Bureau County Jail
Bureau County Jail Inmate Lookup
Most local arrests end up at the Bureau County Jail, 800 Ace Road, Princeton, IL 61356 (815-875-3344).
To find someone, start with VINELink. For alerts, register with VINELink, which covers Bureau County.
If the name is missing, check Henry County, then call 815-875-3344. The sections below run from the county jail to state and federal custody.
Read inmate search answers
Read inmate search answers1. How do I search for an inmate?
- Go to VINELink and type the full name.
- Search VINELink online, or with the VINELink app for iPhone and the VINELink app for Android.
- No result: phone the Bureau County Sheriff's Office, 815-875-3344.
2. How do I find someone from this county taken by ICE?
- ICE can ask Bureau County to hold someone with a Form I-247A.
- The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) stops this county from honoring the 48-hour hold.
- Agents may wait outside the County Jail.
- After an ICE arrest, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with the A-number of the detainee.
3. How does release work after an arrest?
There's no cash bail in Bureau County: the Pretrial Fairness Act ended it in 2023. A detention hearing is needed to keep someone held; otherwise the judge releases them with conditions. More on our pretrial release guide.
↑ Back to the question list4. What about youth arrested in Bureau County?
Youth stay off the roster (705 ILCS 405/1-7). A judge locally picks the juvenile detention center for detained youth. Call 815-875-3344 to learn about a detained child's hearing.
↑ Back to the question list5. Where do local prisoners go after sentencing?
Someone given prison leaves the county jail for Illinois Department of Corrections intake. For moves, use the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search; see our Illinois state prisons guide.
↑ Back to the question list6. Where else could someone arrested in this county be held?
Search empty? Call each county jail next door:
- Henry County Jail, Cambridge: 309-937-3940
- LaSalle County Jail, Ottawa: 815-434-8383
- Lee County Jail, Dixon: 815-284-5217
- Marshall County Jail, Lacon: 309-246-2115
- Putnam County Jail, Hennepin: 815-925-7015
- Stark County Jail, Toulon: 309-286-2541
State prisoners show on the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search; federal ones on the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question list7. Staying in touch with an inmate
- Calls: see our phone page.
- Deposits: our money guide.
- Commissary: Local commissary guide.
- Visits: Local visitation rules.
- Mail: County inmate mail rules.
- Email: our messaging page.
8. Are local mugshots public?
Illinois treats adult booking photos as public (5 ILCS 140/2.15). Ask the Bureau County Sheriff's Office with an Illinois Freedom of Information Act request, or call 815-875-3344. Juvenile photos are not released. Most U.S. Marshals Service photos stay private too, under 5 U.S.C. 552. An ICE photo request goes on the ICE FOIA request page and mention the county.
↑ Back to the question list9. What if the Springfield federal court has the case?
The U.S. Marshals Service may hold federal defendants in county jails nearby. Hearings take place in Springfield, at U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701; the Central District of Illinois clerk is at 217-492-4020. Check VINELink while the case is open, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator after sentencing.
↑ Back to the question list10. How many people live in the county?
The county has about 32,510 residents (U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimate, released 2026). Princeton, IL is the county seat.
↑ Back to the question list11. Could I have a Bureau County warrant?
In Spring Valley, Walnut, Sheffield and around Princeton, warrants are carried out by the Bureau County Sheriff's Office; reach it at 815-875-3344. Warrant confirmations come from those deputies by phone. Look up the case on the statewide re:SearchIL court index too: each case shows its own warrant status. With counsel, counsel looks; without, ask the clerk to add your email. If there is a warrant, talk to a defense attorney about reporting to the county jail at a set time. Missed a Bureau court date? The circuit clerk on South Main can tell you how a new one gets set; stop by 700 S. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356, or dial 815-872-2001.
↑ Back to the question list12. Which police departments can I call?
Town police may hold someone briefly before taking them to jail. Non-emergency numbers:
- Princeton Police: 815-875-2631
- Spring Valley, De Pue, Ladd: no listed number here yet; the sheriff's office, 815-875-3344, can direct you
Getting Someone Out of Jail in Bureau County
Arrests in Bureau County lead to the Bureau County Jail, 800 Ace Road, Princeton, IL 61356.
Booking can be reached at 815-875-3344. To check on a booking, start with VINELink.
On September 18, 2023, the county stopped using money bail under the Pretrial Fairness Act (725 ILCS 5/110). A judge at the county courthouse now makes that call.
1. Is there still cash bail in Bureau County?
Bail money plays no part in local release decisions. Years ago, relatives paid a 10 percent deposit at the county courthouse. That step is gone under the Pretrial Fairness Act.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Hang up and call 815-875-3344 if someone asks for release money.
- A judge here may order program or monitoring costs.
2. How fast is the first hearing locally?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Bureau County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 700 S. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356, or over a video link from the County Jail. There, a judge in the county reads the charge, may appoint the Public Defender, and sets release terms.
- Weekends count toward the 48 hours.
- For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.
3. What happens in a federal case from this county?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. They are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701 (217-492-4020). The Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142, applies. A magistrate may set a money bond (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Before trial, a defendant stays in U.S. Marshals Service custody. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question list4. What matters at a release hearing?
The law at 725 ILCS 5/110-5 lists the factors:
- the charge and the police report,
- criminal history and any skipped hearings,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, a bank balance changes nothing. Pay stubs help the Public Defender.
↑ Back to the question list5. Does the county hold people for immigration?
Not on a detainer alone. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) bars holding anyone on a detainer (Form I-247A) alone. The exception is a judge's warrant.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Detainees from here are often sent out of state.
- Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.
6. How are minors handled after an arrest?
Youth under 18 are kept out of the County Jail. The court sends local youth to a juvenile Detention Center. A detention hearing must happen within 40 hours, not counting weekends (705 ILCS 405/5-415). Names of minors never show on the jail roster.
↑ Back to the question list7. What conditions might a judge set?
Everyone released in Bureau County must attend court in Princeton. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- regular calls with probation staff,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- home detention,
- testing and surrender of firearms.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question list8. Can someone in this county get a free lawyer?
The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Call the clerk, 815-872-2001. Appeals go through the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question list9. Which court handles criminal cases in this county?
Local criminal cases go to the Bureau County Courthouse, 700 S. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356. The clerk answers at 815-872-2001. Search local cases on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Bureau County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question list10. Why would someone in Bureau County be denied release?
It can happen, within limits set in 2023. To hold someone, the prosecutor here files a 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 petition. A hearing follows, normally within 24 to 48 hours.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the crime is on the list of detainable charges;
- the person is dangerous or may flee;
- and no release rules would be enough.
In this county, the defense can push back with a release plan. Appeals from a detention order follow Rule 604(h).
↑ Back to the question list11. What comes after a prison term in this county?
A prison term begins at an Illinois Department of Corrections reception center. After classification there, the prisoner moves to a long-term prison; follow each move on the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search. Read our Illinois state prisons guide.
↑ Back to the question list12. Where can I look up an inmate?
Type the last name into VINELink.It can take one to three hours for a booking to post. Phone: 815-875-3344. More tips are in our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question list13. How can I help someone held in Bureau County?
- Note the charge and local hearing date.
- Attend court in Princeton if you can.
- Read our phone guide.
- Add money: see our money guide.
- VINELink sends custody alerts.
CourtMoney provides an electronic government payment portal for posting cash bail, appearance bonds, court assessments, and warrant release fees online or by telephone using credit or debit cards, allowing families to avoid bringing large cash amounts to a jail lobby or courthouse.
Important: Agency Routing Codes and Eligibility Differ
Bail handling procedures are not uniform across municipal courts and county sheriffs. Facilities require specific agency payment forms, and not every detention center processes releases at all hours. Always contact the booking desk first to ensure that magistrate booking is concluded, that the exact bond amount is set, and to ask for their assigned 4-digit CourtMoney Form Number. Paying before verifying this information may result in non-refundable transaction fees or processing delays.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Pay Cash Bail Online
- Call the jail booking office to confirm the exact dollar amount needed to secure release and request their dedicated CourtMoney 4-digit Form Number.
- Navigate to www.courtmoney.com or dial the live agent hotline at 1-800-356-8060.
- Enter the 4-digit Form Number to load the exact receiving court or county sheriff's department.
- Enter the defendant's full legal name, date of birth, and assigned case or booking identification number.
- Input your debit or credit card details, review the mandatory transaction processing charge, and authorize payment.
- Save your payment confirmation number and immediately notify the booking desk by telephone so deputies can initiate release processing.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The booking officer verifies the payment confirmation in their CourtMoney clerk portal, prints the official bond recognizance form, and escorts the defendant to sign the court appearance conditions. Once the legal release paperwork is executed, the discharge process is completed according to facility staffing.
Official Provider: CourtMoney Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-800-356-8060 (Toll-Free 24/7)
Support Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CourtMoney
In addition to Cash Bail & Bond Payments, CourtMoney processes inmate commissary and trust deposits for select correctional facilities:
- Inmate Trust Money Deposits: Send canteen funds directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust account.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CourtMoney Inmate Trust Deposits
CourtMoney enables family members to transfer money directly into an incarcerated person's jail commissary or trust fund ledger. Once credited, these funds become available for your loved one to purchase personal care items, snacks, writing paper, postage supplies, and medical items from the facility commissary.
Important: Facility Intake and Banking Policies Vary
Once a person is booked and moved to a cell, facilities do not always allow cash drop-offs or phone payments directly to the jail. Some might and you should confirm this by calling the facility and asking. But if you do not register online and fund your loved one's trust account immediately, they may be forced to wait days or weeks for standard paper processing, leaving them without essential soap, clean undergarments, basic medical sundries or snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Deposit Funds
- Obtain the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned jail booking identification number.
- Contact the facility or check their website to obtain their dedicated CourtMoney Trust Deposit Form Number.
- Navigate to www.courtmoney.com or call 1-800-356-8060.
- Enter the Form Number to select the exact correctional facility trust ledger.
- Search for the inmate and verify their details match the jail roster.
- Enter the deposit amount, review the card processing fee, and input your debit or credit card billing details.
- Submit payment and record your confirmation tracking number.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an active online account to receive funds. Once payment is processed, the balance updates in the facility's internal commissary management system. The inmate can review their updated balance at the pod kiosk or on their printed trust receipt and place their regular weekly commissary order.
Official Provider: CourtMoney Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-800-356-8060
Support Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CourtMoney
In addition to Inmate Trust Deposits, CourtMoney provides cash bail and bonding services:
- Cash Bail & Bond Payments: Pay court appearance bonds and release fees online 24/7.
• Learn more on our website: Cash Bail & Bond Payments Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CourtMoney Cash Bail Payments
Bureau County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule
800 Ace Road
Princeton, IL 61356
815-875-3344
- First, you must register, puchase data, and then schedule with CIDNET.
- Visits are 20 minutes.
- The more data you purchase, the less expensive each MB of data is.
- On-site face to face visits are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
CIDNET Video Visitation allows families to conduct live, face-to-face video visits with incarcerated loved ones from home. Using an internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or personal computer equipped with a webcam, visitors connect directly through housing-unit video stations or handheld tablets without traveling to the facility or waiting in jail visitor lobbies.
Important: Advance Registration and Visitor Clearance Required
Detention centers do not permit unscheduled or unverified video sessions. Correctional facilities require prospective visitors to submit government-issued photo identification and receive administrative clearance before booking an appointment, an approval process that can take up to 48 hours depending on facility staffing. You should verify your visitor approval status with the facility prior to scheduling. If you do not register well in advance, you will miss your loved one's scheduled visiting window for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Schedule a Video Visit
- Visit customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET app.
- Register your visitor profile and upload a clear photograph of your government-issued ID and a verification photo.
- Wait for email notification confirming institutional visitor approval.
- Ensure your account has sufficient Data Points to cover the duration of the visit.
- Select Video Visitation, select the detention facility, and pick an available calendar time slot.
- Log into the website or mobile app 10 minutes prior to the start time on a device with a functioning camera, microphone, and stable high-speed internet connection.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate receives a schedule notification on their housing unit video kiosk or tablet. At the appointed time, they log in with their PIN and sit before the screen. Inmates and visitors must strictly observe jail dress and conduct rules; sessions are monitored by staff and will terminate immediately upon any violation.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Remote Video Visitation, CIDNET provides several other communication channels:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the central credits that power video visitation, calling, and messaging.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send electronic text messages and digital photo attachments directly to an inmate's terminal.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal - Phone PINs & Voice Calling: Fund prepaid telephone calling so your loved one can call your mobile device.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Voice Calling
Bureau County Criminal Court Guide
In Bureau County, criminal court means the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, in the Bureau County Courthouse, 700 S. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356.
Clerk's office: 815-872-2001.
Below: the courthouse, each case step, record searches and appeals.
1. What is the address of the courthouse?
Where local cases are heard:
- Bureau County Courthouse and Circuit Clerk
Address: 700 S. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356. Phone 815-872-2001. Hears: all criminal, traffic, juvenile (single courthouse).
Since 1964, Illinois has had no city or justice-of-the-peace courts; towns in the county send arrests to this county. Under 65 ILCS 5/1-2.1-1, towns may hear ordinance tickets themselves.
↑ Back to the question list2. What happens after charges are filed in this county?
- First appearance (48 hours): the judge covers charges and release. See our release guide.
- Preliminary hearing or grand jury, within 30 days if held (725 ILCS 5/109-3.1).
- Arraignment, where the defendant pleads.
- Pretrial motions and plea talks.
- Trial: Illinois speedy-trial law sets 120 days for those held (725 ILCS 5/103-5).
- A judge sets the sentence.
3. How are Princeton warrants checked?
Warrants from Bureau County's circuit court are served by the sheriff's office; its number is 815-875-3344. Whoever answers at the office can check a name for warrants. Your case and any warrant in it also show on re:SearchIL (Illinois' statewide court portal): your lawyer can check it, or, without one, you can once the clerk links your email to the file or accepts an e-filing from it. The usual way to clear one is a planned surrender at the Bureau County Jail with your lawyer present, or a call to the circuit clerk about a new hearing. That office is at 700 S. Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356, 815-872-2001.
↑ Back to the question list4. Which federal court covers Bureau County?
Local federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois: U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701, 217-492-4020. For someone held by the U.S. Marshals, a magistrate sets detention (Springfield, 18 U.S.C. 3142). While the case is open, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody; VINELink can help. For federal prisoners, see the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question list5. Can ICE take someone from a courtroom?
- A Form I-247A detainer can be sent to the Bureau County Jail.
- The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) means this county ignores the hold request.
- The Illinois Courthouse Civil Rights Act (705 ILCS 90) bars civil arrests of people attending court.
- Detainees often leave Illinois; check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
- Immigration consequences matter; tell the public defender or your lawyer before any plea.
6. How do I appeal a conviction?
The Third District Appellate Court, 1004 Columbus Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, hears local appeals. Clerk: 815-434-5050.
- Within 30 days, file a post-trial motion in Princeton (new trial, plea withdrawal, or sentence review).
- Notice of appeal: within 30 days, to the county clerk (Rule 606).
- The Office of the State Appellate Defender represents people who can't afford a lawyer.
- The appeals court in Ottawa gets the record, then the briefs.
- The Illinois Supreme Court may take the case on petition.
For a detention order, Rule 604(h) sets a fast track. Constitutional claims can later be raised under 725 ILCS 5/122-1.
↑ Back to the question list7. How do I search local criminal records?
- Go to re:SearchIL (free sign-up).
- Choose Bureau County, then enter the name.
- You can also try Judici.
- Or ask the clerk: 815-872-2001.
8. Which court hears felonies and misdemeanors?
The circuit court hears both (815-872-2001). A felony (a year or more in prison) goes to a circuit judge (815-872-2001). Associate judges hear DUI and traffic cases (625 ILCS 5/11-501). A federal charge moves the case to Springfield.
↑ Back to the question list9. How do I track a prisoner in the state system?
A prisoner sent from the county jail goes to state intake first. Use the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search and our Illinois state prisons guide.
↑ Back to the question list10. Where are local juvenile cases heard?
Here, juvenile court hears youth cases under 705 ILCS 405. Detained local youth go to a juvenile detention center chosen by the court. For anyone under 18, hearings are private.
↑ Back to the question list11. How can families help during a case?
- Locate them with our inmate guide.
- Plan a visit with our visitation page.
- Money for local accounts: money guide.
- Calls and mail for the county jail: phone guide and mail guide.
JailATM Commissary Ordering allows family members to purchase pre-approved snack boxes, meat and cheese selections, hygiene bundles, and seasonal gift care packages sent directly to an incarcerated loved one. Each package is tailored to comply with local facility security rules, ensuring items clear intake smoothly without being rejected at the loading dock.
Important: Package Deadlines and Delivery Windows Vary
Detention centers do not all follow identical package distribution schedules. Some facilities allow weekly orders while others restrict shipments to bi-weekly or monthly windows, and spending limits differ widely across institutions. You should confirm the facility's active cutoff schedule and order allowances by calling them directly. If an order is placed after the weekly processing deadline, it will be held until the following distribution cycle, leaving your loved one waiting an extra cycle for fresh supplies.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Place a Commissary Package Order
- Confirm the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned booking identification number.
- Navigate to deposits.jailatm.com/webdeposits/ and sign into your account.
- Select Commissary Packs or Gift Packs from the service menu.
- Choose your state and detention center to open the jail's authorized product catalog.
- Search for the inmate to link the order to their active housing record.
- Browse available food bundles, hygiene kits, and clothing options, adding items up to the facility's allowed spending limit.
- Enter your billing details, complete checkout with a credit or debit card, and save your confirmation receipt.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an active online account to receive care packages. JailATM fulfills the order in tamper-evident security containers and delivers it directly to the facility commissary department. Jail staff inspect the shipment and deliver the items during regular housing unit commissary distribution, where the inmate signs for receipt.
Official Provider: JailATM Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-810-0614
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by JailATM
In addition to Commissary Gift Packs, JailATM provides several other communication, financial, and visitation services at participating facilities:
- Inmate Trust & Commissary Money Deposits: Send money directly into an inmate's jail trust account for independent commissary spending.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Trust Deposits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Trust Deposits - Digital Messaging & Picture Sharing: Send electronic messages and photos directly to an inmate's housing unit kiosk.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Messaging - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Video Visits
Buy Commissary for an Inmate in the Bureau County Jail
Bureau County Jail Inmate Commissary - Sending Money or Purchasing Commissary for an Inmate
Bureau County Jail allows inmates to purchase commissary. This can be snacks, hygiene products, stamps, stationary, clothing and even electronics.
You can buy commissary for an inmate using an online service called Jail ATM.
Questions? Call Jail ATM at 877-810-0914.
There is a monthly limit of $200-300 on how much inmates can spend on commissary items.
This amount is subject to change so call the facility at 815-875-3344 in order to confirm the amount that cannot be exceeded.
Inmates have access to both an in-house commissary store, and commissary packages that can be purchased and shipped to the inmate by friends and family.
Scroll down for information on the Bureau County Jail's service they use for you being able to purchase commissary items online and have them shipped directly to the inmate.
You can also go to our Inmate Money page for information on how to send money to an inmate.
JailATM provides a secure electronic payment portal that allows friends and family members to deposit funds directly into an incarcerated person's jail trust and commissary account. Deposited money provides the financial balance needed for your loved one to purchase personal hygiene items, snacks, over-the-counter medical sundries, and correspondence supplies from the facility commissary.
Important: Facility Deposit Rules and Window Intake Vary
Once a person is booked and moved to a housing unit, facilities do not always allow cash drop-offs or phone payments directly to the jail window. Some might and you should confirm this by calling the facility and asking. But if you do not register online and fund your loved one's trust account immediately, they may be forced to wait days or weeks for standard paper processing, leaving them without essential soap, clean undergarments, basic medical sundries or snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Deposit Funds
- Obtain the inmate's legal first and last name, date of birth, and assigned facility booking ID number.
- Navigate to deposits.jailatm.com/webdeposits/ on your computer or mobile device.
- Click Sign In or Register to set up your verified user account using your email address and password.
- Select the state and the detention facility where the inmate is currently housed.
- Search for the inmate using their ID number or legal last name to confirm an exact roster match.
- Enter your desired deposit dollar amount and review the calculated transaction and convenience fees.
- Input your debit or credit card billing details, complete payment authorization, and save your digital receipt.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate does not need an internet account to receive funds. Once the electronic transaction clears, the balance posts directly to their jail trust ledger according to facility accounting schedules. The inmate can review their updated balance at a dayroom pod kiosk or on their weekly trust statement and place orders on their regular commissary day.
Official Provider: JailATM Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-877-810-0614
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by JailATM
In addition to Trust & Commissary Money Deposits, JailATM provides several other communication, store, and visitation services at participating facilities:
- Commissary Gift Packs & Store Ordering: Order pre-approved snack boxes, food packages, and hygiene bundles sent directly to the jail.
• Learn more on our website: Commissary Gift Packs Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Store Orders - Digital Messaging & Picture Sharing: Send electronic messages and photos directly to an inmate's housing unit kiosk.
• Learn more on our website: Digital Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Messaging - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: JailATM Video Visits
Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Bureau County Jail
The Easiest and Securest Way of Depositing Money for an Inmate
There are several methods for depositing money on an inmate's account:
1. To send money online to an inmate in the Bureau County Jail use Jail ATM.
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2. If you prefer to use your credit or debit card and deposit money over the phone, you can call them at 877-810-0914.
3. Some jails also have a JailATM kiosk for cash or card deposits. Call the Bureau County Jail at 815-875-3344 to ask whether it has one and where it is.
4. The Bureau County Jail may also allow you to *mail an inmate a money order or cashier’s check from a trusted source such as the Post Office, a local bank, or Western Union. Ask the jail who the money order should be made out to and what to write on it. To confirm this option call the facility at 815-875-3344.
*When mailing a money order or cashier’s check, send it an envelope by itself. Never send it with a letter or photos for your inmate, unless the facility allows it. Never send personal checks or cash.
5. To ask whether the Bureau County Jail takes deposits in person, and when, call 815-875-3344.
Mail for the Bureau County Jail goes to the jail building on Ace Road in Princeton, and staff handle it Monday through Friday. Once a letter is opened, the envelope is thrown away. If the person has already been released, the letter is sent back to you.
Letters, legal mail and publications:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Bureau County Jail
800 Ace Road
Princeton, IL 61356
- Name and number: Use the inmate's complete name and their identification number, and write their name at the top of each page of the letter.
- Colored paper and drawings: These are photocopied for the inmate, and the originals are destroyed.
- Stamps and stickers: Never tuck stamps, stickers or labels in with a letter.
- Cards: Musical greeting cards are not accepted.
- Photos: Pictures can be sent through the jail's paid text messaging, which charges for each message.
- Newspapers and magazines: Subscriptions have to be sent by the publisher. Nothing sexual, no pictures of drugs, no gang references and no staples.
- Books: Paperbacks must come from a publisher or a store. An inmate may keep one religious paperback, a journal and recovery books.
- Money: Don't mail money or checks of any kind. Deposits are made at the lobby kiosk or by using online deposits.
- Who can write: An inmate can't get letters from a co-defendant, another prisoner or a person they have a no-contact order with.
Check the inmate search before you mail, or call 815-875-3344.
CIDNET Phone Calling enables incarcerated individuals to place outbound voice calls from housing-unit wall phones or handheld tablets directly to approved cell phones and landlines. Because jail phone systems cannot accept incoming calls, setting up a CIDNET account and purchasing Data Points ensures outbound calls connect immediately without wireless carrier collect blocks.
Important: Mobile Networks Block Inmate Calls Without Data Points
Wireless cellular carriers automatically block collect calls originating from jail telecommunications systems. While some traditional landline telephone providers may support monthly operator billing, mobile smartphones and VoIP numbers require an active prepaid CIDNET balance, which you can verify with your provider. If you do not register your 10-digit number online and purchase Data Points immediately, your loved one will hear an automated operator recording stating that your phone number cannot accept calls.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Set Up and Fund Voice Calling
- Go to customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET Customer mobile app.
- Register your account using the primary 10-digit telephone number where you want to receive calls.
- Upload your driver's license or state ID for identity verification.
- Select the detention center where the inmate is held and link them to your contact profile.
- Purchase Data Points using a debit or credit card to cover per-minute calling rates.
- Confirm your mobile phone allows calls from automated or unknown correctional numbers and does not send them to spam.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate approaches a pod wall phone or opens the phone app on their tablet, enters their assigned inmate PIN, and dials your 10-digit number. CIDNET's automated system verifies that your account has sufficient Data Points and connects the call once you accept the automated prompt. All non-privileged conversations are recorded and monitored by the facility.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Phone Calling, CIDNET operates messaging and video visitation services:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the central credits used to pay for telephone talk time.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Video Visits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Video Visitation - Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send text messages and digital photo attachments directly to an inmate's terminal.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal
CIDNET Inmate Messaging provides a secure digital messaging and picture-sharing service for families of incarcerated individuals. Powered by CIDNET Data Points, outside contacts can compose electronic letters and upload JPEG photographs directly through the CIDNET web app, delivering correspondence to inmate screens within hours and avoiding paper mail sorting delays.
Important: Postal Mail Transition and Screening Rules Vary
Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, and physical postal mail policies differ across jurisdictions. While some detention centers accept handwritten envelopes, many facilities contracting with CIDNET have prohibited physical paper mail in favor of electronic mail scanning and direct digital messaging, which you can verify by checking facility rules. If you do not register online and purchase Data Points immediately, your loved one may face lengthy periods without direct written communication from family.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Message an Inmate
- Log into your account at customer.cidnet.net or launch the CIDNET app.
- Ensure your identity verification (photo ID and selfie) is approved by the facility.
- Confirm your account has an active Data Point balance; purchase additional points if needed.
- Select Messages from your navigation menu and click on your linked contact.
- Type your message in the text editor and attach clear JPEG photo files if authorized by the facility's media rules.
- Review the estimated Data Point cost for the message length and image attachments.
- Click Send to submit your transmission to the institutional mailroom screening queue.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
All messages and photographs pass through facility screening filters. Once approved, the message arrives in the inmate's inbox on their housing unit kiosk or assigned tablet. The inmate opens the message, views the images, and types a digital response, which draws against available account points.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Inmate Messaging, CIDNET provides several other communication and visitation options:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase universal credits that power voice calling, messaging, and video visits.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live video visits from home using your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Video Visits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Video Visitation - Phone PINs & Voice Calling: Fund outbound voice telephone calls so your loved one can call your telephone directly.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Phone Calling Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Voice Calling
CIDNET provides secure handheld wireless tablets designed specifically for correctional housing units. Operating over a private, encrypted facility network, these devices allow incarcerated individuals to exchange messages, place voice calls, conduct remote video visits, read approved digital books, access law library materials, and complete rehabilitative courses directly from their cells.
Important: Tablet Hardware Deployment and Rental Rules Vary
Detention centers do not manage tablet distribution identically. While some agencies issue individual personal tablets to every detainee at booking, others utilize shared pod docking stations or restrict tablet use to specific dayroom hours, which you should confirm with the facility directly. Although core educational and legal resources are generally provided free of charge, sending messages or making calls from the tablet requires an active balance of Data Points funded by friends or family.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Support Tablet Use
- Confirm that CIDNET handheld tablets are active and deployed at your loved one's specific detention facility.
- Register your verified user account at customer.cidnet.net.
- Complete identity verification by uploading your government photo ID.
- Link the inmate to your profile and purchase a reserve of CIDNET Data Points.
- Notify your loved one that funds are available so they can open the communication apps on their tablet.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
The inmate unlocks their assigned tablet using biometric verification or their unique facility PIN. Once logged on, they can browse institutional announcements, access educational materials, or select approved outside contacts to read messages and start calls. When quiet hours begin or tablets require recharging, inmates return devices to designated pod docking carts.
Official Provider: CIDNET Customer Portal | Encartele Corporate
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-984-1903
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by CIDNET
In addition to Inmate Tablet Services, CIDNET provides several core communication channels:
- Data Points (Unified Funding): Purchase the digital currency required to power all tablet communications.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Data Points Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Buy CIDNET Data - Inmate Messaging & Digital Mail: Send text messages and photos directly to an inmate's tablet screen.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Messaging Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Messaging Portal - Remote Video Visitation: Conduct scheduled live video calls directly to their tablet or pod kiosk.
• Learn more on our website: CIDNET Video Visits Guide | • Visit official vendor page: CIDNET Video Visitation
Nearby counties
- Jail (Main): 815-875-3344
- Adult Probation: 815-872-8951
- Court: 815-872-8951
- Public Defender: 815-879-0113
The Bureau County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Bureau County: Bureau, DePue, Dover, Granville, Lacon, Ladd, Malden, Manlius, Neponset, Ohio, Princeton, Sheffield, Spring Valley, Tiskilwa and Walnut.