Vermilion County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Vermilion County?
Inmate records in Vermilion County are official government documents maintained by the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document individuals who are in custody within the county's detention system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to an individual's incarceration history, current status, and related administrative details. Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all persons committed to their custody.
Inmate records differ substantially from court records in both content and custodianship:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and legal determinations
- Inmate records document the physical custody and administrative management of individuals
The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are collected and entered into the record. Throughout the period of incarceration, the record is continuously updated to reflect:
- Changes in custody status
- Disciplinary actions
- Program participation
- Visitation logs
- Medical information
- Court appearances
- Classification assessments
Upon release, the inmate record is closed but maintained according to the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) retention requirements.
Are Inmate Records Public In Vermilion County?
Inmate records in Vermilion County are partially public under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) establishes that government records, including certain inmate records, are presumptively open to public inspection. However, significant privacy protections and security exemptions apply to portions of these records.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently in custody)
- Booking information (date and time of intake)
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Facility housing location (general)
- Court dates
Information that is generally exempt from public disclosure includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Detailed security classification information
- Social Security numbers
- Personal identifying information that could compromise safety
- Juvenile records (subject to additional protections)
The Vermilion County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides limited public information about current inmates. More comprehensive records may require formal requests through the Illinois Freedom of Information Act process.
What's Included Inmate Records in Vermilion County
Inmate records in Vermilion County contain a comprehensive collection of information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprints
- State identification number
- Booking number/inmate ID
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Classification status
- Housing assignment
- Custody level
- Disciplinary records
- Program participation
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
- Attorney information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Release type (bond, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Probation/parole requirements
Vermilion County Prison System
The Vermilion County correctional system operates under the authority of the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals arrested within the county jurisdiction. The system consists primarily of the Vermilion County Jail, which serves as the central detention facility for both pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the Illinois state prison system:
- County Jail: Houses pre-trial detainees and those serving misdemeanor sentences (typically under one year)
- State Prison: Houses felony offenders serving longer sentences (operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections)
The Vermilion County Jail operates under the direct supervision of the Sheriff and is staffed by sworn correctional officers. The facility provides various services including medical care, commissary, visitation, and limited rehabilitative programming.
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
2 East Main Street, Suite 101
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Vermilion County
Vermilion County maintains a limited correctional infrastructure focused primarily on pre-trial detention and short-term incarceration. The facilities include:
Vermilion County Jail
2 East Main Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Jail
The Vermilion County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county. This medium-security facility houses both male and female inmates in separate housing units. The jail has a capacity of approximately 200 inmates and provides various services including:
- Intake and booking
- Pre-trial detention
- Serving of sentences less than one year
- Work release programs
- Medical services
- Religious services
- Limited educational programming
Vermilion County Juvenile Detention Center
(Operated through regional agreement)
400 W. Fairchild Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-6600
Juvenile Detention Services
The juvenile detention services in Vermilion County operate through a regional agreement with neighboring counties. This facility houses juvenile offenders awaiting adjudication or serving short-term detention sentences. The facility focuses on education and rehabilitation with specialized programming for youth.
Who's in Prison In Vermilion County
The Vermilion County Jail population consists of several distinct categories of individuals, each with different legal statuses and reasons for incarceration:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- These individuals comprise approximately 60-70% of the jail population
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of less than one year
- Includes offenses such as DUI, simple assault, petty theft, and minor drug possession
- May include individuals serving weekend-only sentences or work release arrangements
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
- Persons held on immigration detainers
- Probation/parole violators awaiting hearings
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison after sentencing
Specialized Populations:
- Mental health detainees awaiting evaluation or placement
- Individuals serving contempt of court sentences
- Those temporarily returned from state prison for local court appearances
According to data from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the average daily population of the Vermilion County Jail fluctuates between 150-180 inmates, with demographic patterns generally reflecting:
- Approximately 80-85% male, 15-20% female
- Median age of 32 years
- Average length of stay for pre-trial detainees: 23 days
- Average length of stay for sentenced inmates: 87 days
How To Search for Inmate Records In Vermilion County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Vermilion County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Vermilion County Sheriff's Office currently maintains multiple channels through which inmate status and basic information can be obtained:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Division" section
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" function
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Name and booking photo
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Vermilion County Jail at (217) 442-4080
- Provide the full name of the individual being sought
- Be prepared to verify public information about the person
- Receive basic custody status information
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Specify the information being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for copies of records
Freedom of Information Act Request: For more comprehensive records beyond basic custody information:
- Submit a written FOIA request to the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
- Clearly identify the specific records being sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow up to 5 business days for initial response as required by 5 ILCS 140/3
- Be prepared to pay reasonable copying fees if applicable
How To Find an Inmate in Vermilion County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Vermilion County without incurring costs is straightforward through several publicly available resources:
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
- Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
- Review the search results showing current inmates
- This service is available 24/7 and provides basic custody information at no cost
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name or IDOC number
- Review custody status and location information
- This service is free and updated regularly
Telephone Information:
- Call the Vermilion County Jail at (217) 442-4080
- Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
- Request basic custody status information
- This service is available during business hours at no cost
Vinelink Notification Service:
- Visit VINELink
- Select Illinois as the state
- Enter the inmate's name
- Receive custody status and location information
- This free service also allows registration for custody status notifications
When searching for an inmate, having the following information available will facilitate a more efficient search:
- Full legal name (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest or incarceration
- Case number (if known)
How To Visit an Inmate In Vermilion County
Visitation at the Vermilion County Jail is governed by specific protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. Pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/3-7-2(f), inmates are entitled to visitation privileges subject to reasonable institutional regulations.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance
- Maximum of two adults per visit (children under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult)
- Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
- All visitors are subject to search and security screening
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or on probation/parole may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- Non-contact visits are conducted according to housing unit:
- A-Block: Tuesday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- B-Block: Tuesday and Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- C-Block: Wednesday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- D-Block: Wednesday and Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Female Housing: Thursday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes
- Inmates are allowed two visits 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)
- Baby necessities if accompanied by infant (one clear bottle, one diaper)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
- Cameras or recording devices
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts, see-through materials)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Standard non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (may be approved for exceptional circumstances)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
- Three missed scheduled visits in 30 days will result in 30-day suspension of privileges
- Violation of rules may result in temporary or permanent visitation restrictions
For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact:
Vermilion County Jail - Visitation Office
2 East Main Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080 ext. 226
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Money to a Vermilion County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Vermilion County Jail have several secure methods available for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and access other approved services.
Methods for Sending Money:
-
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Access Corrections website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Vermilion County Jail" as the facility
- Enter the inmate's name and ID number
- Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
- Service available 24/7
-
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the lobby kiosk at the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
- Available during lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Cash, credit, or debit cards accepted
- Receipt provided for all transactions
-
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase money order from post office or authorized vendor
- Make payable to "Vermilion County Jail" with inmate's name and ID in memo line
- Send to: Vermilion County Jail, Inmate Accounts, 2 East Main Street, Danville, IL 61832
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with money order
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50 for amounts up to $50; $3.50 for amounts $50.01-$300
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00 flat fee
- Money orders: No fee (postage costs apply)
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees or fines (separate process required)
- Payments to other inmates
- Purchases from outside vendors
- Legal services
Approved Uses of Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Electronic messaging (where available)
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Release funds (remaining balance returned upon release)
Funds deposited into inmate accounts are subject to collection for outstanding debts, including court-ordered restitution, child support obligations, and institutional fees as permitted under 730 ILCS 5/3-7-6.
How To Send Jail Mail In Vermilion County
Correspondence with inmates at the Vermilion County Jail follows specific guidelines designed to maintain security while facilitating important communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail, except privileged legal correspondence, is subject to inspection and screening.
Addressing Mail Correctly:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Vermilion County Jail
- 2 East Main Street
- Danville, IL 61832
Approved Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (see money sending section)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit or obscene materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting weapons or violence
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cards larger than 5x7 inches
- Homemade cards
- Items with biohazards (lipstick, bodily fluids, food)
- Publications not directly sent from publisher
Mail Inspection Process:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected
- Contraband items are removed and disposed of
- Mail containing unauthorized items may be returned to sender
- Mail suspected of containing illegal content may be forwarded to law enforcement
- Delivery typically occurs within 24-48 hours after processing
Legal/Privileged Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney bar number or official letterhead
- Opened in presence of inmate
- Not read by staff but inspected for contraband
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- Available through approved vendor terminals
- Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Fees apply for electronic messages
- Messages printed and delivered to inmates
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Paperback books only (no hardcover)
- Subject to content review
- Limited to 3 books per inmate at any time
Mail privileges may be restricted or suspended for inmates who violate institutional rules or when mail contains evidence of criminal activity. Such restrictions are implemented in accordance with 20 Illinois Administrative Code 701.160.
For questions regarding mail policies, contact:
Vermilion County Jail - Mail Room
2 East Main Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office