Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC)

Custody/Security Info

The Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) located in Chicago, IL and is classified as a maximum security jail within the Illinois Department of Corrections system. The security for this Chicago-based facility is classified as maximum security complete with guard tower structures. The building is solid concrete with limited access to fresh air, with heavy guard-to-inmate ratios. There are adjacent cage-like structures that inmates may use to get some limited exercise (basketball hoop and dip bars) for an hour every other day. Most of the time spent is in their pod or 2-man cells. Movements are strictly supervised. There is a library, a commissary, a gym, a barber shop and a chapel. The inmates are all awaiting sentencing, trial or transfer; there are no long term inmates. The units are comprised of single cells and divided into cell blocks with sliding cell doors that are remotely operated from a secure control station. Each cell is equipped with its own combination plumbing fixture, which includes a sink and toilet. Maximum security units are designed meant to confine the most dangerous inmates who are the most dangerous threat to public safety, correctional staff, and other inmates. During the other hour they may be allowed to shower and exercise in the cell block or an exterior cage. All inmate movement is strictly controlled with the use of handcuffs and shackles and correctional officer escort. The perimeter barrier is designed with a double fence with armed watch towers or armed roving patrols. Inmate movement is restricted and supervised by correctional staff. Inmates are allowed out of their cells to work or attend corrective programs inside the facility

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Facility Type

The County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office of Cook County, serves as a detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or processing. Typically, inmates housed here stay for less than one year, resulting in fewer amenities compared to larger jails or prisons. However, inmates do have access to limited recreation, a library, telephones, bathroom facilities, and three meals a day. The jail utilizes an inmate search feature for locating detainees.

Many detainees are brought to jail daily, with a significant number arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, suffering from injuries related to their arrest, or dealing with mental illness. Some may remain in the facility for less than a day or only a few days until their release in a court proceeding, provided they meet financial requirements. These offenders may be released to a pretrial services caseload, supervised by the probation office, or on their recognizance, which is an agreement to attend all court appearances.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers.