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Effingham Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: July 19,2024


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 217-342-2102 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

Visitation is provided via video through the CIDNET kiosk located in each cell. Friends and family members must go to www.cidnet.net to set up an account and register to visit. Visitors may visit remotely utilizing their computer, tablet, or cellular device. Kiosks are also available in the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office visitation room. The local kiosks can be utilized free of charge.

  • Free local kiosk visits are only available on Tuesday and Saturday only.
  • Free local kiosk visiting hours: 9 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 4 pm on Tuesday and Saturday.

All video visits must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. This includes free local visits.

All visits are subject to the following visitation rules:

  1. Visits are fifteen (15) minutes.
  2. A visitor is allowed one (1) visit per day with one (1) inmate. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  3. All visits are subject to monitoring and recording.
  4. All visits must be scheduled forty-eight (48) hours before the visit. No visits will be approved on the same day as the visit.
  5. Visits that end due to poor or inconsistent cellular service will not be rescheduled for the same day. Rescheduling is subject to standard visitation rules.
  6. All adult visitors must have their own registered visitor account to schedule a visit.
  7. All visitors are subject to the visitation approval process.
  8. Visitors under the age of 18 must be listed as additional visitors and must be accompanied and supervised by an authorized adult visitor.
  9. It is the inmate’s responsibility to advise their visitors of pending court schedules, program participation, or inmate worker schedules. Visits that are scheduled during these times will be canceled.
  10. Visitations may be canceled without notice due to emergencies or due to movement or transport to/from the jail facility.
  11. If an emergency arises visitors will be directed to leave the local visitation room.
  12. Visitors are not allowed to possess cameras, tape recorders, cell phones, or any electronic device in the visitation room. No screenshots or photos may be taken during the visit. Violators will be banned from visitation for up to 90 days. Repeat offenders may be permanently banned.
  13. Inmates must wear their jail-issued uniform during visitation. Any inmate given the camera must also be wearing appropriate clothing during visitation.
  14. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing during the visit. Only long pants, and shirts with sleeves. (Ex. No tank tops, shorts, or revealing clothing.)
  15. No visitation will be allowed during meal times.
  16. All visitors must be clear of any warrants. Visitors who have been booked into the Effingham County jail in the past 90 days will not be allowed to visit.
  17. Disorderly conduct of any kind will not be tolerated. (Threats/disruptive behavior)
  18. No inappropriate images are shown to the camera. (no pornography, illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, including cannabis and alcohol)
  19. Visitors must be in a private setting. Visitors can NOT be in a public place. Violation of this rule will result in immediate disconnection of the visit and will result in a suspension of visitation privileges.
  20. No visitation may take place in a moving vehicle. If we can tell the vehicle is moving we will end the visit.
  21. The visit must be with the contact who has a photo ID on file in the contact list.

Violation of any visitation rule will result in a suspension of visiting privileges.

Visitation rules are subject to change without prior notice.

Visiting Inmates at Effingham County IL Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this Effingham IL location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Effingham Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Effingham County IL Jail, located in Effingham, IL, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.