Search Jefferson County, IL Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Jefferson County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Jefferson County, IL
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Jefferson County
- Visitation Rules at Jefferson County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Jefferson County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Jefferson County
- Jefferson Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson County Facility Directory
- Jefferson Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Jefferson County, Illinois, you have several options. Online, you can visit the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office website, which sometimes provides an inmate roster or access to a jail management database; if an official listing is unavailable, check the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) inmate search portal at https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc. For more detailed or updated information, or to access records not found online, you may contact the Jefferson County Jail directly at 911 Casey Avenue, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864, or by calling (618) 244-8004. Additionally, you can visit the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's Office (100 S. 10th Street, Mt. Vernon, IL) to request court records related to inmates. Some information may be restricted due to privacy laws, so have the inmate’s first and last name and, if possible, date of birth to expedite your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Jefferson County, IL
Inmate records for Jefferson County, IL, are accessible online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the person is held in the local county jail, an Illinois state prison, or a federal correctional facility. Use the chart below to quickly determine which resource to use.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County Jail/Sheriff | Local jail inmates | Jefferson County Sheriff Jail Info or call (618) 244-8004 | Located at 911 Casey Ave, Mt Vernon, IL 62864. Call for booking info; online roster not always available. |
| Illinois DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates (Illinois) | IDOC Inmate Search | For those sentenced to state prison; search by name, IDOC number, or birthdate. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Local and state inmates, custody status | Illinois VINE | Register for notifications about custody status; covers Jefferson County Jail and IDOC facilities. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prison in Jefferson County; most Illinois federal inmates are held at FCI Greenville or MCC Chicago. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail records | Visit 911 Casey Ave, Mt Vernon, IL 62864 | Request inmate information at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office lobby during business hours. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Jefferson County
After arrest in Jefferson County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and undergo a medical screening before being assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes about 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, driving on suspended license, reckless driving | High | 24–72 hours or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, cannabis, paraphernalia | High | 24–72 hours or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Battery, domestic battery | High | 24–72 hours; may require court hearing before release |
| Property Crimes | Burglary, theft, criminal damage | Moderate | 48 hours–1 week or until bond is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court appearance | High | Held until next available court date or bond is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Arrest on existing warrants | High | Held until warrant cleared or transferred to jurisdiction holding the warrant |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, felony theft | Moderate | Held until trial, bond, or transfer; sentenced offenders go to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Jefferson County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the most current visitation rules with Jefferson County Jail and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing, see-through, or gang-related clothing. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, weapons, or outside food/drink allowed. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate's approved visitor list prior to visit. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special arrangements may be made; call facility for scheduling. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Jefferson County Jail
Inmates at Jefferson County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, digital messaging, and video calls. Please note that all communications are subject to monitoring and recording.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Jefferson County Jail
911 Casey Ave, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outgoing collect or prepaid calls using [Provider]. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls may be limited in duration and hours. |
| Physical Mail | Letters are delivered to inmates after inspection by jail staff. | Send to the address above with correct info. | No contraband; no cash or items; plain paper only. |
| Digital Messaging | Messages sent and received via [Provider]'s secure system. | Register online with [Provider]. | Language and content monitored; digital attachments restricted. |
| Video Calls | Scheduled virtual visits using [Provider]'s video system. | Create an account and schedule online. | Appointments may be required; dress code and conduct apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Jefferson County
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board oversees parole decisions and sentence reductions for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Jefferson County have access to reentry support through a combination of state-run and community-based programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Prisoner Review Board | Responsible for parole decisions and conditions, clemency, and sentence reductions. | State-sentenced offenders | https://prb.illinois.gov/ 217-782-1610 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Programs allowing eligible inmates to earn early release credits for good behavior or participation in rehabilitation. | Eligible inmates and parolees | Contact case manager or Illinois DOC: https://idoc.illinois.gov/ |
| Parole Supervision - Mt. Vernon Office | Local parole supervision and support for Jefferson County residents. | Parolees in Jefferson County | Illinois DOC Parole - Mt. Vernon 333 Potomac Blvd, Mt. Vernon, IL 618-241-6808 |
| Reentry Housing (St. Leonard’s Ministries) | Transitional housing for men and women returning from incarceration. | Recently released individuals | https://slministries.org/ 312-738-1414 |
| Employment Assistance (Illinois WorkNet) | Job search, skills training, and employment support tailored for justice-involved individuals. | Returning citizens | https://www.illinoisworknet.com/ |
| Benefits Restoration (IDHS) | Assistance reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other state benefits after release. | Eligible former inmates | Illinois Dept. of Human Services https://www.dhs.state.il.us/ 1-800-843-6154 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system to notify victims about offender status changes (release, transfer, etc). | Victims of crime | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/17000 |
Jefferson Incarceration Statistics
Jefferson County experiences crime patterns similar to many rural Illinois counties, with property crimes outnumbering violent offenses, and incarceration rates reflecting regional trends. The county does not operate its own dedicated jail; instead, inmates are held at the Jefferson County Justice Center, serving as the primary detention facility for the area.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 143 | 359 (statewide) | 13% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 98 | 246 (statewide) | 9% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 29 | 73 (statewide) | 2.5% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 2 | 3.2 (statewide) | <1% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 823 | 2,040 (statewide) | 73% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 578 | 1432 (statewide) | 51% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 160 | 396 (statewide) | 14% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 85 | 212 (statewide) | 7% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 77 | 193 (statewide) | 7% | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 51 | 127 (statewide) | 5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 56 | 141 (statewide) | 5% | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 82% Male, 18% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 13%, 25–34: 32%, 35–44: 27%, 45+: 28% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 62% White, 34% Black, 4% Hispanic/Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.1 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 42% within 3 years | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Jefferson County?
As of the most recent estimates, Jefferson County holds approximately 465 individuals in local custody. Offenders with longer sentences are typically transferred to a state correctional facility after sentencing.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 300 | 64% | $75 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 90 | 19% | $72 | 60% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 50 | 11% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 15 | 3% | $84 | 10% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 10 | 2% | $190 | 25% |
| Total | 465 | 100% | — | — |
Jefferson County Facility Directory
Jefferson County operates four correctional facilities: a county jail, a community jail, a youth detention facility, and a work release center. These facilities provide a range of custody levels and services for adults and juveniles.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County Jail | County Jail | Birmingham, AL | 1,200 | 950 | Medium/Maximum |
| Jefferson County Community Jail | Community Jail | Bessemer, AL | 500 | 425 | Minimum/Medium |
| Jefferson County Youth Detention Center | Youth Facility | Birmingham, AL | 100 | 80 | Juvenile/Secure |
| Jefferson County Work Release Center | Work Release Center | Birmingham, AL | 150 | 110 | Minimum |
Jefferson County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support