McLean County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In McLean County?

Inmate records in McLean County are official government documents maintained by the McLean County Sheriff's Office that document and track individuals who are in custody within the county's detention facilities. These comprehensive records are created pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1, which mandates the maintenance of records for all persons committed to county correctional facilities.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:

• Court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions
• Inmate records document an individual's physical custody status and institutional history
• Court records are maintained by the McLean County Circuit Clerk
• Inmate records are maintained by the McLean County Sheriff's Office Detention Division

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody at the McLean County Detention Facility. During this process, detention staff collect identifying information, photograph the individual, document personal property, and record the charges for which the person is being detained. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, and court appearances. Upon release, the inmate record is updated to reflect the date and reason for release, but the record remains in the system as required by the Illinois Local Records Act.

The McLean County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of its statutory responsibility to operate the county detention facility and ensure public safety through proper documentation of all individuals in custody.

Are Inmate Records Public In McLean County?

Inmate records in McLean County are partially accessible to the public in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This statute establishes that government records, including certain inmate information, are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The McLean County Sheriff's Office makes specific categories of inmate information publicly available while protecting sensitive personal data. According to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1(c), certain inmate record information is explicitly designated as public information.

Information that is publicly accessible includes:

• Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
• Inmate name and identification number
• Booking date and time
• Charges filed
• Bond/bail amounts
• Expected release dates (when available)
• Housing facility location
• Mugshot photographs

However, significant portions of inmate records remain confidential under various exemptions in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, including:

• Medical and mental health information
• Disciplinary records
• Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
• Information that would compromise institutional security
• Juvenile records (subject to additional protections under Illinois law)

Members of the public seeking inmate information can access basic custody status through the McLean County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system or by contacting the detention facility directly. More comprehensive records may require submission of a formal FOIA request to the McLean County Sheriff's Office Records Division.

What's Included Inmate Records in McLean County

Inmate records maintained by the McLean County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's custody status and history. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Assigned inmate identification number
• Last known address

Custody Information:

• Date and time of booking/intake
• Arresting agency
• Booking officer information
• Classification status
• Housing assignment within facility
• Custody level designation
• Property inventory

Charge Information:

• Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
• Warrant information (if applicable)
• Case numbers
• Arresting agency
• Incident reports related to arrest

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
• Bond amount
• Bond status (posted, not posted)
• Bond conditions
• Bond hearing date

Court Information:

• Court case numbers
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court of jurisdiction
• Judge assigned to case
• Court orders related to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

• Conviction charges
• Sentence length
• Sentence start date
• Projected release date
• Good time/earned time credits
• Parole eligibility date (if applicable)

Release Information:

• Release date and time
• Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
• Release conditions
• Probation/parole requirements (if applicable)

These records are maintained in the McLean County Sheriff's Office jail management system and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration. Certain portions of these records are accessible to the public through the online inmate lookup system, while other components remain confidential in accordance with state law.

McLean County Prison System

The McLean County correctional system operates under the authority of the McLean County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county's detention facilities. The primary function of the McLean County detention system is to provide secure custody for individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year as prescribed by Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 125/.

It is important to distinguish between the county detention system and the state prison system:

• The McLean County Detention Facility houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
• The Illinois Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year
• County facilities are operated by the local sheriff's office
• State facilities are operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections

The McLean County detention system is administered by:

McLean County Sheriff's Office
104 W. Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 888-5034
McLean County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office Detention Division is responsible for the daily operations of the detention facility, including inmate supervision, facility security, inmate transportation, and record-keeping. The division operates under the direct authority of the elected Sheriff of McLean County and in accordance with standards established by the Illinois Department of Corrections County Jail Standards Division.

The McLean County detention system serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system, including:

• Secure custody of individuals awaiting trial
• Housing for individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions
• Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
• Processing of individuals arrested by local law enforcement agencies

All operations within the McLean County detention system are governed by state laws, local ordinances, and departmental policies designed to ensure the safety, security, and constitutional rights of detained individuals.

Types of Correctional Facilities In McLean County

McLean County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody needs and security requirements. Each facility serves a specific function within the county's detention system:

McLean County Detention Facility (Main Jail)
104 W. Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 888-5069
McLean County Detention Facility

The main detention facility is a secure custody institution that houses the majority of adult inmates in McLean County. This facility accommodates both male and female inmates with varying security classifications. The facility includes:

• Maximum security housing units
• Medium security housing units
• Minimum security housing units
• Special management units for inmates requiring separation
• Medical housing for inmates with health concerns
• Booking and intake processing area
• Visitation areas
• Administrative offices

McLean County Juvenile Detention Center
903 N. Main Street
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: (309) 888-5550
McLean County Juvenile Detention Center

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) who are detained pending adjudication or serving court-ordered detention sentences. The juvenile facility operates separately from adult facilities in compliance with Illinois Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/) requirements for sight and sound separation of juvenile and adult detainees.

McLean County Work Release Center
104 W. Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 888-5069
McLean County Sheriff's Office

This minimum-security facility houses eligible inmates who are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day and return to custody during non-working hours. The work release program allows qualifying inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences.

Each facility within the McLean County correctional system operates under the administrative authority of the McLean County Sheriff's Office and in accordance with standards established by the Illinois Department of Corrections County Jail Standards Division. These facilities collectively provide a comprehensive detention system capable of housing individuals with varying security needs and custody requirements.

Who's in Prison In McLean County

The McLean County detention facilities house several categories of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

• Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted
• Persons who have been denied bail or are unable to post the required bond amount
• Individuals awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
• These detainees comprise approximately 60-70% of the typical jail population

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

• Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year
• Persons serving weekend or intermittent sentences as ordered by the court
• Individuals participating in work release programs while serving their sentences
• This group typically represents about 20-25% of the jail population

Temporary Holds:

• Individuals awaiting transfer to Illinois Department of Corrections facilities after felony sentencing
• Persons detained on behalf of other jurisdictions (other counties, federal agencies)
• Individuals held on probation or parole violations pending hearings
• This category generally accounts for 5-10% of the population

Special Categories:

• Individuals held for civil contempt of court
• Persons detained for failure to appear for court proceedings
• Individuals serving sanctions for technical violations of probation
• Mental health evaluations ordered by the court

The demographic composition of the McLean County jail population generally reflects trends seen in detention facilities nationwide, with overrepresentation of certain demographic groups. According to data from the McLean County Sheriff's Office, the inmate population typically consists of:

• Approximately 85-90% male and 10-15% female inmates
• Age range primarily between 18-45 years
• Varying educational backgrounds and socioeconomic status

It is important to note that the jail population fluctuates daily as new arrests are made and individuals are released through various mechanisms including bond, completion of sentence, or transfer to other facilities. The McLean County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate population information through its online inmate lookup system.

How To Search for Inmate Records In McLean County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in McLean County may utilize several methods to access this information. The McLean County Sheriff's Office provides multiple options for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Lookup System:

1. Visit the McLean County Sheriff's Office website
2. Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Detention Facility" section
3. Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" option
4. Enter the required search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
5. Review the search results, which typically include:
   • Inmate name and booking photograph
   • Current charges
   • Bond information
   • Booking date
   • Housing location (general information only)
   • Next court date (when available)

Mobile Application:

1. Download the McLean County Sheriff's App from your device's app store
2. Open the application and navigate to the inmate search function
3. Enter search criteria as directed
4. Review results, which contain similar information to the online system

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the McLean County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:
   • Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
   • Excluding county holidays
2. Complete an inmate information request form
3. Provide proper identification
4. Specify the information being requested
5. Pay any applicable fees for copies of records

Telephone Inquiries:

1. Contact the McLean County Detention Facility at (309) 888-5069
2. Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
3. Basic custody status information may be provided over the phone
4. Detailed record information typically requires a formal written request

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests:

1. Submit a written FOIA request to:
   • McLean County Sheriff's Office
   • ATTN: FOIA Officer
   • 104 W. Front Street
   • Bloomington, IL 61701
2. Include specific information being requested
3. Provide contact information for response
4. Allow up to 5 business days for processing as required by Illinois FOIA law

When searching for inmate records, it is advisable to have the following information available:

• Full legal name of the individual (including any known aliases)
• Date of birth (if known)
• Approximate booking date (if known)
• Case number (if available)

The McLean County Sheriff's Office updates inmate information regularly, but there may be a brief delay between an individual's booking or release and the update of this information in the public-facing systems.

How To Find an Inmate in McLean County for Free?

McLean County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system. These free resources are accessible to the general public:

McLean County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:

1. Access the McLean County Sheriff's Office website
2. Navigate to the "Detention Facility" section
3. Select the "Inmate Lookup" function
4. Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
5. Review the results, which include current custody status and basic case information
6. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge

McLean County Sheriff's Mobile Application:

1. Download the free McLean County Sheriff's App from your mobile device's app store
2. Open the application and select the inmate search function
3. Enter search criteria (typically name or booking number)
4. View current custody information
5. The application provides the same information as the website but in a mobile-friendly format

McLean County Arrest/Incident Reports:

1. Visit the McLean County Sheriff Blotter
2. Review recent arrest information
3. This resource provides information about recent arrests but may not confirm continued custody

Telephone Inquiry:

1. Call the McLean County Detention Facility at (309) 888-5069
2. Request information about a specific individual
3. Provide the full name of the person you are inquiring about
4. Basic custody status (whether the person is currently in custody) is typically provided without charge
5. Available during regular business hours

In-Person Inquiry:

1. Visit the McLean County Detention Facility at:
   • 104 W. Front Street
   • Bloomington, IL 61701
2. Request information at the public information desk
3. Provide the name of the individual you are seeking
4. Basic custody information is provided without charge
5. Available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search:

1. For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, visit the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
2. Enter the individual's information
3. Review results to determine if the person has been transferred to state custody
4. This service is provided free of charge

When using these free resources, it is helpful to have as much identifying information as possible, including:

• Full legal name (including any known aliases)
• Correct spelling of the name
• Date of birth (if known)
• Approximate booking date (if known)

These free services provide basic custody information but may not include detailed record information, which might require a formal records request and associated fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In McLean County

Visitation with inmates at the McLean County Detention Facility is governed by specific rules and procedures established by the McLean County Sheriff's Office in accordance with Illinois County Jail Standards (20 Ill. Adm. Code 701). The following information outlines the current visitation policies:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

• All visitors must be 18 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo identification
• Minors may only visit when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance for scheduled visits
• Registration can be completed online through the McLean County Sheriff's Office website or by calling (309) 888-5069
• Visitors are limited to two 30-minute visits per week per inmate
• A maximum of two visitors are permitted per visitation session
• All visitors must successfully pass a security screening before entry

Visit Schedule:

• General Population Inmates:
  • Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • No visitation on Mondays or county holidays
• Special Management Inmates:
  • Restricted to specific days and times as determined by facility administration
  • Typically limited to one 30-minute visit per week

What to Bring:

• Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
• Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
• Medications needed during visit time (must be declared and approved)
• Infant necessities if accompanied by an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

• Weapons of any kind
• Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
• Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
• Food or beverages
• Purses, bags, or backpacks
• Excessive jewelry or accessories
• Cash exceeding $20
• Any items to be given to inmates

Dress Code:

• Conservative attire is required
• No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
• No gang-related attire or colors
• No clothing with offensive language or images
• No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times
• No hats, hoods, or head coverings (religious head coverings permitted with prior approval)

Visit Types:

• On-site Video Visitation:
  • Conducted via video terminals in the visitation area
  • Standard visitation method for most inmates
• Professional Visits:
  • Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals
  • Conducted in designated professional visitation rooms
  • Available during extended hours by appointment
• Remote Video Visitation:
  • Available through third-party service provider
  • Fees apply for remote video visits
  • Must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance

Visit Restrictions:

• Individuals with active warrants or pending criminal charges
• Former inmates released within the past 60 days
• Persons on probation or parole without written permission from their supervising officer
• Individuals who have previously violated facility rules
• Anyone determined to pose a security risk to the facility

Visitors should arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled visitation time to complete the check-in process. Late arrivals may result in cancellation of the visit. The McLean County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to deny, terminate, or restrict visitation privileges for security reasons or violation of visitation rules.

How To Send Money to a McLean County Inmate

The McLean County Detention Facility provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:

Online Deposits:

1. Visit the McLean County Sheriff's Office website
2. Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
3. Select the "Inmate Accounts/Deposits" option
4. Follow the link to the third-party payment processor
5. Create an account or proceed as a guest
6. Enter the inmate's information (full name and booking number)
7. Enter payment information and deposit amount
8. Complete the transaction
9. Service fees apply (typically 5-8% of deposit amount)

Mobile Application:

1. Download the McLean County Sheriff's App or the designated payment processor app
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select "Inmate Deposits" option
4. Enter required inmate information
5. Enter payment details and amount
6. Complete transaction
7. Service fees apply

Kiosk Deposits:

1. Visit the McLean County Detention Facility lobby at:
   • 104 W. Front Street
   • Bloomington, IL 61701
2. Locate the automated payment kiosk
3. Follow on-screen instructions
4. Enter inmate information
5. Insert cash or credit/debit card
6. Obtain receipt
7. Kiosk available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
8. Lower service fees than online deposits (typically 3-5%)

Mail-In Money Orders:

1. Purchase a money order payable to "McLean County Jail Inmate Trust Fund"
2. Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the money order
3. Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
4. Mail to:
   • McLean County Detention Facility
   • Inmate Accounts
   • 104 W. Front Street
   • Bloomington, IL 61701
5. No service fees for money orders
6. Processing time: 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

• Minimum deposit: $5.00
• Maximum single deposit: $300.00
• Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
• Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

Fees:

• Online/mobile deposits: 5-8% of deposit amount
• Kiosk deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
• Money orders: No fee

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

• Bond/bail payments (must be processed separately through the court)
• Payment of fines or court costs
• Restitution payments
• Transfer to other inmates
• Purchase of prohibited items

Approved Uses of Inmate Funds:

• Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
• Phone calls
• Electronic messaging (where available)
• Approved educational materials
• Medical co-pays
• Release funds (remaining balance returned upon release)

Funds deposited into an inmate's account are typically available within 24 hours for electronic deposits and 3-5 business days for money orders. The McLean County Detention Facility processes deposits Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays. Questions regarding inmate accounts may be directed to the Inmate Accounts Office at (309) 888-5069.

How To Send Jail Mail In McLean County

The McLean County Detention Facility has established specific procedures for sending mail to inmates in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 701.180. All incoming mail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations:

General Mail Guidelines:

• All incoming mail must be sent through the United States Postal Service
• Mail from other delivery services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) is not accepted
• All mail must include the sender's complete name and return address
• Mail without a return address will be rejected
• Incoming mail must be addressed as follows:
  • Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number
  • McLean County Detention Facility
  • 104 W. Front Street
  • Bloomington, IL 61701

Acceptable Mail Items:

• Letters (maximum 10 pages, standard white paper only)
• Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
• Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
• Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
• Money orders (as described in the previous section)
• Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to security review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

• Packages of any kind
• Cash, checks, or currency
• Postage stamps or envelopes
• Stickers, labels, or adhesive materials
• Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
• Polaroid photographs
• Laminated items
• Cardboard or hardcover materials
• Plastic or metal items
• Perfumed or scented papers
• Illegal items or contraband
• Sexually explicit materials
• Gang-related materials
• Items larger than 8.5 x 11 inches

Mail Processing Procedures:

1. All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by facility staff
2. Mail is scanned into a digital format and made available for viewing by inmates
3. Original mail items are not delivered to inmates (except legal mail)
4. Prohibited items are returned to sender or disposed of according to facility policy
5. Mail containing threats, criminal activity, or security concerns may be forwarded to investigative authorities

Legal Mail:

• Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
• Must be sent by an attorney, court, or legal agency with clear identification
• Is opened in the presence of the inmate
• Is not digitally scanned like regular mail
• May exceed the 10-page limit for regular correspondence

Electronic Messaging (where available):

• Available through the facility's approved third-party vendor
• Requires account creation and payment of applicable fees
• Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
• Typically delivered more quickly than postal mail
• May include options for scheduled video messages

Publications:

• Books must be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
• Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books accepted)
• Magazines must be sent directly from the publisher
• Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
• Limited to three books and three magazines in an inmate's possession at one time

Mail is typically processed within 24-48 hours of receipt at the facility. Questions regarding mail policies may be directed to the McLean County Detention Facility at (309) 888-5069 during regular business hours.

Lookup Inmate Records in McLean County

McLean County Detention Facility

McLean County Sheriff's Office

McLean County Sheriff Blotter

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search

McLean County Court Records Search

McLean County Circuit Clerk Public Access System