Will County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Will County?
Inmate records in Will County are official government documents maintained by the Will County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks an individual from initial booking through their release from custody.
Unlike court records, which are maintained by the Will County Circuit Clerk and document legal proceedings, inmate records specifically track custody status and institutional management. Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1, correctional institutions are required to maintain "records of each committed person on the master record file."
The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into the Will County Adult Detention Facility. During this intake process, the following occurs:
- Collection of biographical information
- Documentation of charges
- Recording of personal property
- Medical screening
- Assignment of housing
- Capture of identification photographs (mugshots)
- Collection of fingerprints
These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration, documenting housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical care, visitation, and other significant events. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with release information but remains on file with the Will County Sheriff's Office as required by Illinois records retention laws.
Are Inmate Records Public In Will County?
Inmate records in Will County are partially accessible to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including certain inmate information, should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Will County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate lookup system that provides limited information about individuals currently in custody. According to Illinois law, the following inmate information is generally considered public:
- Full name and booking identification number
- Current incarceration status
- Physical description (age, gender, race, height, weight)
- Current charges
- Bond/bail amount
- Next scheduled court date
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Current housing facility
However, certain information contained within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure under 5 ILCS 140/7, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary reports
- Information that would compromise institutional security
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Information that would create a substantial risk of harm to any person
Members of the public seeking inmate information beyond what is available through the online lookup system may submit a formal FOIA request to the Will County Sheriff's Office. Such requests must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable exemptions under Illinois law.
What's Included Inmate Records in Will County
Will County inmate records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender and race
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer
- Housing assignment within facility
- Classification status (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary incidents and sanctions
- Participation in jail programs or work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Next scheduled court appearance
- Court case numbers
- Attorney of record
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
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Probation/parole requirements
These records are maintained in accordance with Illinois County Jail Standards (20 Ill. Adm. Code 701), which establishes minimum requirements for record-keeping in county detention facilities.
Will County Prison System
The Will County correctional system operates under the authority of the Will County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody and care of individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. This system is distinct from the Illinois Department of Corrections, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of felonies and serving longer sentences.
The primary facility in Will County's correctional system is the Will County Adult Detention Facility, commonly referred to as the Will County Jail. This facility primarily houses:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison following felony convictions
- Federal detainees held under intergovernmental agreements
The Will County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division oversees all jail operations, including security, inmate programs, medical services, and food service. The division operates under the standards established by the Illinois Department of Corrections County Jail Standards.
Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 727-8575
Will County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Will County
Will County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:
Will County Adult Detention Facility
95 S. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 727-8800
Will County Sheriff's Office
This is the main detention facility in Will County, housing the majority of the county's inmate population. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,000 inmates and contains various housing units organized by security classification, gender, and special needs. The facility includes:
- General population housing units
- Maximum security units
- Medical housing
- Mental health housing
- Administrative segregation
- Intake/booking area
- Visitation areas
- Program spaces for education and rehabilitation
Will County Work Release Center
275 W. Washington Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 774-7810
Will County Sheriff's Office
This facility houses qualified low-risk offenders who are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day and return in the evening. Participants in this program must:
- Be sentenced to the program by a judge
- Pass a security screening
- Maintain verifiable employment
- Submit to regular drug and alcohol testing
- Pay room and board fees from their earnings
Will County Juvenile Detention Center
3200 W. McDonough Street
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 774-6000
Will County Court Services
This facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) who are awaiting adjudication or have been adjudicated delinquent. The center provides:
- Secure detention
- Educational services
- Counseling
- Recreation
- Medical services
Unlike the adult facilities, the Juvenile Detention Center operates under the authority of the Will County Court Services Department rather than the Sheriff's Office.
Who's in Prison In Will County
The Will County jail population consists of several distinct categories of individuals, each with different legal statuses and reasons for incarceration:
Pre-trial Detainees: The largest segment of the Will County jail population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are legally presumed innocent and are detained because:
- They have not posted the required bail amount
- They were denied bail due to public safety concerns
- They were arrested on a warrant requiring detention
According to data from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, approximately 60-70% of county jail inmates statewide are pre-trial detainees.
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses (less serious crimes typically punishable by up to one year of incarceration) may serve their sentences in the Will County jail. Common misdemeanor convictions include:
- Driving under the influence (first or second offense)
- Simple battery
- Retail theft
- Criminal trespass
- Disorderly conduct
Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of low-level felonies may serve their sentences in the county jail rather than state prison, particularly if:
- The sentence is less than one year
- The jail has available space
- The judge specifically orders county jail incarceration
Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county jail while awaiting a hearing or as a sanction for the violation.
Federal Detainees: Through an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service, Will County may house federal detainees awaiting trial in federal court or transfer to federal prison.
Temporary Holds: Individuals may be temporarily held in the Will County jail while awaiting:
- Transfer to another jurisdiction
- Transfer to state prison
- Mental health evaluation
- Immigration proceedings
The demographic composition of the Will County jail population generally reflects patterns seen throughout Illinois, with disproportionate representation of racial minorities and individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders, as documented by the Illinois Department of Corrections.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Will County in 2026
Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Will County have several methods available to access inmate records. The Will County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides real-time information about individuals in custody.
To search for an inmate using the online system:
- Visit the Will County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter one or more of the following search criteria:
- Inmate's full name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate's full name
- Booking photograph
- Date of birth
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Housing location
For individuals without internet access, the following alternatives are available:
Telephone Inquiry: The Will County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division maintains an information line for basic inmate status inquiries: (815) 727-8800 Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
In-Person Request: Individuals may visit the Will County Sheriff's Office to request inmate information:
Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
Written Request: Written requests for inmate information may be submitted to:
Records Division
Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific information being requested
- Purpose of the request
For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information, a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act may be required. FOIA requests can be submitted online through the Sheriff's Office website or in writing to the address above.
How To Find an Inmate in Will County for Free?
Will County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody within the county jail system. These free resources are designed to help family members, friends, legal representatives, and other interested parties determine if someone is incarcerated and access basic custody information.
Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the Will County Sheriff's Office online inmate search system:
- Access the Will County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate and click on the "Inmate Search" link
- Enter the inmate's information (last name is required; first name is recommended)
- Review search results showing current inmates matching the search criteria
This system is updated in real-time and provides information including:
- Confirmation of custody status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Telephone Verification: For those without internet access, the Will County Sheriff's Office provides telephone verification of an individual's incarceration status:
Will County Adult Detention Facility
(815) 727-8800
Hours: 24 hours daily
When calling, be prepared to provide:
- Inmate's full name (correct spelling is important)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Your relationship to the inmate
Illinois Department of Corrections Lookup: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides a free online database of all state prisoners.
Will County Circuit Clerk Records: Court records can help determine if someone has been ordered into custody:
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office maintains public access terminals where visitors can search court records at no charge during regular business hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How To Visit an Inmate In Will County
Visitation with inmates at the Will County Adult Detention Facility follows specific procedures established by the Sheriff's Office to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with Illinois County Jail Standards (20 Ill. Adm. Code 701.180) regarding visitation rights.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits are conducted via video visitation system
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitors must register in the visitation system prior to scheduling
- Each inmate is allowed two 30-minute visits per week
- A maximum of three visitors may participate in each visit
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Visit Schedule: Video visitation hours are:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) have separate scheduling procedures and extended hours.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor registration confirmation
- If visiting with children, birth certificates or legal documentation proving guardianship
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal substances
- Alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
Dress Code: Visitors must adhere to the following dress requirements:
- No revealing clothing (shorts must be knee-length, no tank tops or low-cut shirts)
- No gang-related attire or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Regular video visits (conducted from home or other remote location)
- On-site video visits (conducted from terminals at the facility)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (approved by facility administration for exceptional circumstances)
Visit Restrictions: Visitation privileges may be suspended or restricted for:
- Violation of visitation rules
- Security concerns
- Disciplinary sanctions against the inmate
- Facility lockdowns or emergencies
To schedule a visit, register through the Will County Sheriff's Office website or contact:
Will County Adult Detention Facility Visitation Office
95 S. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 727-8800
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
How To Send Money to a Will County Inmate
Will County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.
Online Deposits: The most convenient method for sending money is through the jail's contracted service provider:
- Visit the Will County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
- Select "Commissary Deposits"
- Follow the instructions to create an account and make a deposit
- Provide the inmate's full name and booking number
- Complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
Kiosk Deposits: Self-service kiosks are available in the lobby of the Will County Adult Detention Facility:
Will County Adult Detention Facility
95 S. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60436
Kiosk Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, seven days a week
Kiosks accept:
- Cash (in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100)
- Credit/debit cards
- No personal checks
Mail-In Money Orders: Money orders may be sent via postal mail to:
Inmate Accounts
Will County Adult Detention Facility
95 S. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60436
Money order requirements:
- Made payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
- Sender's full name and return address must be included
- Personal checks are not accepted
- Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
Deposit Limits and Fees:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Online/credit card transaction fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Kiosk transaction fee: $2.00 per transaction
- Money order deposits: No fee
Funds Usage Restrictions: Inmate funds may be used for:
- Commissary purchases
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Phone time
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
Funds may not be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Payment to other inmates
- Payment to staff members
- Purchase of prohibited items
All deposits are subject to a 48-hour hold before funds become available in the inmate's account. Upon release, any remaining funds will be returned to the inmate via debit card or check.
How To Send Jail Mail In Will County
Correspondence with inmates at the Will County Adult Detention Facility must follow specific guidelines established by the Sheriff's Office in accordance with Illinois County Jail Standards (20 Ill. Adm. Code 701.190). All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules.
Regular Mail: Letters and cards should be addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Will County Adult Detention Facility
95 S. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60436
Mail requirements:
- Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
- Letters must be written on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
- Envelopes must be standard white or manila
- Cards must be plain greeting cards (no musical, electronic, or oversized cards)
- All correspondence must be in English or Spanish
Prohibited Items: The following items are not permitted in inmate mail:
- Polaroid photographs
- Photos depicting gang signs, weapons, nudity, or illegal activity
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, glitter, lipstick, or perfume on correspondence
- Cash or personal checks (money orders only)
- Stamps or envelopes
- Blank greeting cards or stationery
- Books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Food items or clothing
- Any items creating a bulky envelope
Photographs:
- Maximum size: 4" x 6"
- Maximum quantity: 5 photos per envelope
- Must be printed on photo paper
- No Polaroid or instant photos
- No sexually explicit or gang-related content
Legal Mail: Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail" and include the sender's bar number or official letterhead. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate but is still inspected for contraband.
Books and Publications: Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. These items must be paperback only (no hardcover books) and are subject to content review by facility staff.
Approved vendors include:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Major publishers and bookstores
E-Messages: Will County offers a digital messaging system for communication with inmates:
- Visit the Will County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Communication" section
- Create an account with the contracted service provider
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages to the inmate
E-messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail and are reviewed by facility staff before delivery to the inmate.