Menard Correctional Center

By Chris Smith, 2 April, 2024
Name of Warden:
Anthony Wills
Description of Facility

Menard Correctional Center opened in 1878 on the banks of the Mississippi river. This facility is unique not just because it is one of the oldest in the state, but because it is the largest maximum security institution in the State. Situated on more than 2,600 acres, Menard Correctional Complex can house up to 2,389 inmates in the maximum facility, the medium security unit, and the reception and classification center.

Offenders are provided vocational training in the construction field. Additionally, inmates can earn a wage in the correctional industries program which operates a meat processing plant, a knit/sewing line, waste removal/recycling, and janitorial services. Anger management, life skills, substance abuse treatment, and community work crews are just some of the other programs available while incarcerated.

Facility Telephone Number
618-826-5071
Fax Number
618-826-1141
Facility Address

Menard Correctional Center
711 Kaskasia Street
Menard, IL 62259
United States

Inmate Mailing Address

Inmate Name, IDOC Number
Menard Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1000
Menard, IL 62259
United States

What you can send an inmate

 Inmate's in Illinois are allowed to receive mail from friends and family during their incarceration.  You will need the inmate's full name and IDOC number in order to send correspondence.  A few things to remember:

  • Always include your full name and return address on the envelope
  • Never attach stickers, glitter, ink stamps or glue to your correspondence
  • Do not send pre-embossed, pre-stamped, or postage stamps with your letters
  • Do not decorate the envelope or the letter
  • Do not perfume the letter or envelope
  • lipstick and stains on letters will be grounds for rejection
  • crayon, highlighter, and unknown substances on correspondence will result in it being returned to sender

Inmates may receive the following:

  • Letters
  • New soft cover books from the publisher
  • New magazines and newspapers sent directly from the publisher

All mail sent to an inmate must have the following:

  • Inmate's Full Name
  • Inmate's Identification Number
  • Inmate's mailing address
  • The full name and address of the sender

Inmate are allowed to use electronic messaging offered by Global Tel Link, also known as GTL.  GTL allows friends and family members to send messages electronically through ConnectNetwork.com.  These messages are printed and delivered to the inmate in custody.  For now this service is one way, meaning you can only send a message to the offender, but it is expected in the near future that not only will you be able to send electronic messages to the inmate, but they will be able to respond electronically via some sort of tablet.

How Inmate Calls Work

Illinois Inmates have access to telephones to make outgoing collect calls.  If you have a cell phone, this can create an issue.  In order to receive phone calls from an inmate on a cell phone, you will need to use the prepaid telephone account Securus offers.  You can setup an account online or by calling 1-800-844-6591.

How to send money to an inmate

   Illinois Department of Corrections allows you to send money to an inmate through a variety of methods, but you will need to know the inmate's full name and IDOC number.
Send money to an inmate incarcerated in Illinois the following ways:

  • Online:  Send up to $5,000 to inmates through GTL(ConnectNetwork), JPAY, and Send2Corrections (by Western Union).
  • By Mail: Send up to $999 using a money order via the mail.
    • Fill out and print a deposit form and include it with your money order
    • Make payable to: JPAY
    • Write the inmate's full name and ID in the memo or used for line
    • Mail to:
      • JPAY
        P.O. Box 260250
        Hollywood, FL 33026
How to do an Inmate Search

 If you need to obtain sentencing information, the inmate's identification number, or current location, search the Illinois inmate database.

Visiting Information/FAQs

Before you can visit an inmate in Illinois, you will need to contact the inmate via a letter, to see if you are already an approved visitor.  If you are not on the inmate's approved visitors list, you will need to fill out an Illinois Department of Corrections Prospective Visitor's Interview form.  The requirement for being on an inmate's visitation list does not apply if you are a government official, or legal visitor.

  • All visitors 18 and older, must fill out an Illinois Inmate Prospective Visitors Interview form DOC-0148.  Mail this, and a copy of your valid government issued Photo ID (such as a driver's license) to the inmate.
  • Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of being a visitor, by reading the Illinois Inmate Visiting Rules and Regulations.
  • If you are visiting with a minor you will need to fill out form DOC 0330.
  • It is the inmate's responsibility to notify you of your visiting status.  Do not contact the correctional facility to ask about your visiting status, as they cannot give out this information.
  • Once you are approved, you can schedule a visit online to see your inmate. 
  • General Population inmates are allowed 7 visits per month, with each visit lasting up to 4 hours.  Only one visit per day may occur.

Illinois Department of Correction has done a wonderful job of making it easy to schedule a visit with your incarcerated loved ones.  The portal not only lets you sign up, it tells you how many of the current slots are filled and open so you can get an idea of how busy visitation may be on a given day and time.  

Visiting Hours for Menard Correctional Center:
Everyday
By Appointment Only
8:00am-12:00pm
12:00pm-4:00pm

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled visit time.

Schedule your visit at Menard Correctional Center. 

Visitors will be searched upon entry, and after each usage of the restroom.  Those who appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied visitation.

Dress Code and Visiting Rules

  • You are allowed your ID, one vehicle key or FOB, a locker key if issued, and your jacket.  If you require life saving medication it will be held in the officer's station in the visiting room.
  • No drugs, tobacco, or weapons are allowed, you will be searched sometimes by canine
  • If you are visiting with an infant/toddler you are allowed three diapers and wipes, a blanket, two clear filled plastic bottles and two sealed containers of baby food (or a single bottle and single sealed container of baby food).  You may also bring a single change of clothes, single bib, single pacifier, single plastic spoon, one coat, one hat, and one pair of gloves.
  • No electronics of any kind can come into the correctional facility this includes cell phones, beepers, laptops, tablets or other electronics.
  • Dresses, shorts and skirts must extend to the knee.
  • No sheer or see through clothing is allowed
  • No holes, rips, tears, or cutouts can be in clothing above the knee.
  • No tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, or swimsuits.
  • Religious headgear is permitted but will be removed and searched.  This includes the following: kufi, yarmulke, turban, habit, or fez.
  • No clothing that contains profanity, or be symbolic of drugs or gangs, sexual symbols, or contain offensive or threatening language/images are prohibited
  • No hats, gloves, scarves or headbands.

Illinois Inmate Video Visitation
Video visitation is provided through a partnership with Global Tel Link (GTL).
Video visits are 20 minutes long and have a cost of $3.25.
GTL allows two free messages and a single free video to be sent each week.
Video visitation for General Population is Sunday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am-5:00pm.
Medium Security Unit has video visitation everyday from 8:00am-6:00pm.
Visitors are encouraged to login 15 minutes before the start of the video visit.

Read the Illinois inmate visitation rules and regulations.

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