Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU

Last updated by Mark Miclette

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Cook County

Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU

Division 8 is the mental health and medical housing hub of the Cook County Jail. Its centerpiece is the Residential Treatment Unit, usually called the RTU, a five-story building that opened in 2013 and holds detainees who need psychiatric care, closer medical attention or detox and substance use treatment. The same building is where most new arrivals pass through medical and psychiatric screening before they are assigned to a housing division.

If you need to confirm whether or not someone has been booked into the Cook County Department of Corrections, whether it is the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU or another of the nine divisions that make up the Cook County Jail, start with the online Inmate Search. If you are looking for someone under the age of 18 who has just been arrested, their name will not be publicly listed, so your best bet is to call the jail at 773-674-7100 and explain that you are the parent or legal guardian.

At a glance

  • Address: 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (main jail campus at 26th Street and California Avenue)
  • Current building opened: June 2013
  • Beds: 979 medical beds
  • Size: about 276,450 square feet across five floors, with a green roof
  • Who is held: men and women with mental health, medical or substance use needs
  • Health care provider: Cermak Health Services, part of Cook County Health
  • Security: mixed classifications, from open treatment housing to closely watched single cells

What the building is

Cook County unveiled the $86 million RTU in June 2013. It was built together with a new intake center, the Reception Classification Diagnostic Center (RCDC), which replaced an older processing area located in the basement of another division. Walsh Construction built it to a design by Roula Associates.

According to Cook County, the building includes separate intake units for men and women, a medical and psychiatric screening area, 24-hour crisis and intervention services, a correctional psychiatric care clinic and secured outdoor recreation yards. More than 200 staff were assigned there when it opened. Doctors and psychologists from Cermak Health Services treat the patients, while sheriff's officers handle custody and security.

Who is held here

The RTU houses detainees whose mental illness, medical condition or drug dependence makes ordinary general population housing a poor fit. When the building opened, county officials said more than 85 percent of people entering the jail tested positive for drugs, and Sheriff Tom Dart told Congress in 2014 that roughly 30 to 35 percent of the daily population had a serious mental illness, most often mood disorders or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Dart called the jail one of the largest mental health providers in Illinois.

Housing ranges from dormitory-style treatment tiers to single cells used for people who need constant observation or who are kept apart for their own safety. A sheriff's daily report from 2017 listed Division 8 among the units holding women as well as men. The RTU is also used for some high-profile detainees placed in protective custody, since its cells can be watched closely by cameras and staff.

Security and daily life

Officers in the RTU work alongside clinical staff, and the sheriff's office has trained jail employees in crisis intervention since 2009. Detainees with serious mental illness are entitled to therapy and other treatment, and federal rules adopted in 2010 required that their illness be considered before any discipline or segregation.

Watchdog reporting in recent years has described understaffed tiers, broken equipment and rigid lockdown practices in parts of the unit, especially on tiers used for segregation of mentally ill detainees. A common hazard is the "wick," a smoldering roll of toilet paper used to light contraband drugs, which has caused cell fires.

History and changes

Division 8 existed well before the current building. When the U.S. Department of Justice reported its findings on the jail in July 2008, Division VIII contained both Cermak Health Services and an older Residential Treatment Unit made up of dormitory units. Investigators noted that officers were posted inside those RTU dorms, one of only two places in the jail where that was true, but found vandalized showers and lighting, including one dorm with no working lights. The county was already planning a new RTU and intake center, which opened in 2013.

A separate RTU Annex, located in the former Division 5, was used for a women's court-ordered drug treatment program in the late 2010s. The sheriff's current list of active housing does not include Division 5. Federal oversight of jail conditions, which began with a 2010 consent decree, ended for the sheriff's office in June 2017. The end of cash bail in Illinois in September 2023 lowered the overall jail population, but the share of detainees with mental health needs remains high.

In the news

  • 2016: In January, RTU Tier 2E was one of three units placed in isolation after detainees showed flu-like symptoms, according to CBS Chicago.
  • 2022: Relatives of actor Jussie Smollett said he was being kept in a psychiatric unit after his sentencing. The sheriff's office said he was in protective custody in his own camera-monitored cell, in housing often used for people needing close mental health supervision, and that he was not on suicide watch.
  • 2025: The Chicago Sun-Times reported that a 24-year-old detainee died in November after a fire broke out in his RTU cell. Officials preliminarily blamed a lit wick, and state police were expected to review the death. Local outlet C4 News had earlier investigated a separate Division 8 cell fire and the staff response to it.

Notable detainees

Jussie Smollett, the former "Empire" actor, spent six nights in Cook County Jail in March 2022 in protective custody before an appeals court ordered his release. His family's public statements and the sheriff's description of his housing link his stay to the jail's mental health housing, though the sheriff's office did not name the unit.

Getting there by bus or train

Division 8 (RTU) uses the visitor post at 2700 S. California Ave., at the main entrance to the jail campus.

  • Bus #94 California: stops along California Avenue. Get off at 26th or 27th Street.
  • Bus #60 Blue Island/26th: get off at 26th and California, steps from the entrance. The #N60 runs overnight.
  • Bus #52 Kedzie/California: also serves the area.
  • Train: the Pink Line California station (2011 S. California Ave.) is about a mile north. Transfer to the #94 bus south.

Tip: For bus times and directions from your address, use the CTA Trip Planner at transitchicago.com or call CTA at 1-888-968-7282. Give yourself extra time; security lines at the jail can be long.

Other buildings at the Cook County Jail

  • Division 2 / Division 6 Annex, 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (visitors use the post at 2800 S. Sacramento Ave.)
  • Division 3 Annex (women), main jail campus, 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 6, 2801 S. Sacramento Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (visitor post at 2800 S. Sacramento Ave.)
  • Cermak Health Services, 2800 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (visitors use the post at 2700 S. California Ave.)
  • Division 9, 2834 W. 31st St., Chicago, IL 60608 (visitor post at 2854 W. 31st St.)
  • Division 10, 2950 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 11, 3015 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 16, main jail campus, 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608

Jail-wide numbers: main line (773) 674-1945; find where someone is held (773) 674-5245; Visitor Information Center (773) 674-8225.

Inmate Services

Who’s in Jail? About the Facility Recent Bookings & Arrests Directions / Map Bail & Bond On Site Inmate Visitation Remote Visitation Inmate Money Inmate Phones Inmate Mail Commissary Nearby Jails

Phone

773-674-7100

Physical address

2700 S. California
Chicago, IL 60608
Get directions

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

All Jails in Illinois All Jails in the USA All Illinois State Prisons All State Prisons in the USA All Federal Prisons All ICE Detention Centers

To search for an inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU, 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 773-674-7100 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 - Division 8 RTU Inmate Search

The Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU maintains an average of 979 offenders in custody on any given day. The Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU 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 177,880 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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Important Cook County Law Enforcement and Legal Phone Numbers

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The booking process explained for Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU

Following an arrest, individuals are processed at Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU. The booking process confirms identity, charges, and whether the individual will be released, granted bail, or held until court.

It is advisable to remain silent during booking, as anything said can be used against the individual later. Legal counsel should be consulted before any statements are made.

The booking steps at Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU include:

  • Identification verification.
  • Taking mugshots.
  • Answering questions about health, criminal history, and gang affiliations.
  • Possible DNA sample collection.
  • A full-body search.
  • Confiscating personal items for safekeeping.
  • Providing a phone call.

To inquire about posting bond for an arrestee, contact the facility at 773-674-7100.

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What are the bail options in Cook County after an arrest?

Once arrested, an individual may be brought to Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU in Chicago for processing. The next steps vary:

1. The individual may be released without paying bail and ordered to appear on a set date.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their hearing.
3. Posting bail or bond allows them to be released. Call 773-674-7100 to confirm the bail amount.

There are several ways to pay an individual’s bail.

  • A cash bond is posted by paying the whole amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk's office with cash, a cashier's check or a money order, and many facilities also accept cards at a kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail's line is 773-674-7100.
  • Licensed bail bond agencies in Cook County can provide assistance.
  • Courts in many places accept real property, such as land or a house, as bond collateral when the owner documents clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves.

For more information about bail in Cook County, Illinois, see the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU Bail Guide.

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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU? 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.

Who can visit and who cannot

You can visit if:

  • You are 18 or older and the jail has approved you to visit that person.
  • You bring a photo ID that is not expired and shows your address.

Children (17 and younger):

  • Children do not fill out an application.
  • A child must come with an approved parent or guardian who is visiting the same person.
  • One approved adult can bring up to three children.
  • Teens of high school age need a state ID or a school photo ID.
  • An adult must watch the children the whole time.

The jail can say no to you if you:

  • Got out of a jail or prison in the last 60 days.
  • Are in your first year of parole or probation.
  • Are on house arrest.
  • Have an open criminal case or are out on bond (minor traffic cases do not count).
  • Have a warrant out for your arrest, or an immigration (ICE) hold.
  • Have an order of protection involving the person you want to see.
  • Are behind on a required registration (such as the sex offender registry).
  • Gave information on your application that is wrong or cannot be checked.

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.

↑ Back to the top of the visiting guide

Step 1: Get approved to visit

You must be approved before you can schedule. Do this first, and do it early. It can take about a week.

  1. Get an email address if you do not have one. You will need one that works. You cannot change it later.
  2. Make an account on the Sheriff's visitor page: iic.ccsheriff.org/Account/Register.
    • Type your name exactly as it is on your ID.
    • Have your ID with you. You will type in the ID number and the date it expires.
    • Make a password with at least 8 characters. Mix capital letters, small letters, numbers or symbols.
  3. Check your email. Open the message from the Sheriff's Office and follow it to turn on your account.
  4. Find the person you want to visit using the jail search: iic.ccsheriff.org. Search by first and last name, or by booking number (type it with no dash).
  5. Click "Register online" next to their photo and fill out the visitor application. Answer every question.
  6. Wait about 7 business days (weekdays). The jail runs a background check.
  7. Not sure if you are approved? Call the Visitor Information Unit at (773) 674-8225 or (773) 674-8194, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Good to know:

  • You need a separate application for each person you want to visit.
  • If the person moves to a different building inside the jail, you do not apply again.
  • If the person is released and later comes back to jail, you do apply again.
  • No computer? You can also get an application in the lobby of the building where the person is held, or at the entrance of any Cook County courthouse.

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Step 2: Schedule an in-person visit

Once you are approved, book a time. You must book ahead. Do not just show up.

  1. Find the person's booking number and division. Look them up at iic.ccsheriff.org, or call (773) 674-5245. The housing location starts with the division (for example, "DIV10") followed by the tier or unit.
  2. Go to the scheduling page: dvv.ccsheriff.org.
  3. Fill in the form:
    • The person's booking number, first name and last name
    • Type of visit and their division
    • How many visitors are coming (1 or 2 adults)
    • Your phone number, email and name. Add the second visitor's name and email if someone is coming with you.
    • The date and time you want
  4. Choose "Yes" for reminders if you want a text message before your visit.
  5. Click Submit.

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.

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Step 3: The day of your visit

When to arrive

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.

Bring only these things

  • Your photo ID. It must not be expired, must show your address, and must be the same ID you used on your application.
  • Your car keys.
  • If you need a bag: a clear plastic bag, no bigger than about 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a small clear purse about the size of a gallon zip bag. Diaper bags for babies are allowed case by case.

Do NOT bring

  • Cell phones, cameras, music players or any electronics
  • Food or drinks
  • Cigarettes, vapes, lighters or matches
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Knives, weapons, tools or nail clippers
  • Books, magazines, newspapers or any papers
  • Needles or syringes

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.

What to wear

Wear: regular, modest clothes, such as a T-shirt with sleeves and jeans or long pants that fit at the waist.

Do NOT wear:

  • Short dresses, miniskirts, short shorts or skirts with high slits
  • Low-cut tops, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, halter tops, tube tops or spaghetti straps
  • See-through or mesh clothing
  • Anything that shows your stomach, back, chest, underwear or rear
  • Pants that sag below the waist
  • Hats or caps
  • Clothes with gang signs or bad words or pictures
  • Clothes that look like a police, guard or inmate uniform

If your clothes break these rules, you may be turned away.

At the jail

  1. Go to the correct entrance (post) for the person's division.
  2. Show your ID.
  3. Empty your pockets. You may be scanned or patted down.
  4. Follow the officer to the visiting area.

During the visit

  • Stay calm and polite. Yelling, arguing or cursing can end the visit.
  • Talk only to the person you came to see.
  • Do not leave the visiting area and come back unless an officer says you can.
  • Visits may be watched and recorded.

↑ Back to the top of the visiting guide

Where to go: visitor entrances by division

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.

  • Division 6 and Division 6 Annex: post at 2800 S. Sacramento Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 8 RTU and Cermak (health unit): post at 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 9: post at 2854 W. 31st St., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 10: post at 2950 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 11: post at 3015 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608

For any other division, call the Visitor Information Unit at (773) 674-8225 to ask which post to use.

Visiting days and hours

Most divisions hold visits at these times:

  • Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday and Friday: usually no visits.

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.

Getting there

CTA buses and trains serve the area. If you drive, paid public parking is nearby.

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Video visits from home

Video visits use the free app Microsoft Teams. You can use a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera.

  1. Set up Microsoft Teams. Download the free app and make an account with your email: Get Microsoft Teams.
  2. Talk to your loved one. Tell them you want video visits.
  3. They add your name to their visiting list inside the jail.
  4. Wait for a call or message. Jail staff will contact you to set a day and time.
  5. At visit time, be ready in Teams with your camera on.

Video visit rules

  • The same jail rules apply as in person.
  • No drinking, smoking, nudity or rude behavior on camera.
  • Breaking the rules can end your visits.

Video visit phone lines (call with questions)

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Phone numbers and help

Quick checklist

  • ☐ Approved to visit
  • ☐ Visit booked at dvv.ccsheriff.org
  • ☐ Photo ID (same one as your application)
  • ☐ Phone and other items left in the car
  • ☐ Clothes follow the rules
  • ☐ Arriving 30 minutes early at the right entrance

↑ Back to the top of the visiting guide

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 - Division 8 RTU’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 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 - Division 8 RTU?

Cook County Department of Corrections Inmate Video Visitation

Video Visitation is done using Microsoft Teams Group Chat Software. 

  • In order to use Microsoft Teams you need to be registered and prepaid. While you can sign up for free, you get more benefits and it's easier to use with a paid version.
  • Family and friends wishing to participate and receive a Video Visit may consult with their loved one.
  • Next, your detained friend or family member will need to add your name to the visitation list and you will be contacted by a Cook County Jail staff member to schedule a day and time for your visit.
  • The following are the instructions and steps to have a video visit with your inmate after you have been added by your inmate, and you have opened your account with Microsoft Teams.
    1. Type www.skype.com in the search bar.
    2. Click 'sign in' in the upper right hand corner.
    3. Click 'New to Skype' Sign up - then 'NEXT'.
    4. Under 'Create Account', add your email address. - then 'NEXT'.
    5. Create a password, then click 'NEXT'.
    6. Enter your first and last name, then click 'NEXT'.
    7. Enter your Country/region, then your birthday, then click 'NEXT'.
    8. Download the SKYPE app to your chosen device, then ...
    9. Sign into SKYPE using your email and password you just registered under.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU?

How to Deposit Money in a Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU Inmate's Account

There are five ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Cook County Jail Corrections System:

  • Online or Telephone deposits
  • Currency Exchange facilities
  • JailATM
  • United States Postal Service
  • Jail lobby kiosks

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

  • Select Send Money, then Send Money to an Individual in Custody and follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-225-5227.

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 - Division 8 RTU will only accept:

  • US Postal Money Orders, or
  • Certified Bank Cashier Checks

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**

  • The check/money order must be payable to the Inmate's Name AND Booking Number. Look up the inmate's booking number here if you don't have it.
  • You can also get the inmate's booking number by calling the Inmate Information Line at 773-674-2390.
  • The Cook County Jail reserves the right to decline or return deposits that violate Department Policies.

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 - Division 8 RTU will only accept.

  • Cash
  • Visa or Mastercard

These Kiosks are ATM machines that are managed by JailATM.

JailATM Locations at the Cook County Jail to drop off inmate money:

  • External Post 5 [Front Gate Entrance] – 2700 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 7 – 2834 W. 31st Street Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 9 – 2805 S. Sacramento Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 10 Lobby – 2950 S. California Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 11 Lobby – 3015 S. California Blvd. Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 5 Lobby – 2700 S California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608

Rules Regarding Picking up Money When an Inmate is Released from the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU

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 - Division 8 RTU’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU 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 - Division 8 RTU’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU, and what can I send them?

How to Send Mail to an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU

Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU 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 - Division 8 RTU’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU, and what can I purchase?

How to Deposit Money in a Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU Inmate's Account

There are five ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Cook County Jail Corrections System:

  • Online or Telephone deposits
  • Currency Exchange facilities
  • JailATM
  • United States Postal Service
  • Jail lobby kiosks

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

  • Select Send Money, then Send Money to an Individual in Custody and follow Western Union's instructions.
  • For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-225-5227.

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 - Division 8 RTU will only accept:

  • US Postal Money Orders, or
  • Certified Bank Cashier Checks

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**

  • The check/money order must be payable to the Inmate's Name AND Booking Number. Look up the inmate's booking number here if you don't have it.
  • You can also get the inmate's booking number by calling the Inmate Information Line at 773-674-2390.
  • The Cook County Jail reserves the right to decline or return deposits that violate Department Policies.

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 - Division 8 RTU will only accept.

  • Cash
  • Visa or Mastercard

These Kiosks are ATM machines that are managed by JailATM.

JailATM Locations at the Cook County Jail to drop off inmate money:

  • External Post 5 [Front Gate Entrance] – 2700 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 7 – 2834 W. 31st Street Chicago, IL 60608
  • External Post 9 – 2805 S. Sacramento Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 10 Lobby – 2950 S. California Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 11 Lobby – 3015 S. California Blvd. Chicago, IL 60608
  • Division 5 Lobby – 2700 S California Ave. Chicago, IL 60608

Rules Regarding Picking up Money When an Inmate is Released from the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU

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 - Division 8 RTU’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU 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 - Division 8 RTU’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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Do Inmates in the Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU 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 - Division 8 RTU’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 773-674-7100 for further assistance.

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What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Cook County?

Cook County (this county)Will CountyKane CountyDupage CountyLake CountyMchenry CountyLake County, Indiana
Cook County Jails listed No jails listed

Nearby counties

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Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Cook County

This facility, known as "Cook County Jail - Division 8 RTU" is also known as Residential Treatment Unit.

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Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.