McHenry County Correctional Facility

You can support your loved ones at MCCF on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 815-338-9396.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The MCCF is a detention center located at 2200 N Seminary Ave Woodstock, IL which is operated locally by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. McHenry County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Woodstock Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Illinois here.

The McHenry County Jail has a rich history dating back to 1837 when it was established alongside the Sheriff’s Office. Over the years, the county's growth necessitated expansions to accommodate increasing demands. In 1972, a new government center was constructed, followed by the addition of a separate adult correctional facility nearly 20 years later. In 2006, further expansion took place, resulting in a facility with a capacity to house up to 650 inmates and employing 156 correctional officers and staff.

The facility serves as a detention center for individuals awaiting trial in criminal cases, as well as those who have been sentenced to incarceration within the county. Inmates can remain at the facility until they post bond or are sentenced, with a maximum detention period of 364 days following sentencing. Sentences exceeding 364 days result in a transfer to the Illinois Department of Corrections for further incarceration.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

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. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

The McHenry County Correctional Bureau takes pride in its accreditation by both the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). These accreditations affirm the bureau's commitment to maintaining high standards of operational excellence and ensuring the health and well-being of its inmates.