

http://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/facilities/information.asp?instchoice=dix

Weekend visits are limited to 2 a month at 4 hrs each. Your best bet is weekdays as these are unlimited time wise and as to how many I go at noon and stay till 9 if I go during the week. Most do have time limite during the week but not Dixon. The play area however does have a time limit if there are children waiting to get in and that varies on how long the list of waiting children is can range from 30 minutes to  2 hours in the play area. Only 2 inamtes are allowed in the play area at a time also.

I know at some prisons you can only visit 5 times a month and it is stated right on that prisons page on IDOC.

The best thing to do is call and ask for the visiting center and ask them how many visits are allowed.
 
 

[downtownchicago]

My fiend is in Dixon.  Met him through a penpal web site in Feb and paid my first visit in May during the lockdown.  From all I've read and heard, Dixon is probably the best facility.  I hope the Dixon admins don't take away too many privileges after the hostage incident.

[downtownchicago]

I noticed people walking outside in that patio area last time I was there.  Just 2 couples.  I think they were brought back in by 4pm though, for count presumably, and after that nobody went out.  Not sure if 4pm is the latest you can be out there or it was just that nobody else wanted to go out after that.  I told my friend I'd like to walk out there if it's not too hot.  Is the number of people allowed to walk outside limited too, just like the play area ?  I'm assuming all you can do is hold hands, no arms around waists or smooching.

It was downright chilly in the visiting room last time I was there, nice to know they've got good air conditioning for those hot summer days coming up.  The lobby area was nicely AC'd too.

[Dazzler]

Yes, Downtown, Dixon is noted as one of the better places for inmates.  The inmate that created the statewide lockdown was mentally ill and that caused the rest of the Dixon population to suffer a long lockdown.  The psychiatric unit in now off lockdown also, as of Tuesday.  Hopefully Dixon can get back to normal now...but I'm sure there will be some lingering security changes following that hostage situation.  It's a shame that one can cause so much chaos for others and tightening of security measures...a step backwards....

[Jims]

In fact, the repercussions from the incident at Dixon have been felt at other prisons as well. At Menard, any inmate classified as a sex offender who had a job working around any female staff were fired. And of course, the c/o's are all, shall we say, on edge about this latest incident? They don't seem to be able to keep it in perspective - that this was one mentally ill inmate who did a very bad thing.

[Dazzler]

Perhaps this is the wrong forum to discuss this....but I have an issue with female non-DOC staff working with inmates.  I don't understand it.  I don't understand why these women take these jobs knowing the possibility of this happening.  I don't understand all the trouble at Dwight CC either.  So many male CO's have been fired in another sex scandal at Dwight, in the past few months.  Although this one hasn't been publicized like previous scandals.  I know this will cause a flurry of comment but I've seen many female staff members in prisons who flit around the inmates, flirt with them and dress in what I consider inappropriately for a prison setting.  Many dress in outfits that visitors would not be permitted to wear.  I'm certainly not saying they 'deserved' what happened to them...they were horrific incidents, but geez, don't the female support staff realize this is always a possibiltiy???  They are always at risk when working closely with male inmates.  Although we all agree that not every inmate is a danger to anyone, but there are those that are very dangerous and why are they interacting alone with female non-security staff?   Are there no male psychiatrists available? 

Maybe I'm naive about this but I was shocked to learn from my ex-inmate the physical things that female officers are allowed to participate in...strip searches,  watching male inmates in the showers, etc...isn't prison life degrading enough.... but to be further subjected to this humiliation??? 

[downtownchicago]

I wasn't aware that there were non-officer females working in the prisons except maybe medical staff, and now that you've enlightened me I completely agree with you.  It seems to me to be a safety issue if nothing else ... an untrained female not carrying the standard defensive equipment could no doubt be easily be overcome by any adult male !

Regarding female officers watching strip searches and showers ... if we don't tolerate male officers watching female inmates in such situations, we shouldn't tolerate female officers watching male inmates.

[Jims]

We could probably have a whole new topic here, but I'll reply anyway. I absolutely agree about the female staff members. I'll go one step further and say how I disagree with female officers being able to work in a male facility. The only reason they do so is for the money. Most of the time, it's easy money at that. There's one female officer on J's gallery who always comes to his cell and asks to borrow his magazines, because she knows (from passing them out) that I send him good magazines - including Cosmo and other magazines marketed to women if they have something in them I want him to read. She sits in the office for hours reading!! I know they have the right to work as officers, but why oh why would they want to? And if they answer that question with, "because it pays well" then I can only assume they have assessed the risks and have decided it's worth it. Same with non-c/o staff. The risks have to include rape! Some of these guys haven't had sex in years. Many are mentally unstable, and not just the ones who are in psych units. Assault, hostage situations, or even just being flirted with can all put both staff and inmate at risk. J says some of the female c/o's are very chatty, very friendly and he goes out of his way to not make eye contact or give more than cursory responses IF a response is absolutely necessary because any comment can be taken the wrong way. It isn't fair to the inmates. But the bigger problem has to be the very real risk that these female staff members are taking.

I wouldn't care if they'd accept the risk and handle it when the inevable happens. The same goes for anyone working at any risky job: the guy working with gators really can't complain and cry about being bitten now can he?

[Dazzler]

Oh Downtown, I guess I failed to mention that yes, the reverse situation with male guards and female inmates also applies within the DOC.  There have been many, many stories out of Dwight CC...regarding inappropriate behavior of males guards.  There are males guarding females in all Illinois' women's prisons.

Thanks Jims, I thought maybe I was outta line here...but it's something that's bugged me for a long time....I guess my thoughts aren't that unusual then...

[downtownchicago]

Wow, going to an inmate's cell to borrow magazines ???  That seems like a total breach of conduct.  And what position does that put the inmate in ?  If the inmate declines, I can only imagine the treatment to come.

In another prison-related forum, a very young woman (early 20's) who seemed horribly flakey to me claimed she'd become a CO at a DR unit at a male prison.  She made a joke about watching the inmates showering, and I was aghast.  I'd like to think that COs are highly trained professionals, but if this woman is a CO, well, let's just say I'm not feeling too good about the situation.  :-/

[Jims]

I don't know what to think about male guards and female inmates. I think they're probably necessary -- but, they shouldn't be able to do strip searches or watch them in the showers. I think having them in the general vicinity in case help is needed should be good enough. Most of the time, I have to assume the female officers would be able to handle any problems with female inmates. But, at the risk of sounding sexist, it is probably a necessary evil to have male officers there for security purposes as well.

Why is it that the problems with sexual assaults between male guards and female inmates don't make the news, but if a male inmate so much as touches a female staffer inappropriately she cries rape? I'm currently reading a book called "Prison Madness" by psychiatrist and professor Terry Kupers. Here is an excerpt from the chapter about rape:

"While incarcerated at Dwight Correctional Center in Illinois, Zelda was raped repeatedly by a correctional officer. The first time, he entered her cell at night, hit her in the face, handcuffed her to her bed, and raped her vaginally and anally. Then he took off the handcuffs and left her cell. She was taken to the emergency room of a local hospital where a physical exam revealed she had been raped. She was returned to her cell and raped twice more by the same guard. No real investigation ever occurred, and he was never punished."

[Jims]

Wow, going to an inmate's cell to borrow magazines ???  That seems like a total breach of conduct.  And what position does that put the inmate in ?  If the inmate declines, I can only imagine the treatment to come.

The acting warden has now put out a directive to the officers saying "no reading" while on duty. Can you imagine having such a directive at any other job? Doesn't that sort of go without saying???

[snowbunny]

I do not know about the patip as our son has asthma and needs to be in the air but I will ask Officer Thomas tonite he will let me know.

[Dazzler]

LOL...oh my, you really don't know about IDOC CO's then.  I don't mean to laugh, but they are not highly trained to do much of anything...except maybe babysit.  The position only requires a high school diploma and a few weeks training in the academy.  Most of our prisons are in very economically depressed areas of the state and the CO's who apply are usually not employable at other trades.  They receive an excellent benefit package from the state and are definately well-paid for doing little work.  It's certainly not rocket-science.  I heard one CO in visiting say he makes $42,000 to just sit on his ass all day....I don't mean to sound derogatory...but most of the CO's come from farm communities and they have that mentality.  We are in a private forum, aren't we...LOL???

[downtownchicago]

I'm certainly getting an education this year.  I knew nothing at all about prisons prior to February.  This definitely gives me an entirely new perspective.

[Scout]

Didn't it say in the article for Thomson that only a 10th grade education was required?

[Dazzler]

Oh, so they're lowering their standards? 

[Jims]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't think you could even get into the military without having a high school education. Well, I'm not surprised. Just reading some of the websites they post on make it obvious we're dealing with pretty low intellect.

[downtownchicago]

Had a great 8 hour visit with my friend at Dixon yesterday (Wed Jun 21) but the visiting room was awfully warm and muggy !!  The prior two times I visited the visiting room was very cool, chilly in fact.  Not sure what's going on there but I'm going to dress for variable temps in the future .. yesterday I was overdressed for such a warm room and I was pretty uncomfortable.  I would definitely suggest wearing a lightweight top that can be worn on its own, plus take a little cardigan along with just in case.

[dancer]

I have never heard of female CO's doing strip searches.  I am sure it is not allowed!  I have heard that at times when they were doing cell searches and had guys step out and strip in the hall while the CO's went through the cell,  that female CO's were involved in searching the cell.
The other side of it is that many men say they like to have female CO's as they are sick of dealing with men.  Sometimes a woman can deescalate a volatile situation.  Remember they need Female CO's to pat down women visitors and children,  escort them out to the restrooms,  answer phones,  etc. 

[downtownchicago]

My penpal is in Dixon ... he told me in another prison he was taking a shower one evening and a female CO was apparently waiting for him and when he stepped out naked to grab his towel she was right there.  Instead of doing what most decent people would do, like say "Oh, I'm sorry" and turn or at least look away, she started talking to him !  He says he thinks she had a crush on him.  She even went to his cell later on, after lockup time, to talk to him and "apologize" for the shower incident.  Pretty improper, IMO.

If that doesn't sound too bad to anyone, just imagine the tables being turned, female inmate and male CO.

[downtownchicago]

Thinking it would make my full-weekday visit a little easier, I stayed in the Dixon Comfort Inn.  Nice hotel, the room had a fridge and microwave and they offer continental breakfast in the lobby.  There's a pool and a jacuzzi, I think, but I didn't use them.

I find the Dixon hotels too expensive for the area.  And coming from Chicago, it didn't provide the convenience I was seeking.  Yes I only had 10 minutes to drive instead of nearly 2 hours, but my morning routine was slowed down and I forgot my razor !!  Good thingk I had a long skirt on that day.  :-)   So I doubt I'll ever do the hotel thing again but if I did I wouldn't hesitate to stay in that Comfort Inn.

Btw, Dixon has finally fixed the AC in the visiting room.  It had been SUPER warm and humid in there, very uncomfortable.  But now it's fine.  Makes the visits a lot nicer, I'll tell you !!

[Jims]

How are the visits there and can you describe the entire procedure and rules please? Thanks.

[downtownchicago]

(I modified my post to take into account new rules and additional knowledge ... )


I can only really compare to Cook County, but from all that I've read it sounds like Dixon visits are more pleasant than visits at most prisons.

First rule: NO CELL PHONES.  Do not take your cell phone into the building.  Leave it in your car.

Visiting times are very generous.  9:00am-8:00pm every day.  4 hour visits on weekends, no time limit on weekdays.  Exceptions are made if the visiting room gets crowded ... the COs will ask for volunteers to leave, and if that doesn't produce enough tables they start terminating the visits of the people who have been there the longest.  The inmates are restricted to 2 weekend visits per month.  It can get crowded on weekends.

The visitor parking lot is large, I think staff parks there too so don't freak out if you see a lot of cars, esp on the weekdays.  :-).

You walk to the lobby and get buzzed in through the front door. If people are wiating to get signed in, or if some kind of movement is going on (e.g., inmate transfer to/from outside) you take a number and sit and wait to be called.  If not, you sign in, provide inmate's number, provide your ID in exchange for a locker key, and drop off any magazines/papers/books (limit of 5) you brought for the inmate. You put everything in the locker except your locker key and vending card, use the restroom if you need to, put money on your card if you need to (or buy a new one, I think it's $5 and you need exact change, but to refill your existing card you can use all bills), and wait to be called.  MAKE SURE YOUR LOCKER IS LOCKED.  Some of the lockers are fussy.

When called (CO will call last name of inmate), you go through a metal detector and get your hand stamped with ink that shows up only under black light.  Underwire bras appear to be no problem.  You to into a little room where you are patted down.  You have to take gum and other stuff out of your mouth and throw it out. You have to take your shoes off and the CO will ask to see the bottoms of your feet.  One time the CO inspected my shoes.  You might be asked to lift up your shirt a bit and pull the front of your bra out so they can verify that you don't have contraband stuffed in your bra.  When the pat down is done, your inmate is called for the visit.

After that search, you go to the door of the vestibule that separates the lobby from the visiting room and wait for the door to slide open.  When it does, you enter the vestibule.  That door will close, and then the door to the visiting room will open.  Go into visiting room, to the desk just to your left, and tell the CO who you are there to visit, last name and inmate ID and unit # if you know it.  The CO will assign you to a table.  I have interacted with some kind COs who, when the AC wasn't working, fulfiilled my request when I asked to not sit near the vending or windows (where it is warmer).  Normally I don't ask to sit anywhere specific.

Warning: Don't expect to be able to zoom right into the visiting room as soon as you arrive.  Count is from 11a-12p.  Shift change is 2p-3p.  Another count is from 4p-5p.  If you arrive at those times, you will have to wait to even sign in, and if people are waiting ahead of you it can really suck.  One time I got there at 1:45, thinking shift change was at 3p, not 2p, and I had to wait all of the way until 3:15p to sign in.  :-(  So try to avoid arriving just before the special times.  Even if you do that, you might also have to wait if a lot of people are there, especially if the visiting room is full.

While you wait for your inmate to arrive, you can clean off the table (there is spray stuff and paper towels), get cups, ice, water, food, utensils. etc.  When you're not up grabbing stuff, you wait at the table until your inmate arrives.  At some tables you can see him waiting to be searched and entering the inmate vestibule which is really cute of course because then you can smile at each other.  :-)  When he comes in he approaches the front desk where he is signed in and the visit officially starts.  When he reaches your table you can stand up and hug and kiss him.  The inmate sits in the seat marked with O's.  If there is one visitor, that person sits directly across from the inmate.  If there are multiple visitors, the CO will likely arrange you in a way he/she prefers, attempting to separate the inmate from any romantic partner.  You are supposed to sit with your legs under the table and your hands on top of the table.  You can hold hands, but be careful if you do much more.  I have been warned for rubbing my guy's forearms, though that was back when you could sit next to each other.  I think the COs are not as strict about arm contact now if you are sitting across from the inmate.

The visiting room is very light and bright, yellowish painted walls, speckled tile floor which is usually quite clean, big windows on one side, high ceilings, high racks on one side of the room displaying inmate art for sale.  The furnishings remind me of old-style McDonald's. bright orange molded swivel chairs attached to round tables, 4 chairs to a table.  There is a glassed-in seg visit area in one corner.  There is a large vending area at the back which has some tables for when the main visiting room gets filled up, but it's hot back there from all of the vending and microwaves so I personally wouldn't want to sit there.  Apparently this area used to be a grill !  Also off of the vending area there are two private glassed-in rooms which are used for attorney visits for non-seg inmates.

There is a cute play room filled with toys, totally glassed in, separating the visitng room from the outside.  It has a carpeted floor.  The inmates and visitors are allowed to play with their kids in there.  I think only one family is allowed in the playroom at any time now.  There are special seating rules, check with the CO (or wait for him/her to tell you !).  The kids look very happy.

There is an outdoor patio surrounded by a high brick wall that you used to be able to walk around on, but no more.  :-/

There are male and female visitor bathrooms.  You need to be escorted in because the doors are locked, but you can come out on your own.  The women's bathroom is pretty clean.  Usually no paper towels, only toilet paper to dry your hands with that leaves little shreds all over the place.  :-)  The mirror is so horribly scratched you can hardly see anything in it.  Oddly, my guy tells me that the mirror in the guy's bathroom is fine.  So what the heck ... is this punishment for the female visitors ?

The inmates have their own bathroom.

There are dominos, playing cards, pencils and paper, and some board games available for everyone to use.  The inmates are allowed to get up only to use the bathroom (they can dump trash along the way) or go to the playroom.  Inmates are not allowed in the vending area.   

The vending area has 3 microwaves.  On busy days they can overheat and shut down (temporary), which of course causes a big problem.  And on busy days sometimes the vending machines get emptied really quickly, so be aware.  Sometimes paper plates, napkins, plastic forks and spoons, and even styrofoam cups are totally  One time we had NOTHING but the food and some brown paper towels meant for cleaning the tables.  Made it really hard to microwave the food and I had to buy bottled water.  A couple of times there were no cups, so I bought coffee from the coffee machine and grabbed the cups before the coffee went into them !  Several times there have been no plates and no napkins.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VENDING CARD IN THE VENDING MACHINES !!!!  Some people will make no attempt to return a card to its owner, they'll just keep it.  This has happened to me twice.  If I find a card and I don't know whose it is, I turn it in to the CO at the front.  Use a permanent marker and mark the hell out of your card, I put my guy's number on it and mark it in other ways.  You might also consider buying two cards and putting smaller amounts on each, that way if you lose one you haven't lost all of your money.

The temperature in the visiting room can vary greatly.  Last summer the AC was broken quite a bit of the time and it was so freaking hot in there.  Then they fixed it and it was like the North Pole for a couple of days.  :-)  Most summer days with the AC on it's cool but not cold, but bring a sweater just in case.  On crowded days it's hot in the vending area.

At the end of the visit you are allowed another kiss and hug session up near the CO and the doors.

Overall I have to say it's a pleasant experience from start to finish.  It's pretty laid-back, and most of the visitors and inmates look quite happy.  I've seen some occasional drama but nothing too outrageous.  I see a lot of kids and they look happy too, just one time there was a disgruntled little baby but hey, that's the way babies are. :-)

I guess that's it !  Hope I didn't foget anything in my long-winded report.  :-)
 

[Jims]

Thanks for the great report! I'm jealous!

[BoosMom]

downtownchicago, I just had to give you some Karma for that report!  I am very impressed.  What detail!  Kudos to you.
BoosMom

[Favored23]

Hi this is Favored23, my love is in Dixon.  Blessings to all who are enduring this race!!!

[Forevermah]

If you are looking for the Dixon Chat Board, it is here, for Members Only!

http://xsorbit30.com/users5/illinoisprisontalk/index.php?topic=6684.0


Please  use this board for information pertaining to visiting etc.

Thank You...

[dancer]

I'm going to post this in case it is helpful to someone else who travels a long ways and stays in Dixon or the surrounding area.  I brought my laptop but the motel didn't always have internet.   There is a coffee shop on 1st avenue  called Books on First where you can bring it in,  get their password and use internet free.  It's north of  Galena. 
I stayed at the Super 8 this last time for about $55 a night including taxes.  I like Comfort,  with the nice breakfast and jacuzzi etc but it was at least  $15 a night more with a discount applied.  The All Season motel in Rock Falls was  $40 including tax.   With the lower rate at Super 8 it didn't make sense to drive 15 miles to Rock Falls this last time.  Now if I just had a more fuel efficient vehicle! 
Wish there was a hospitality center in Dixon. 

[downtownchicago]

I want to post a public "thank you" to the Dixon staff.  My guy and I were married yesterday, and all of the staff that interacted with us were so kind.  I wouldn't have expected a wedding performed in a prison to be beautiful, but it was thanks to everyone there.    .>>

[jewels]

There is a whole thread on here under celebrations devoted to you and your wedding day DTC!

[Katzmeow999]

I know who you are talking about but can't remember the name. I'll PM you who that may be.

Where do weddings take place in Dixon anyways???? I always wondered that.

[AmNJr24]

Hi, I am new to this site, but my boyfriend is in Dixon Correctional Center also.  I like it better than Logan, but it takes me two hours to get there.  Has anyone else ever had problems with the C/Os?

[Forevermah]

Please use this forum for information pertaining to visiting and other general information about DIXON ONLY! 

Thank you!!!!!

[downtownchicago]

Some wedding info for Dixon:  Weddings take place in June and December.  You and your guy must find your own officiant and then fill out an application form.  You are not guaranteed approval.  At the end of May, and presumably at the end of November, representatives from Lee County go to Dixon CC to do the license signings, and you and your guy need to schedule a visit that day.  This year (2007) the fee was $17, you have to bring it with you for the license signing and it must be cash in the exact amount.  It will be the only time you can take cash into the visiting room.  :-)  Your wedding will take place in one of the attorney-inmate meeting rooms off of the vending area.  My guy and I were allowed to stay in the visiting room after the wedding even though it wasn't quite 9am.  We were also allowed to get food from the vending area before the vending dude was done filling the machines, normally you are not allowed to get food until he's all done and gone.  Your guy can have another inmate be his best man, and you can bring a female visitor to be your best girl (OK, maid of honor !).  But beware, your best girl and his best man cannot do a visit afterward, because your best girl's attendance at the wedding counts as a visit with your guy and she cannot visit two different inmates in one day.  She can remain with you and your guy, the best man will have to return to his unit after the wedding.

[flower]

Hi, I have son there. He only have been there for a month. So far I had no problems with CO. I am used to be treated bad at Cook County jail. But you never now what will happen.

[flower]

Thank You favored23, Good information. Do you know or can pass any information about education in Dixon. My son passed his test for collage classes and now he has to wait. How many classes can he take? Any info is appreciated.

Flower

[AmNJr24]

From what I understand, he can sign up for as many classes as he wants.  Sometimes it can take a little while before you can get into some classes.  My fiance really liked the psychology class and he learned just about everything I did in my course at our community college here.  I have a friend who just got out and he took and english class and a stats (math) class.  For the most part, I think it's good for him and he is going for his associates degree.  I think the classes are only 8 weeks long and twice a week.

[flower]

Thank You. Do you know if they have to pay for education in there? Can they get bachelors degree there?

[Favored23]

Yes they can, but as soon as they come home they get a bill from IDOC. My friend came home in Dec. and he is already paying for his degree that he got while incarcerated.   (>(

[flower]

Hi Favored23, do you know how expensive that is?

One more question. Have any of you checked drinking water information? My son was asking to get records about drinking water.

[AmNJr24]

You're welcome flower!  I know my classes run aroun $300 per class and that's without the books!  I don't think they have books there and I know they are shortened classes so it's probably a whole lot cheaper. 

[Favored23]

Don't know exact prices, but my friend told me they are less expensive then if you were to register out here for school. He did not complain about the amount, he was just in shock  -+_, because they wanted the money right away. When I speak to him again I will find out.  ?>?>?>

[AmNJr24]

So I was told that if you don't get a full degree and you just take classes, you don't get charged for them.  Also, after a certain date... or if you start taking classes now, they can't charge you for them.

[Katzmeow999]

How is Dixon now in regards to children in the play area with inmates? I'm thinking about bring my son up there with me when I visit in 2 weeks for a suprise visit. My son and this guy have some sort of "puerto rican" connection thing going on....so I thought it would be a nice surprise, but wanted to check and see how the play area is being handled now in terms of inmates and visitors going in with children or is it just inmate and children???

[TMD]

Anyone here have a loved one at Dixon????

[jewels]

 Welcome TMD We have a whole thread for Dixon further down the site. Lots of Dixie chicks on here!

[Shari]

Right now my hubby is in Stateville.  They have already told him that he will be going back to Dixon once they get around to transferring him.  This will be his 3rd or 4th bit in Dixon, I can't remember.  It is a couple of hours' drive to get there, but they have a nice big room for the kids to play in, and you get to sit right next to your inmate while you supervise them.  Considering I'll be bringing a 2 and a 3 year old there every now and then, I appreciate them being able to blow off some steam during the visit plus Daddy can play with them.

[Shari]

Not yet, but as soon as they transfer him, I will have.  I haven't been to Dixon since 2004...anyone know if it has changed much?

[SMD]

 %$#@  To IPT

[Favored23]

welcome TMD!

[momm316]

Welcome to IPT.  I have a son at Dixon.  We're here for you if you
have questions or need to talk.

Be Blessed!
Momm

[foreverurs07]

WELCOME!!!

[alannah974]

i understand that dixon is the only prison with a full psychiatric medical program... my fiance was in a bad accident before he went to prison and he hit his head .. he has some damage to his brain that affects though pattern and makes him irrational .. he needs medical help that he cant get where he is.. is that true .. that dixon's facility is able to do more to help him?

[jewels]

Welcome alannah974!

In answer to your question. Technically yes, but unfortunately the Idoc is not known for its wonderful medical care!!! They do as little as possible and seemingly get away with it.
 I have to warn you tho' that it is going to be one long continual frustrating fight as it is for most of us. Medical care within the Idoc is not their priority.
Jewels

[HHWifey]

My Husband just got down to Dixon and I am hoping to take the bus down to see him this weekend...I'm just wondering what the visiting hours and visiting room is like and what I can and cannot bring with me...I know Vandalia and Statesville very well...As for Dixon I am so glad he is there and hope the 3 yrs he has to serve he stays there as it's not 4 hours away like Vandalia was.

[Schrader42]

Hello HHWife, the visiting hours for Dixon are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday - Sunday.  The weekday visits are unlimited so you are allowed to stay all day if you wish.  The two monthly weekend visits are 4 hours long.  The visiting room is a nice size with approximately 40 tables.  You will notice that a chair has a 0 painted on it so please make sure you sit right in front of that chair.  The inmate sits on the chair directly in front of you (o) chair.  Once upon a time we were able to sit next to our guys but that all changed.  If you smoke, leave your cigarettes and lighters in your car.  Cell phones aren't permitted in the facility as well and must be left in the car.  If you don't like the cool weather or AC, dress appropriately as you won't be allowed to take a sweater in.

[ani]

I personally think Dixon was the smoothest stay for my husband and I, and my son loved going there they have a kids room and games to play and we were able to stay all day without restrictions (unless it got packed with visitors) but rather than that, I think Dixon was a smooth transition to be in the IDOC. Oh and we were able to walk out side in the patio and enjoy some fresh air together!

As for Logan well I don't know they didn't have much to do but just sit there! It was a huge difference from that of Dixon. I give soo much thanks to GOD for giving me the opportunity to see my Husband when I was able to and embrace him so. Because now at Pontiac behind a glass... wow how terrible it is to see them all chained up and unable to hug him!!

I hope you all have had a great christmas under all circumstances we must stay strong for our LO's! ! !

[ani]

Hi everyone, my name is Melissa and I live in Pensacola, FL. My boyfriend is in Robinson, IL.

Wow.. that is a distance ... and we cry while being in the same state.. how you do it!!??

[MelynFl]

ani, i'll admit that it's hard, but he is the love of my life... i would walk through fire for him and i know he would do the same for me. :) he appreciates everything i do, and that makes it a lot easier for me.

[codyandbecca]

first and foremost welcome melynfl (melissa). nice to meet you. wow that is a distance how often do you come to see him?

[MelynFl]

first and foremost welcome melynfl (melissa). nice to meet you. wow that is a distance how often do you come to see him?

Thanks! I visit only every 6 months. I can't afford more than that. Of course I feel bad, but he understands. At least the gas prices have gotten a LOT lower since the last time I went. I have to pay for the rental car, gas, hotels, food, and then for the little vending machine card thing. So, it is expensive but it is very much worth it. He's been in for almost 6 yrs and he gets out in April, so I will be soooo happy for that day to come.

[codyandbecca]

omg melissa that is wonderful. my hubby is in for almost 7 yrs and just went in so i am soo very happy for you and i wish you the best of luck on everything!!

[MelynFl]

thank you so much, i really appreciate that. I wish you and your husband the best, and I will be praying for you both.

[codyandbecca]

thanks so much we both need the prayers to be able to stay strong!!

[ani]

first and foremost welcome melynfl (melissa). nice to meet you. wow that is a distance how often do you come to see him?

Thanks! I visit only every 6 months. I can't afford more than that. Of course I feel bad, but he understands. At least the gas prices have gotten a LOT lower since the last time I went. I have to pay for the rental car, gas, hotels, food, and then for the little vending machine card thing. So, it is expensive but it is very much worth it. He's been in for almost 6 yrs and he gets out in April, so I will be soooo happy for that day to come.

Will you be moving to Illinois after he comes out?

[MelynFl]

if i had to i would. but he's wanting to move down here. he loves the beaches i guess, lol

[ani]

if i had to i would. but he's wanting to move down here. he loves the beaches i guess, lol

Oh that is good. I wish you guys the best in everything. Stay strong.

[Favored23]

Ani,

I think I remember you! Well we can't go outside anymore, but Dixon is still the best!!!! (In my opinion) I can sit with him for 12 hours everyday (except weekends) if I want to.  I love it!

[MelynFl]

Thank you very much Ani, for you as well. I wish you all a very Happy New Year.
Mely

[ani]

Ani,

I think I remember you! Well we can't go outside anymore, but Dixon is still the best!!!! (In my opinion) I can sit with him for 12 hours everyday (except weekends) if I want to.  I love it!

\I loved going outside breathing fresh air with my husband, helped us feel free somewhat and forget where we were at for a split second. But I know I trully loved that we can sit there for hours and not have to worry about our time is up!

[fingerslittlegal]

Do any of you know a guy by the name of fingers there?? I use to go everyday to see him,but we're no longer together. I miss him so much. Bringing in 2009 was hard knowing he isn't a part of it.

[HisGirl]

Melynn:

Welcome to IPT! What a long distance, but I know what you mean...when you love...thank God that he will be coming out this year.

Ani, and Favored, if I could get my man to Dixon, that would be such a blessing. It is really hard to try and discuss anything with a two hour limit. I am praying for that to happen some day. My son did two bits there., and Dixon is definitely one of the sweeter places. Thank God that my son is staying out of trouble and in school. This is a miracle, and proof that God answers prayer. I did suffer for many years with him getting in trouble.

Enjoy some of that warm weather in Florida for me. If there was a way for me to get away from this cold, it would be very tempting to do so. LOL

God bless and Happy New Year All.

[ani]

Melynn:

Welcome to IPT! What a long distance, but I know what you mean...when you love...thank God that he will be coming out this year.

Ani, and Favored, if I could get my man to Dixon, that would be such a blessing. It is really hard to try and discuss anything with a two hour limit. I am praying for that to happen some day. My son did two bits there., and Dixon is definitely one of the sweeter places. Thank God that my son is staying out of trouble and in school. This is a miracle, and proof that God answers prayer. I did suffer for many years with him getting in trouble.

Enjoy some of that warm weather in Florida for me. If there was a way for me to get away from this cold, it would be very tempting to do so. LOL

God bless and Happy New Year All.

Have you gone to your local representative office? and see if they help with transfers?

[MelynFl]

Melynn:

Welcome to IPT! What a long distance, but I know what you mean...when you love...thank God that he will be coming out this year.

Ani, and Favored, if I could get my man to Dixon, that would be such a blessing. It is really hard to try and discuss anything with a two hour limit. I am praying for that to happen some day. My son did two bits there., and Dixon is definitely one of the sweeter places. Thank God that my son is staying out of trouble and in school. This is a miracle, and proof that God answers prayer. I did suffer for many years with him getting in trouble.

Enjoy some of that warm weather in Florida for me. If there was a way for me to get away from this cold, it would be very tempting to do so. LOL

God bless and Happy New Year All.

Thank you so much HisGirl! I hope you have a very Happy New Year, and I will keep all of you in my prayers.
God Bless,
Mely

[scoobygrl23]

I have a few questions about Dixon.  Can you go outside anymore?  How often can you visit?  At my guys current prison he can only have 5 visits a month total but from the sound of it Dixon is allowed more.  Is that true?  Thanks for the help. 
 

[Schrader42]

In Dixon, they are allowed two weekend visits and unlimited visits on weekdays.  During the week, you are allowed to visit all day as well.  Also, for security reasons, they are no longer permitted to walk outside with their visit.

[patsymac]

Does anyone know how many hours the inmates are locked in their cells at Dixon? I think I read Danville and Big Muddy River are both 21/3.

[scoobygrl23]

 
Does anyone know if Dixon is not a good place for my L/O to be transfer to?  I called and talked to my L/O counseler and he told me that many people were on medication stateing this like it was not a wise idea.  My L/O wanted to be transfer to be closer to me but i do not want him to get into a situation that would get him in trouble.  Any infor would be appreciated.  Thanks

[kamiller]

According to inmates who have been to a lot of different prisons in idoc, dixon is the best.  I'm not sure how long they are in there cells for but they used to be out almost all day.  But things change.  I think dixon is the biggest prison in idoc as far as size.  It is supposed to be like a college campus.  Where is your l/o at now?

[Dazzler]

Dixon has a psych unit within the prison.  However, there is a huge prison population that is not on meds or has anything to do with the mental health unit.  It's probably the best prison in Illinois to go to, besides a minimum facility. 

[scoobygrl23]

According to inmates who have been to a lot of different prisons in idoc, dixon is the best.  I'm not sure how long they are in there cells for but they used to be out almost all day.  But things change.  I think dixon is the biggest prison in idoc as far as size.  It is supposed to be like a college campus.  Where is your l/o at now?

Thanks, That helps.  He is at Hill right now and we are seeing what we can do to get him transfered to Dixon to be closer to the family. 

[waiting_2013]

I am new to this my loved one is at dixon but he is wheelchair bound...does anyone know how they handle situations like this?? do they have the facilities to take care of him???

[Schrader42]

Hello Waiting_2013,

I have seen inmates using wheelchairs in Dixon so I'm sure your loved one will be fine.  I believe they have inmates that wheel them around when needed.  Call his counselor and see what information they have in reference to your concerns.

[waiting_2013]

how do i know who is counselor is?? do just call as give them his name and they will tell me who his counselor is??  I am very new to this so i am clueless on everything!!!!!!!!!

[Schrader42]

Yes, call Dixon and ask to speak with a counselor.  Once you give them his name, they will direct you to his counselor.

[tspot]

I just saw on the IDOC website that DIXON is on LOCKDOWN.  Does anyone have information regarding this lockdown?

[Favored23]

HUM....  I wonder what time this happened?  I was on the phone with my husband last night until the phones went off (9:16 p.m.). 

[tspot]

I called Dixon - just ONE building and only part of it.  I forgot to ask the Level.

The CO that answered was apprehensive in confirming the lockdown.   He finally said ONE building is on lockdown; and he would not tell me which one.  Then he abruptly transferred me to the operator/receptionist where she confirmed the lockdown is just one building and only part of it.  She would not say which building number.  She did check the inmate number and confirmed he was not part of the lockdown.  This woman is always pleasant and helpful.

Now I know he's fine though I wonder does he truly know what all this does to me; my anxiety is still off the chart.

Previously, I was told that lockdowns don't happen often at Dixon; is this correct?

[tspot]

When my guy got to Stateville R/C he went through the whole process, etc. and was going to Dixon based on need, per Dr. at Stateville which was determined upon reviewing the reports, eval he has with him; supporting the need.  He was told by Stateville they are sending him to Dixon STU (program and physical therapy) and after he completes the 30/90 day program he will then go to General Pop. at DIXON.

Does the transfer papers (in this case from Stateville) state why they chose to send them to that specific facility, etc.?

He got to Dixon, they did their Q&A which was completely non-related to his being at Dixon.  (20minutes of Dr. telling my guy how our last name should be pronounced and, explaining how it's OK for Parole Agents to set the parolees up to fail.)  Not ONE person, Dr., Psych, etc. read any of the documents he has (evals, reports, medical, etc).  He had even told the Psych that he has papers he should look at can he go get them.  Regarding Physical therapy - that Dr. confirmed though still has not gotten it all started.

He wasn't there for even a month - treatment hadn't even began.  Administration called him in and said he's being transferred to another facility.  NO REASON based on his FACTS.  Just the "over crowded" issue because all the parole violators coming in and then getting shipped to other facilities; which in turn, is over crowding all the facilities.  AND since that meeting, each person has told him he's going to a different facility.  Is there FACT to anything they tell these guys? 

Anything I can do . . . WITHOUT making it harder for him?  Obviously, I want to see him get what Stateville stated; as it is what he needs - staying at Dixon, completing treatment, etc.

But, if unequivocally ignorance decides; how do I get a straight answer as to where he's being transferred.

IDOC's mantra:  their GOAL is POSITIVE REHABILITATION and SUCCESSFUL RE-ENTRY!

I take issue with IDOC's mantra - i don't see how it is being achieved.

NOT giving them the necessary treatment recommended, there being a huge difference between wanting the help and using the system.  Administration must be able to filter out those situations.  There are guys that are not just numbers in a system of concrete and bars.

There's no room to put the parole violators that are coming back in from early release so transfer out others?
R&C parole violator and transfer them; you got their paperwork right there.  Why transfer the current inmate?  Doesn't make sense. That's double paperwork.   Info from Admin is most those short terms will be released within months/days of coming in.

Successful Re-Entry - some Parole Officers are on a major authority kick.  Yes, they have to implement guidelines, rules, etc. BUT they are also suppose to assist these guys.  No, not make it easy but certainly not setting them up to fail so they get their "authority high".

Ex-felons have a difficult time finding employment and most jobs are physical labor.  I don't know many that get desk jobs.  Successful Re-Entry is NOT possible if you now have physical limitations due to not receiving treatment for an injury or even for an on-going physical condition.

In theory, Recidivism rates would drop IF the state actually does what they say, provides the programs/treatments listed under each facility as having available.  Interesting to know, of those stated, which are truly available and implemented?  I would rather see him get what treatment/programs are necessary for the positive re-entry, successful rehabilitation then some of the "comforts" of commissary.
Tough love - he did leave me struggling, no comfort, at home.





 

 

 
 

[tspot]

DIXON - Staff interactions is positive, still have the CO's you need to avoid.

DIXON - sick call, medical, and administration is VERY SLOW, unless they want to transfer you!
It took days before he received his requested pass.  The slowness is caused by being overpopulated, staff is inundated with sick/medical needs.

DIXON - count time is no more than 30 minutes and if you are visiting during count; you don't leave visiting, CO takes the count for the visiting room.  If you arrive to visit 30 minutes before count, you will have to wait until count is completed (approx. 45 minutes)

DIXON - Gatehouse CO's answer all your questions, including when you call asking if the visitor list is down there but, they will NOT say who is on the visitor list (understandably).  You walk into the building, sign in, shook down, etc.   Within 15-20mins you are sitting at a table in the visiting room, waiting for your guy.  If you arrive too close to count then you wait till count is completed to enter the visiting room.  Visiting room CO's we never had an issue with and I never saw them "warn" anyone of any actions.  Also, I had a specific request because I have hearing in only one ear so I needed to sit where no one was on my right.  Otherwise when the room was full; I could not hear ourselves.  NOT one CO took issue with my request, and if they saw me previously - they remembered!  When visiting hours were over there were 2 male CO's which called it 5mins prior and allowed that time for hugs and kisses.  I did not hear anyone being reprimanded for being inappropriate, etc.  CO said it leaves the inmates more positive and less reactive; they need their loved ones, too.   

There's an enclosed kids playroom which you get individually for a specific time period and multiple times based on how many visits are with kids!  Dad's are allowed to play with their kids.  Outside the room I have seen fathers allowed to  hold and feed their babies, have a lot of interaction.  Kids will be kids and the CO's seem to understand without having unattainable requirements. 

Vending Machines are NEVER full and most are always broken.  I truly believe they are filled only on Friday mornings!   

There is a 2nd shift female CO (short brown hair) which LOVES reminding everyone that she's in charge, very condescending, and don't expect her to be helpful whether you are a first-timer or a regular visitor.  She's also the one that reads inmate magazines and purposely delays their receipt of same because she isn't done reading that People magazine. DIXON - Staff is more humane, still have the CO's you need to avoid.

DIXON - sick call, medical, and administration is very slow, unless they want to transfer you!
It took days before he received his requested pass.

DIXON - Gatehouse CO's answer all your questions, including when you call asking if the visitor list is down there but, they will NOT say who is on the visitor list (understandably).  You walk into the building, sign in, shook down, etc.   Within 15-20mins you are sitting at a table in the visiting room, waiting for your guy.  If you arrive too close to count then you wait till count is completed to enter the visiting room.  Visiting room CO's we never had an issue with and I never saw them "warn" anyone of any actions.  Also, I had a specific request because I have hearing in only one ear so I needed to sit where no one was on my right.  Otherwise when the room was full; I could not hear ourselves.  NOT one CO took issue with my request, and if they saw me previously - they remembered!  When visiting hours were over there were 2 male CO's which called it 5mins prior and allowed that time for hugs and kisses.  CO said it leaves the inmates more positive and less reactive; they need their loved ones.  There's an enclosed kids playroom which you get individually for a specific time period!  Dad's are allowed to play with their kids, hold and feed the babies, have a lot of interaction.  Kids will be kids and the CO's seem to understand without having outlandish requirements.  Vending Machines are NEVER full and most are always broken.  I truly believe they are filled only on Friday mornings!   

The first shift female CO (blonde) is very nice, accommodating, helpful.  She certainly made visiting less intimidating.  There is a 2nd shift female CO (short brown hair) which LOVES reminding everyone that she's in charge and is condescending and don't expect her to be helpful.  She is the one that reads the inmate's magazines and delays their receipt of same because she's not done reading their People magazine.  That was very aggravating!  (But, I seriously would rather deal with her than EMCC's gatehouse's heartless witch!)


DIXON mail is extremely quick.  He would send it and I got it the next day / no later than the 2nd day.  My mail TO him; he would receive the next day (I sent it on Wednesday; he received it in his hand on Thursday!)

Inmates have to request passes to go to sick/ administration, etc.  Inmates are treated as human beings.  Of course, there are some CO's that aren't of that thinking but, most CO he encountered are respectful.

[Favored23]

CORRECTION-

Count time is 1 hour, not 30 or 45 minutes.  You have count at 7 a.m. (I believe) and at 4 p.m. and its 1 hour.  They did away with the 11 a.m. count.

Vending Machines are usually full of food.  They do not come anymore on Sat. or Sun. so you might have a problem with food.

Broken down vending machines are more frequent now.  Not sure what is going on with the company.  We call and they say they come 7 days a week, but they only come Mon. - Fri.

[tspot]

The count referred to was the 4pm count which is during visiting hours.  CO's at the visiting desk (and there is a sign to the left) tell you to sign in and be processed  before 3:30 so you are in the visiting room before the 4pm and hopefully the inmate will get there before 4pm count also.  Otherwise you will enter the visiting room after count, at 4:30; as will the inmate.

We found Fridays AM was the only time machines were completely full.  We visited on other days during the week and we were told Friday is the day it is stocked?  Just sharing what was told.  First two weeks in March the microwaves were either not working or overheating and there has always been one vending machine not stocked and one fully stock but not working.

[Favored23]

That is correct they can process you, but count is still from 4 to 5 p.m. (1 hour) and the guys do not get up there until 5 p.m. or thereafter.

[waiting_2013]

i just found out my lo is being transferred, is there anything/anyone i can call to make sure he doesn't get transferred, He needs medical attention on a daily bases and based on what I have read Dixon is the only place that can fully take care of him and his needs, plus, I have come atatteced to dixon and how nice the front desk, and visitin room co's are to the me, I just pray he can stay at dixon, please if anyone knows anything I can do, I need your help!!! thanks

[Dazzler]

Have you asked his counselor why he's being transferred?  If he doesn't need intense medical care most other prisons have a medical unit.  Has he had any disciplinary problems?  Unless you have connections with the IDOC the next best thing would be to contact your state representative and ask him to intervene...although you should have a good excuse and he better have a clean record of discipline.

[waiting_2013]

he is being transfered to pinkneyville...and I have already tried the state rep, got no call back from him. according to my lo he has not had any problems with anyone/ nor has he every gotten into trouble. Dixon was just his reception he said, but he has heard from other inmates that pinkneyville is not a good place

[MiChAeL*aNd*MeGaN]

my ex was in pickneyville about 5 yrs ago, he never had any problems there...he only did 61 days tho

[pac5401]

Is Dixon the only facility with a mental health unit?  My son is coming up for sentencing, he is hoping for Boot Camp, but since the State is bringing in their psychiatrist to the hearing and my son's attorney recommended we bring his psychiatrist, I suspect that some type of treatment for his mental illness will be presented to the judge as an alternative recommendation. 

My son is mentally ill - he has a long standing diagnosis and has been hospitalized many times prior to his current situation.

I just don't know what would be involved with being in a psychiatric prison unit - will he qualify for more transition services when he is released? He is just barely an adult (19) and I had heard that with a psychiatric diagnosis he will have to fulfill his entire sentence. 

He has already accepted a guilty plea with the assurance that the State would not "argue against" his placement in Boot Camp. HAH!

 

[HisGirl]

While I don't know as many facts as some on that website may, I do have a nephew that was a CO at Dixon for some time. He told me that it can be pretty crazy in the psyc. ward at Dixon. I do believe that Dixon is the main prison in Illinois with a psyc. ward. Dixon is also a very "sweet" prison compared to most, and they offer a lot of programs on the inside. Your LO would be fortunate to be placed there, in the event he does not get bootcamp. Hopefully he does, at his age, it would be more beneficial than prison.

I hope and pray that works out. Placement at Dixon would not qualify him for more transition services. That must be worked out on the outside at the time of his parole. Good luck to your son, and I pray he gets the services he needs.

[Favored23]

Don't freak out at our post Dixon is a great place. It just has its issues like every other facility.

[pac5401]

Actually, he has been transferred to Vienna, according to VINE.  He is still supposed to go to Boot Camp, but Vienna actually sounds nice.  Thanks for all the support. He is doing well off his medication, has been off it for 2 years.

[Favored23]

pac

Good!  Praying all goes well for you all.  Blessings!!

[jdmlt]

I know a C/O at Dixon that said inmates can receive $200 money orders now...he doesn't work the mailroom or anything with the commissary either...just for your info...I would call prison if needed to double check...

[Ira]

My husband hopes for a transfer to Dixon, but I don't know anything about it. Do they have cells in there for 2 inmates each? Are they allowed to leave the cell and for how long? Are they allowed outside? I'm concerned about inmate life there, not visiting procedures. Because you have a lot of information about that, thank you very much!!! But could somebody tell me about their life inside?

[Forevermah]

My husband hopes for a transfer to Dixon, but I don't know anything about it. Do they have cells in there for 2 inmates each? Are they allowed to leave the cell and for how long? Are they allowed outside? I'm concerned about inmate life there, not visiting procedures. Because you have a lot of information about that, thank you very much!!! But could somebody tell me about their life inside?

If your husband is in Taylorville, which is a Level 5 prison and he wants to transfer to a Level 3, I don't think they do that, you have to move within your own level in IDOC, or down not up.

[Slarange]

Does anybody know if Dixon is off lockdown?

[Favored23]

Dixon is not on lockdown.

[jdmlt]

Dixon has not been on a lockdown in a while...why did you think they were?

Does anybody know if Dixon is off lockdown?

[Slarange]

I got a letter from my l/o sayin they was on lockdown.

[Favored23]

It has been a while since any lockdowns!

[TimeStandsStill]

Maybe it was just one of those "mini" type of lockdowns from within?  BMR seems to have those somewhat frequently.

[Steadfast]

My L/O is being offered a transfer to Dixon to receive better medical care.  He is currently at Logan.  Can anyone tell me what Dixon is like?  Do they have cells and how much movement is there for the inmates?  Are there classes and programs he can take to help reduce his sentence?  I have read messages on this thread that say Dixon is a "sweet" prison, but they are several years old - is it still considered a good place to be?  Any information will be most appreciated.

[Dazzler]

Dixon is still the four star rated prison for Northern Illinois. They have good vocational and educational programs, much more movement, better medical facilities and care and if he gets transferred there he should consider himself lucky...not to mention all day long visits...

[TimeStandsStill]

I forget....  Does Dixon have cells or dorms?  I wish my guy was lucky enough to go there.  It would be a heck of a lot closer to home, too....

[TimeStandsStill]

My L/O is being offered a transfer to Dixon to receive better medical care.  He is currently at Logan.  Can anyone tell me what Dixon is like?  Do they have cells and how much movement is there for the inmates?  Are there classes and programs he can take to help reduce his sentence?  I have read messages on this thread that say Dixon is a "sweet" prison, but they are several years old - is it still considered a good place to be?  Any information will be most appreciated.

There may be more posts under the Dixon Correctional Chat thread.  This is more of an informational board.

[waitingagain]

My L/O is being offered a transfer to Dixon to receive better medical care.  He is currently at Logan.  Can anyone tell me what Dixon is like?  Do they have cells and how much movement is there for the inmates?  Are there classes and programs he can take to help reduce his sentence?  I have read messages on this thread that say Dixon is a "sweet" prison, but they are several years old - is it still considered a good place to be?  Any information will be most appreciated.

Steadfast,
My brother is at Dixon. It's better than some of the other places that he has been, BMR and Menard. The visiting room is very nice and every one has been very friendly when I visit. My brothers only complaint is the dorm style cell that he is in. All the noise gets to him, but he takes meds for depression. Nine guys per dorm cell and the day room is for about 150 guys. They only lock down two hours per day when they do count other than those times they are free to be in the day room.  He is doing 2 years and the only class he has been able to get is the basic school. All of the substance abuse programs(my brother was court ordered to take one) are on hold as of June 2011 as they have no one to run them at this point. I am not sure about medical as he has not needed to see a regular doctor at this point, but they are good about adjusting his depression medication when it is needed. He has also asked about jobs, but he has been told that they are reserved for people that will be in much longer than 2 years.
I hope that this information helps.
Waitingagain

[waitingagain]

I forget....  Does Dixon have cells or dorms?  I wish my guy was lucky enough to go there.  It would be a heck of a lot closer to home, too....

TimeStandsStill
They have both dorm and cells.
waitingagain

[Steadfast]

Thanks for the info on Dixon.  I will pass your remarks on to my L/O.  It sounds like he should take the transfer; it sure would be closer to home.

[Steadfast]

Good news.  My L/O's transfer to Dixon has been approved.  He is both happy and apprehensive.  He was told he will be moved within the next week or two, so it will be so nice to have him much closer to home and getting the medication he needs to survive this ordeal.  He will be in STC in a two man cell, so that in itself with be a big improvement.  Thanks to everyone for their information.  It helped him make his decision easier.