Commissary Cook County Jail operates through a secure In-Custody Trust Fund system that lets detainees buy snacks, hygiene items, phone time, and legal help. Each person gets their own account when booked. Money comes from family, friends, JPay, Western Union, online payments, kiosks, or mailed money orders. The 2023 report shows people add $45 per week on average, with a $200 weekly limit split into $100 for clothes and $100 for food. Statements go out monthly to the person listed on the account.
How the In-Custody Trust Fund Works
Every detainee at the Cook County Department of Corrections has a personal trust account. It acts like a small bank inside the jail. The finance team runs it. Deposits start working right away. You can use the balance for commissary, phone calls, and court fees. The system started in 1994 and has handled millions in deposits since then. As of 2023, the average daily balance per person was $127. Most inmates spend about $38 weekly on food and $22 on hygiene products.
Deposit Methods and Limits
- Online portal: Use credit/debit cards or bank transfers
- Lobby kiosks: Located at 555 W Harrison St, Chicago
- Mail: Send money orders to CCDOC Finance Office
- Phone: Call 855-836-3364 for CorrectPay assistance
- Third-party services: JPay and Western Union accepted
There is a $200 weekly spending cap. Half goes to clothing and supplies, half to food. No single deposit can exceed $500. All transactions show up within 15 minutes. Families get email confirmations for every payment.
Finding an Inmate in Cook County Jail
The Cook County Inmate Locator gives real-time data on who is in custody. You can search by full name, booking number, or birth date. Results show where the person is housed, when they might leave, and upcoming court dates. The system updates every 15 minutes. In 2022, it handled over 1.2 million searches. That makes it one of the busiest jail lookup tools in the U.S.
What the Inmate Search Shows
| Information Type | Details Included |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | Full legal name, booking number, date of birth |
| Location | Current housing unit and division |
| Release Date | Projected release or transfer date |
| Court Dates | Next hearing and charge details |
| Charges | List of pending criminal counts |
Attorneys and families use this tool daily. It links directly to court dockets so you can track cases. If you can’t find someone, call the Records Office at 773-674-2390.
Commissary Purchases and Rules
Inmates buy items from the commissary using their trust fund balance. The menu changes weekly. Common items include chips, coffee, toothpaste, soap, and over-the-counter medicine. Prices are shown on kiosk screens. In 2023, commissary sales brought in $2.3 million. That money helps pay for jail operations.
2023 Commissary Price Examples
- Instant coffee (8 oz): $3.50
- Chips (single serve): $2.25
- Toothbrush: $1.75
- Pain relievers (10 tablets): $4.00
- Phone credit ($5): $5.50
Orders are placed twice a week. Delivery happens within 48 hours. If an item is missing, the inmate must report it to the commissary manager. Payment companies like CorrectPay cannot fix delivery issues.
Visitation Process and Requirements
To visit someone, you must apply first. Fill out the Visitor Application online or at the jail lobby. You’ll need a photo ID and proof of relationship. The office reviews requests within 48 hours. Approved visitors get a time slot. Visits last 30 minutes. Video visits are 15 minutes and must be booked up to two days ahead.
Visitation Rules
- No more than two visitors per session
- Children under 17 must be with an adult
- Dress code: No shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothes
- No phones, bags, or food allowed
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
About 15,000 visits happen each month. Priority goes to parents, spouses, and lawyers. If you’re denied, you can reapply after 30 days.
Funding the Trust Account: Step-by-Step
Adding money is simple. Choose one of four ways: online, kiosk, phone, or mail. Online is fastest. Go to CorrectPay.com, enter the inmate’s name and booking number, and pay with a card. Kiosks are in the main lobby. They take cash, cards, and money orders. Phone deposits cost $3.95 extra. Mailed money orders take 5–7 days to process.
Fees and Processing Times
| Method | Fee | Time to Process |
|---|---|---|
| Online | $2.95 | Instant |
| Kiosk | $3.50 | Instant |
| Phone | $3.95 | Instant |
| None | 5–7 business days |
Always keep your receipt. If the balance doesn’t update, call 855-836-3364 with the transaction ID.
Contact Information and Hours
Cook County Department of Corrections
555 West Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-603-7700
Visiting Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Kiosk Hours: 24/7
Website: www.cookcountysheriff.org
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about limits, fees, and how to fix problems. Below are clear answers based on 2023 policies and official sources.
Can I send cash directly to an inmate?
No. Cash sent by mail will be returned. Only money orders, cashier’s checks, or electronic deposits are accepted. This rule prevents theft and keeps the system secure. If you try to mail cash, it goes back to you with a notice. Use the kiosk or online portal instead. They are safe and fast.
What happens if my deposit doesn’t show up?
First, check your email for a confirmation. If you have one but the balance is wrong, call CorrectPay at 855-836-3364. Have your transaction ID ready. Most issues fix in 24 hours. If the problem continues, contact the CCDOC finance office at 312-603-7700. Keep all receipts until the issue is resolved.
How often can an inmate buy commissary?
Twice a week. Orders go in on Tuesday and Friday. Delivery is by Thursday and Sunday. Each order must stay under the $100 food and $100 supply limits. You can’t combine weeks. If someone misses an order, they wait for the next cycle. No exceptions are made.
Can I visit without applying first?
No. All visitors must apply and get approval. Walk-ins are not allowed. The application takes 10 minutes online. You’ll get a reply in 48 hours. If denied, you’ll get a reason. Common reasons include a criminal record or fake ID. Reapply after fixing the issue.
Is there a fee for video visits?
Yes. Video visits cost $9.95 for 15 minutes. You pay when you book. Refunds are not given if the inmate doesn’t show up. Book up to 48 hours ahead. You need a computer or phone with a camera. Test your connection before the visit.
What items are banned from commissary?
No weapons, drugs, or electronics. No homemade food or glass containers. No clothing with logos or gang signs. All items are pre-packaged and approved. If something is out of stock, it won’t appear on the menu. Check the kiosk weekly for updates.
How do I close a trust account?
When the person leaves jail, the balance is mailed as a check within 30 days. The check goes to the address on file. If the person is transferred, the money moves with them. You can’t withdraw cash while they’re inside. Call the finance office if you don’t get the check on time.