Mercer County Jail
Mercer County Jail
You can get inmate information by calling the 102-bed Mercer County Jail at 309-582-5020, any time of day or night.
Anyone taken into custody in this county on a misdemeanor or felony charge is brought here for booking and processing. Based on the charges, they may be held until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until the end of their trial.
The inmate search tool shows the names of people currently held at this facility.
Sentences of less than a year are served at this jail. Sentences longer than that are served in the Illinois State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Find information on this page about the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate’s account, mail, inmate calls, voicemail, emails and texts, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.
Once you find the inmate’s jail ID or booking number, save it for mail and other communication. If it’s not online, call Mercer County Jail at 309-582-5020.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Mercer 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 309-582-5020 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Mercer County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.
Mercer County Jail Inmate Search
The Mercer County Jail maintains an average of 102 offenders in custody on any given day. The Mercer 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 Mercer County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,040 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe 102-bed Mercer County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Mercer 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 309-582-5020, 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 Mercer 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 #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
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 #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
- Jail (Main): 309-582-5020
- Sheriff: 309-582-5194
Steps involved in booking at Mercer County Jail
After an arrest, the individual is brought to Mercer County Jail for the booking process. This procedure involves identifying the person, determining charges, and deciding whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.
Remaining silent is highly recommended, as anything said can later be used in court. Wait for legal advice before responding to questions.
The booking process typically involves the following steps at Mercer County Jail:
- Identification confirmation.
- Photographs (mugshots).
- Answering questions regarding health and criminal background.
- Potential DNA collection.
- Conducting a physical search.
- Seizing personal property.
- Providing a free phone call.
For details on an offender’s bail or bond, call Mercer County Jail at 309-582-5020.
How to pay bail in Mercer County for an arrestee
Once an individual is booked at Mercer County Jail in Aledo, options for their release include:
1. Release without paying bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Continued detention until their court date.
3. Release upon paying a bail or bond. Call 309-582-5020 for the bail amount.
Bail can be paid through various methods.
- Bring the full cash bond to the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court and pay by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also take debit or credit cards for a fee through a lobby kiosk or an online bond vendor, and staff will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail: 309-582-5020).
- A licensed bail bondsman in Mercer County can assist with the process.
- An owner can often pledge land or a home as bond collateral by proving clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently double the bond, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail must approve the property before release.
For more details on the bail process in Mercer County, Illinois, visit the Mercer County Jail Bail Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Mercer County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Mercer County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
906 S.W. 3rd Street
Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-5020
- Visits are 30 minutes.
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
- The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 309-582-5020 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
- Inmates are allowed one visit 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 VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 309-582-5020 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
Mercer County Jail uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation.
Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk.
SRemote video visitation is available every day.
Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.
What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.
How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Mercer County Jail inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.
Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.
Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Mercer County Jail Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Mercer County Jail?
Mercer County Jail uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation.
Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk.
Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.
What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.
How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Mercer County Jail inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.
Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.
Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Mercer County Jail Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Mercer 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
Mercer 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 Mercer 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 #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
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 Mercer County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Mercer County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Mercer County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Illinois, then choose Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Mercer County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Mercer County Jail?
How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Mercer County Jail
To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Mercer County do the following:
1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.
2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose Mercer County Jail, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.
To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Mercer County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Mercer County Jail, and what can I send them?
Mercer County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Mercer County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Mercer 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 #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
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 Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Mercer County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
Mercer County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Mercer County Jail
906 SW 3rd St.
Aledo, IL 61231
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 Mercer County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Mercer County Jail, and what can I purchase?
JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Mercer County Jail
Search for JailATM services for Mercer County Jail.
Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Mercer County Jail.
Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Mercer 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
Mercer 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 Mercer County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Mercer County Jail follow these steps:
- Go to JailATM, choose Illinois, then choose Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Mercer 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 Mercer County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Mercer County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Mercer County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Mercer County Jail uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.
Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation').
Steps:
1. Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.
Things you CAN do:
1. You CAN ONLY send messages from the Securus website, or with the Securus app. (links below).
2. You CAN transfer ‘stamps’ to your inmate.
3. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can purchase ‘stamps’ on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness)
Things you CANNOT do:
1. You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.
Other Things:
1. Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.
What is the cost of sending inmate messages?
- Send a text Message - 1 stamp
- Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
- Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
- Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
- Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
- Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps
What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?
- Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
- Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
- When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account
Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information
Online Customer Service Support
Phone Support: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
iphone app
Android app
Mailing Check payments
Securus Correctional Billing Services
PO Box 650757
Dallas, Texas 75265-075
How to Send a Text or Email Message to an Inmate in Mercer County Jail
To send a text or email message to a Mercer County inmate, do the following:
Mercer County Jail uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.
Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation' in Mercer County or any jail or prison in the country).
Steps:
1. Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your Mercer County inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.
For all Mercer County information for sending secure messages to an inmate in Mercer County Jail, including instructions, video examples, fees, limits, tablet rentals and more, check out out Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Mercer County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Mercer County Jail now offers Securus 'SecureView' Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

Securus is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, 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.
- Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, 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:
- Send funds to the inmate and he or she will be able to subscribe and pay at the Mercer County Jail.
Questions:
- By phone - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
- By email - tablets@securustech.net
How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Mercer County Jail
To rent a tablet for an inmate in Mercer County follow these instructions:
- Register here. It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
- Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
- 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 Mercer County inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
- Call - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
- Email - tablets@securustech.net
For all Mercer County information on Tablet Rentals for your inmate, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mercer County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 309-582-5020 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Mercer County?
This facility, known as "Mercer County Jail" is also known as Mercer County Jail, Illinois, Mercer.

