The Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections is the jail system for the city of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
There are multiple divisions (locations) that make up the Cook County Department of Corrections and the inmates in custody.
Jail-wide numbers: main line (773) 674-1945; find where someone is held (773) 674-5245; Visitor Information Center (773) 674-8225.
Phone: 773-869-7100
Physical Address:
2700 South California
Chicago, IL 60608
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Cook County Corrections Department
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Cook County Corrections Department
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 773-869-7100 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Cook County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.
The Cook County Court Clerk has a lot more specific information you can use to find more about an offender's criminal court case as well.
Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections maintains an average of offenders in custody on any given day. The Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Cook County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 177,400 offenders.
The following charts of Cook County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Cook County Corrections Department, the state of Illinois Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Cook County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Cook County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
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Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections holds inmates under minimum, medium and maximum-security systems. Inmates are divided into units called Divisions. Division 1 and 3 (also referred to as Division I and Division III) are located at 2700 South California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60608. The telephone number is 773-869-7100.
Division 1 houses male inmates under maximum-security conditions. The number of inmates in this Division is 1,250, and the building includes an educational and pre-vocational program called PACE. This program is designed to help inmates identify their strenghts, gain skills that would be useful for employment, and each inmate also receives counseling support in their transition from jail to full employment outside of jail.
A second division at this address is Division 3. This division is for male inmates under a minimum or medium-security system. When Division 1 receives too many men to accomodate, these inmates are moved into Division 3.
The Cook County Department of Corrections encourages inmates to maintain ties with their families and friends through regular visits. To find an individual in custody's housing location, you can call 773-674-5245 or visit the individual in custody locator online. The Cook County Department of Corrections also has an online scheduling application for in-person visitation in an outdoor, socially distant setting. Visitation hours typically run about every other day from 8:30am to 1:30pm and then from 3:30pm to 8:30pm. Each inmate at the Cook County Jail is permitted one hour free when they receive site visitation. Both on-site visitation and remote visitation are available. Cook County Jail in Illinois has faced numerous issues, including overcrowding, inadequate testing and quarantine measures, poor social distancing, unsanitary conditions, lack of medical treatment, and mistreatment of prisoners with mental illness. Solutions to these issues have included reducing the number of inmates in county jails by transferring them to state custody and reforming sentencing laws to reduce long-term prison sentences for young offenders.The jail is known for being overcrowded and located in the murder capital of the nation. Cook County was established by the Illinois State Legislature in 1831, and Chicago held the county seat. Being released on bond from Cook County Jail has been compared to a "Hunger Games" footrace into a landscape of vacant lots, smokestacks, and abandoned buildings.
Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.
It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.
The booking process at Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections typically includes the following steps:
For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 773-869-7100.
After an individual is apprehended and taken to Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections in Chicago for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:
1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond. Call 773-869-7100 for the exact bail amount.
There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.
For more information on the bail process in Cook County, Illinois, visit the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections Bail Information Page.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections? What is the Schedule?
You can see someone held at Cook County Jail in two ways: in person at the jail in Chicago, or by video from your own phone or computer. Both are free. This guide walks you through each step in order. Go one step at a time.
A supervisor can also deny a visit for safety reasons. If you are turned down, you may be able to apply again after a waiting period.
You must be approved before you can schedule. Do this first, and do it early. It can take about a week.
Good to know:
Once you are approved, book a time. You must book ahead. Do not just show up.
How often: You can visit once a week, on the days and times set for that person's housing unit. Each unit has its own schedule (see Where to go).
Can't book a time? It usually means you are not approved yet. Call (773) 674-8225, or email DOC.visitation@ccsheriff.org.
Plan to get there at least 30 minutes before your visit time. Everyone goes through a security check, and lines can be long, especially on weekends. If you are late, you may lose your visit.
Leave these in your car or at home. Bringing drugs, weapons or other banned items into a jail is a crime, and you can lose your right to visit.
Wear: regular, modest clothes, such as a T-shirt with sleeves and jeans or long pants that fit at the waist.
Do NOT wear:
If your clothes break these rules, you may be turned away.
Cook County Jail is a large campus on Chicago's Southwest Side, around 26th Street and California Avenue. Each building ("division") has its own visitor entrance, called a post. Go to the post for the division where the person lives.
For any other division, call the Visitor Information Unit at (773) 674-8225 to ask which post to use.
Most divisions hold visits at these times:
Each tier or unit gets only certain days. To see the exact days for your loved one's unit, find their division on the visiting schedules page, or call (773) 674-8225.
CTA buses and trains serve the area. If you drive, paid public parking is nearby.
Video visits use the free app Microsoft Teams. You can use a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera.
Jail visiting rules can change. Before you go, call the Visitor Information Unit at (773) 674-8225 to make sure your visit is still on.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections?
Video Visitation is done using Microsoft Teams Group Chat Software.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections?
There are five ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Cook County Jail Corrections System:
In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate was booked under, and the booking number.
If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Records Office at 773-674-2390.
Each week, an individual in custody can purchase up to $100 worth of clothing & supplies, and also $100 worth of food items.
1. Online or Telephone Deposits - Note that it my take up to two business days for the funds to show up in the inmate's account.
JailATM - You need to first register with JailATM in order to look up your inmate's name and booking number and deposit money into their trust fund account. They charge a small fee every time you make a deposit. If you have questions or prefer to use their phone service in order to deposit money, call them at 870-627-5476.
Western Union - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and booking number.
You also need to know these codes: The City Code is: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State Code is: ILLINOIS
Money Gram - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name, AND their booking number.
You will also have to know the Receive Code, which is 1750.
For questions, concerns or to add funds via Money Gram over the phone, call 800-225-5227
2. Currency Exchange Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Currency Exchanges that offer Western Union or Money Gram services.
Codes:
Western Union
City Code: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State: ILLINOIS
Money Gram
Receive Code: 1750
JailATM
Visit JailATM to register or call 870-627-5476
3. Mailing a Payment -
* Money orders - $100 maximum
* Cashiers Checks - $1,000 maximum
When sending an inmate money by mail, the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections will only accept:
If you want to send more you can, but you need to send multiple checks that do not exceed the maximum amounts listed above.
**Important Notes**
Mailing Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Cook County Corrections Department
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
4. Dropping off a payment at a Kiosk - $300 maximum
When dropping off an inmate's money in person, the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections will only accept.
These Kiosks are ATM machines that are managed by JailATM.
JailATM Locations at the Cook County Jail to drop off inmate money:
The following is the procedure to pick-up money from an incarcerated male or female inmate’s money account, regardless of which Cook County Jail they were in:
Once an inmate is released, they can go to the following address, and as long as they can present a government issued picture ID, they can get the balance of their Trust Fund Account issued to them.
Division 5
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
If they don't have an ID, the balance will be mailed to the address that Cook County Corrections has on file.
If they are being released to another facility, upon request, the balance will be sent there.
Letters can be mailed to:
Cook County Department of Corrections
Trust/Finance Office – Individual in Custody Trust Fund
Division 5 Second Floor
2700 S California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
If you have any questions, call the Trust/Finance Office at 773-674-6864.
For more information, including fees, more detailed instructions, deposit limits, type of items available to purchase, and more, check out our Inmate Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
For full instructions on the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections, and what can I send them?
Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections Inmates are allowed mail in envelopes and on postcards. They are also allowed to receive photos.
They are also allowed to receive books and magazines, but not newspapers.
Mailing Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Cook County Corrections Department
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
To learn all the rules, policies and guidelines, and they are extensive, for sending anything in the mail to an inmate at any of the Cook County Jails, check out our Inmate Mail Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections, and what can I purchase?
There are five ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Cook County Jail Corrections System:
In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate was booked under, and the booking number.
If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Records Office at 773-674-2390.
Each week, an individual in custody can purchase up to $100 worth of clothing & supplies, and also $100 worth of food items.
1. Online or Telephone Deposits - Note that it my take up to two business days for the funds to show up in the inmate's account.
JailATM - You need to first register with JailATM in order to look up your inmate's name and booking number and deposit money into their trust fund account. They charge a small fee every time you make a deposit. If you have questions or prefer to use their phone service in order to deposit money, call them at 870-627-5476.
Western Union - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and booking number.
You also need to know these codes: The City Code is: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State Code is: ILLINOIS
Money Gram - First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name, AND their booking number.
You will also have to know the Receive Code, which is 1750.
For questions, concerns or to add funds via Money Gram over the phone, call 800-225-5227
2. Currency Exchange Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Currency Exchanges that offer Western Union or Money Gram services.
Codes:
Western Union
City Code: CCDOC or COOK COUNTY DEPT CORRECTION
State: ILLINOIS
Money Gram
Receive Code: 1750
JailATM
Visit JailATM to register or call 870-627-5476
3. Mailing a Payment -
* Money orders - $100 maximum
* Cashiers Checks - $1,000 maximum
When sending an inmate money by mail, the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections will only accept:
If you want to send more you can, but you need to send multiple checks that do not exceed the maximum amounts listed above.
**Important Notes**
Mailing Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking #
Cook County Corrections Department
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
4. Dropping off a payment at a Kiosk - $300 maximum
When dropping off an inmate's money in person, the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections will only accept.
These Kiosks are ATM machines that are managed by JailATM.
JailATM Locations at the Cook County Jail to drop off inmate money:
The following is the procedure to pick-up money from an incarcerated male or female inmate’s money account, regardless of which Cook County Jail they were in:
Once an inmate is released, they can go to the following address, and as long as they can present a government issued picture ID, they can get the balance of their Trust Fund Account issued to them.
Division 5
2700 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
If they don't have an ID, the balance will be mailed to the address that Cook County Corrections has on file.
If they are being released to another facility, upon request, the balance will be sent there.
Letters can be mailed to:
Cook County Department of Corrections
Trust/Finance Office – Individual in Custody Trust Fund
Division 5 Second Floor
2700 S California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
If you have any questions, call the Trust/Finance Office at 773-674-6864.
For more information, including fees, more detailed instructions, deposit limits, type of items available to purchase, and more, check out our Inmate Money page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections using an Online Messaging Service?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-869-7100 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Cook County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Cook County?
This facility, known as "Cook County Jail - Department of Corrections" is also known as Cook County Department of Corrections, Cook County Jail , Cook County Jail , Illinois, Cook.
