Jefferson County Jail
Jefferson County Jail
The 249-bed Jefferson County Jail can be contacted at 618-244-8004 for inmate information at any time of day.
This is the county’s booking facility. Anyone arrested here on a misdemeanor or felony charge is brought in for booking and processing, and may be held until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or ordered to remain in custody until their trial ends.
Use the inmate search tool to view a list of inmates currently in custody.
Inmates sentenced to less than one year serve out their sentence in this county. Inmates sentenced to more are sent to the Illinois State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
On this page you’ll find the visitation schedule and policies, plus how to put money on an inmate’s account, send mail, take phone calls from an inmate, leave voicemail, email and text, rent a tablet, post bail, and buy commissary.
Keep the jail ID or booking number somewhere safe. It’s required for many communication services. If it’s not online, call Jefferson County Jail at 618-244-8004.
Inmate Services
Phone
618-244-8004Mailing address (personal mail)
Jefferson County Jail
6696 Center Grove Road
Box 272
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Jefferson 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 618-244-8004 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Jefferson County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Search
The Jefferson County Jail maintains an average of 249 offenders in custody on any given day. The Jefferson 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 Jefferson County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,980 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe 249-bed Jefferson County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Jefferson County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.
It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.
If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 618-244-8004, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.
Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.
Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.
The Jefferson County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.
Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.
Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.
Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.
Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Jefferson County Jail
6696 Center Grove Road
Box 272
Edwardsville, IL 62025
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 #
Jefferson County Justice Center
911 Casey Ave
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
- Jail (Main): 618-244-8004
What is the booking process for the Jefferson County Jail?
After being arrested, the offender is brought to the Jefferson County Jail for booking, which is the detailed process of identifying, classifying, deciding on charges, and whether the person will either be released on their own recognizance, allowed to be released on bail, or moved into the jail until their court date.
The first thing every newly arrested person must do is close their mouth. Everything an offender says may be used against them, so the best thing to do is remain silent when questioned about the arrest and what led to it.
These are the steps of booking someone into the Jefferson County Jail:
- Personal identification.
- Mugshot(s).
- Questions about medical history, mental health, drug and alcohol use, and gang affiliations.
- Possible DNA.
- Full body search.
- Property forfeiture.
- Free phone call.
If you have any questions about when you can pay an offender's bond and what the cost will be, call the facility at 618-244-8004.
How do you pay bail for someone who has been arrested in Jefferson County?
When an offender is arrested and brought to the Jefferson County Jail in Mt. Vernon for booking, there are several outcomes after being processed.
1. The offender will be released with no bail, promising to return on a specific date to appear before a judge in either Municipal or Jefferson County Court.
2. The offender is ordered to remain in jail until their court date.
3. The offender is allowed to be released after paying a specified bond or bail. Call 618-244-8004 to get the exact amount.
The payment of an offender's bail or bond can take many shapes.
- A cash bond is paid in full at the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court, usually by cash, cashier's check or money order, and many jails also take debit or credit cards through a lobby kiosk or an online bond vendor for an added fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail's number is 618-244-8004.
- It can be paid using a bail company, licensed to do business in Jefferson County.
- Many courts accept land or a home as bond collateral; the owner shows clear title and equity of at least the bond amount, often double, using a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the property.
For detailed Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the entire bail process in Jefferson County Illinois, check out the Jefferson County Jail Bail Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Jefferson County Jail on-site Inmate Visitation Schedule
81 Elkins Rd
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
618-244-8004
- First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
- Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
- Proper attire is required. No low-cut blouses, tank tops, short skirts or dresses, tight shorts, hats or any other form of provocative dress will be allowed. Shirt and shoes must be worn.
- All visitors must provide proper state or government issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, foreign id or passports) for inmate visitation.
- On Site video visitation is available at no cost.
- A video visit lasts 20 minutes.
- Visitors may only use this system on the inmates assigned visitation day, whenever the inmates have free time.
- All rules set forth for non-contact visitation shall be adhered to when using the video visitation system.
- Any lewd, profane or inappropriate behavior shall result in loss of video visitation privileges for the visitor and/or inmate.
- Each inmate is permitted a maximum of three on site visitors per session.
- Visitation sign-up is limited and on a first-come first serve basis.
- Visitors are encouraged to go online and reserve a visitation time. Purchased visitation minutes are not transferable.
- An adult must accompany all visitors who are under 17 years of age. Children must be monitored at all times.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings with them into the visitation area other than their picture ID and/or a set of keys unless otherwise allowed by the jail.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION - * NOTE: Each inmate is assigned one day a week for on-site visits. Check with them for their specific day, then book a time online with Inmate Sales.
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
Jefferson County Jail Remote Inmate Video Visitation
- First, you must register with Inmate Sales, and then schedule a visit.
- Each inmate is allowed an unlimited amount of visits per day. Remote visitation is $0.20 per minute.
- Remote Visits are $0.20 per minute.
REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 1:00PM - 5:00PM 6:30PM - 8:00PM |
Jefferson County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.
In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:
- Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
- Register with Inmate Sales.
- Find Jefferson County Jail
- Select 'New Purchase'
- Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
- Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
- Schedule a visit.
Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail?
Jefferson County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.
In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:
- Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
- Register with Inmate Sales.
- Find Jefferson County Jail
- Select 'New Purchase'
- Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
- Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
- Schedule a visit.
Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Jefferson 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
Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 #
Jefferson County Justice Center
911 Casey Ave
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
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 Jefferson County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Jefferson County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Jefferson County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Illinois, then choose Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Jefferson County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail?
How Do Inmates in Jefferson County Jail Make Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Jefferson County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
- Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail, and what can I send them?
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Jefferson County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Jefferson 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 #
Jefferson County Jail
6696 Center Grove Road
Box 272
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Jefferson County Justice Center
911 Casey Ave
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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
Check the Jefferson County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Jefferson County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Jefferson County Justice Center
911 Casey Ave
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Jefferson County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Envelopes
The Jefferson County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Jefferson County Jail
6696 Center Grove Road
Box 272
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Jefferson County Justice Center
911 Casey Ave
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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
Check the Jefferson County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Jefferson County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Jefferson County Justice Center
911 Casey Ave
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Jefferson County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Jefferson County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.
Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
Here's how it works:
- First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
- When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.
- These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
- It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
- The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.
Cost of Chirping:
- If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text.
- If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Jefferson County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Jefferson County Jail follow these steps:
- Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Jefferson County, by creating an account.
- Select Illinois, then select Jefferson County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
- Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
- If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
- NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.
- Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
- This product allows Jefferson County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
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Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Jefferson County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Jefferson County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Jefferson County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Jefferson County Jail now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.
Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.
The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and 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.
- Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
- 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. It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
Questions:
- By phone - 877-998-5678
Jefferson County Jail now offers Inmate Sales Tablets to their inmates.
Inmate Sales also handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting (they call it chirping) and digital letters.
The tablets are not directly connected to the internet, and inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
- Register here. It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
Questions:
- By phone - 877-998-5678
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Jefferson County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 618-244-8004 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Jefferson County?
Nearby counties
This facility, known as "Jefferson County Jail" is also known as Jefferson County Jail, Illinois, Jefferson.