Effingham County Jail
Effingham County Jail
You can call the 60-bed Effingham County Jail 24 hours a day for inmate information at 217-342-3866.
Arrested individuals, whether for misdemeanors or felonies, are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on the charges, they may remain incarcerated until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.
The inmate search tool allows you to access the facility's inmate roster and see who is currently in custody.
Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail. Sentences longer than one year result in transfers to either the Illinois State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides all the information you need regarding inmate services, including the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.
It's important to save the inmate's jail ID or booking number for correspondence. If you cannot locate it online, contact Effingham County Jail at 217-342-3866 for help.
Inmate Services
Phone
217-342-3866Mailing address (personal mail)
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Effingham County Jail, 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 217-342-3866 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Effingham County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.
Effingham County Jail Inmate Search
The Effingham County Jail maintains an average of 60 offenders in custody on any given day. The Effingham County Jail 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 Effingham County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,200 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessFound in the Effingham County Building, along with the Sheriff’s Office, the 60-bed Effingham County Jail is responsible for the detention of all offenders arrested within the county by any law enforcement, and it is here they will remain as they wait for their trial or serve a sentence under a year, whether they are charged with misdemeanors or felonies.
The large brick complex is a series of buildings connected with the Sheriff, Courthouse, County Building, and Effingham County Jail that covers an entire city block and is easily located by both size and the well labeled entrances on two sides of the buildings. During incarceration it is the responsibility of the jail to ensure that all inmates have all their needs met, are treated humanely, and have a safe and secure location for incarceration. This will include healthy meal, medical care, mental health care, counseling and other supports, exercise and recreation, and access to social interactions and contact with family and friends.
To determine if someone is being held at the location and their bail the facility can be contacted directly by calling 217-342-3866 and there is a way to look online and access the information.
Bail can be paid online or onsite. Each inmate will also be provided with an account that provides access to commissary and other purchases, and it falls on friends and family to add money to this account which can be done online.
It is also possible to add money to their phone account which will allow them to make outgoing calls every day, while an account is also needed for visitation. All visits are scheduled at least two full days in advance, are 15 minutes in advance, with free onsite visits at the kiosks being 9am-11am and 1pm-4pm on both Tuesday and Saturday.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.
Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
- Jail (Main): 217-342-3866
- Sheriff: 217-342-2102
The booking procedure at Effingham County Jail
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Effingham County Jail for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.
The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.
The booking process at Effingham County Jail includes the following steps:
- Personal identification confirmation.
- Mugshots for record-keeping.
- Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
- DNA collection may be required.
- Conducting a thorough body search.
- Securing personal belongings.
- Providing a phone call.
For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 217-342-3866.
How to handle bail after an arrest in Effingham County
If someone has been booked at Effingham County Jail in Effingham, their next steps may include:
1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 217-342-3866.
There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.
- The usual way to post a cash bond is to pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk of court by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also offer card payment through a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor for a fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (call 217-342-3866 for the jail).
- Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Effingham County.
- Real property bonds are accepted in many courts: an owner may offer land or a home after showing clear title and equity of at least the bond, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves it.
For a full guide to the bail process in Effingham County, Illinois, visit the Effingham County Jail Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Effingham County Jail ON-SITE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
101 North 4th Street
Effingham, IL 62401
217-342-3866
- Visits are 15 minutes.
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
- The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 217-342-3866 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week.
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
- Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
- Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 217-342-3866 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
Effingham County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail?
Effingham County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Effingham County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Effingham County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Effingham County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Effingham County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Effingham County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Illinois, then choose Effingham County Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate.
- Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Effingham County Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: JailATM's support page lists a deposit limit of $300 a week per inmate and says the limit can be different at each facility.
- If you need to phone JailATM customer support, call 877-810-0914.
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Effingham County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Effingham County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail?
How Do Inmates in Effingham County Jail Make Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Effingham County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
- Effingham County Jail uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
- Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678.
- Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
- Services for Effingham County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Effingham County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail, and what can I send them?
Effingham County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Effingham County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Effingham County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
Ask the Effingham County Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Effingham County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Effingham County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
Effingham County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Effingham County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Effingham County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Effingham County Jail
101 North Fourth Street
Suite 101
Effingham, IL 62401
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail, and what can I purchase?
JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Effingham County Jail
Search for JailATM services for Effingham County Jail.
Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Effingham County Jail.
Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Effingham County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
Send Gift Packs
Effingham County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Effingham County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Effingham County Jail follow these steps:
- Go to JailATM, choose Illinois, then choose Effingham County Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
- Select the products you want shipped to them at Effingham County Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Effingham County at any one time.
- If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Effingham County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Effingham County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Effingham County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Effingham County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
How to send a text or email to an inmate in Effingham County
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Effingham County follow these instructions:
- Register and create an account with CIDNET.
- Choose a Security PIN and Password.
- After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Illinois, then the Effingham County Jail, then your inmate's name.
- Once you have completed this, the Effingham County Jail will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Effingham County, visit our full page guide.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Effingham County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Effingham County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.
CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
- Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
- eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
- Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
- Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
- Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
- Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
- eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
- Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
- Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
- Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
Here's how it works:
- Register here.
- Pay for the subscription.
- You get charged the 1st of each month.
- You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
- No activation or early termination fees.
- Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Effingham County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-342-3866 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Effingham County?
Nearby counties
This facility, known as "Effingham County Jail" is also known as Effingham County Jail, Illinois, Effingham.