Big Muddy River Correctional Center is a medium-security prison located in Ina, Illinois, owned and operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections. The correctional facility was first opened in 1993 and has a working capacity of 1,962 adult male inmates. The prison is situated one mile south of Ina in Jefferson County and consists of a total of 20 buildings, which comprise more than 39,000 square feet.
The facility is designed to house medium security inmates, including those who have been convicted of violent crimes. The prison features four X-type housing units, one receiving and orientation unit, one segregation unit, and a range of other buildings, including a gymnasium, chapel, and vocational training center.
Inmates are offered a range of educational and vocational programs, including GED courses, adult basic education, and vocational training in areas such as welding, carpentry, and horticulture. The facility also has a library and offers religious services to inmates of various faiths.
In recent years, the prison has faced criticism for overcrowding and understaffing. In 2019, the facility was placed on lockdown for several weeks due to a shortage of correctional officers. Despite these challenges, the prison remains an important part of the Illinois Department of Corrections’ efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for adult male inmates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,962 |
| Physical Address | 251 N. Illinois Highway 37 Ina, IL 62846 |
| Mailing Address | 251 N. Illinois Highway 37 Ina, IL 62846 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Every day: 8:00 am – 10:30 am, 10:45 am – 1:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (618) 437-5300 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facility Information
The Big Muddy River Correctional Center is a medium-security state prison for male inmates located in Ina, Jefferson County, Illinois. The facility was first opened in 1993 and has a working capacity of 1,962. The facility is owned and operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Location
The Big Muddy River Correctional Center is located one mile south of Ina in Jefferson County, Illinois. The facility is situated on 100 acres of land and consists of 20 buildings, which comprise more than 39,000 square feet.
Housing Units
The facility consists of four X-type housing units, one receiving and orientation unit, one segregation unit, and a GED program unit. Inmates who have behavioral issues are placed in the segregation unit. The receiving and orientation unit is where new inmates are processed and evaluated before being assigned to a housing unit.
Security Level
The Big Muddy River Correctional Center is a medium-security facility. The facility has a perimeter fence with a double row of razor wire. The facility also has a 24-hour armed perimeter patrol.
Operational Capacity
The Big Muddy River Correctional Center has a working capacity of 1,962. The facility is designed to provide multiple programs and services to the individual in custody population to help individuals in custody prepare for community reintegration.
Population
The Big Muddy River Correctional Center houses adult male inmates who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in prison. The facility has a diverse population of inmates from various backgrounds and with different sentences. The facility also employs a staff of correctional officers, administrative personnel, and other support staff to manage the facility and provide services to the inmate population.
Visitation
Big Muddy River Correctional Center allows visitation for inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones. Visitation is a privilege, and there are facility rules that visitors must follow to ensure everyone’s safety and security.
Visitation Rules
Before visiting an inmate at Big Muddy River Correctional Center, potential visitors must fill out a Visitor Registration form and submit it for approval. All approved visitors must show a valid ID before visiting. Visitors who fail to follow the rules may be denied future visits.
Some of the visitation rules are as follows:
- Visitors must dress appropriately and modestly. Clothing that is revealing or provocative is not allowed.
- Visitors must not bring any weapons, drugs, or contraband into the facility.
- Visitors must not use any electronic devices, including cell phones, during their visit.
- Visitors must follow the instructions of the correctional staff at all times.
Visiting Hours
General population offenders at Big Muddy River Correctional Center are allowed visitation Every day: 8:00 am – 10:30 am, 10:45 am – 1:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, and 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Offenders are permitted six visits per month, with no more than two on weekends or holidays.
Segregation visiting is only allowed for one hour and visitors must arrive prior to noon or they will not be admitted to visitation.
Video Visitation
Video visitation is also available at Big Muddy River Correctional Center. Visitors must sign up at least seven days in advance and log on 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Video visitation hours are Sunday through Saturday 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Inmates must complete a Visitor Registration form and submit it for approval to participate in video visitation. All approved visitors must show a valid ID before visiting.
Visitation is an important way for inmates to stay connected with their families and friends. By following the rules and guidelines, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable visitation experience for everyone involved.
Programming Opportunities
Big Muddy River Correctional Center offers a variety of programming opportunities for inmates to help them better themselves so that they may become prepared for life in the community upon release. These programs are designed to help inmates develop new skills, enhance their education, and learn to manage their behavior.
Academic and Special Education Programs
The Academic and Special Education Programs at Big Muddy River Correctional Center provide inmates with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma or GED. Inmates can also take college courses through a partnership with Rend Lake College. The facility provides special education classes for inmates with learning disabilities or other special needs.
Vocational, Automotive, and Culinary Arts
Big Muddy River Correctional Center offers a wide variety of vocational programs, including automotive and culinary arts. Inmates can learn skills such as auto body repair, small engine repair, and cooking. These programs provide inmates with valuable skills that can help them find employment upon release.
Substance Abuse and Anger Management
The Substance Abuse and Anger Management Programs at Big Muddy River Correctional Center are designed to help inmates overcome addiction and manage their behavior. These programs provide inmates with counseling, education, and support to help them develop the skills they need to stay sober and control their anger.
Thinking for a Change
Thinking for a Change is a cognitive-behavioral program that helps inmates develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. This program teaches inmates how to think critically and make better choices. It is designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in life after release.
Career Technology
Career Technology programs at Big Muddy River Correctional Center provide inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable skills in fields such as welding, HVAC, and computer technology. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to find employment upon release.
Library
The library at Big Muddy River Correctional Center provides inmates with access to a wide variety of books, magazines, and other reading materials. Inmates can use the library to improve their literacy skills and learn about a variety of topics.
Overall, the programming opportunities at Big Muddy River Correctional Center provide inmates with valuable skills and education that can help them succeed in life after release. These programs are designed to help inmates become better prepared for life in the community and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Inmate Services
The Big Muddy River Correctional Center provides a range of services to its inmates to help them maintain contact with their loved ones, purchase necessary items, and maintain their personal hygiene. In this section, we will discuss the various services provided by the facility.
Sending Money
Inmates can receive money from their family and friends through electronic fund transfers or by money order. The facility has partnered with JPay, a company that specializes in inmate services, to provide electronic fund transfer services. To send money through JPay, one can visit their website or use their mobile app. Money orders can be sent through the mail, and they must be addressed to the inmate’s name and ID number.
Commissary
The commissary is a store within the facility where inmates can purchase items such as snacks, toiletries, and stationery items. Inmates can purchase items from the commissary using funds from their trust account. The facility has a weekly spending limit of $100 for each inmate.
Sending Packages
Inmates can receive packages from their loved ones, but there are certain restrictions on what can be sent. The facility allows packages to be sent only through authorized vendors, such as Access Securepak and Union Supply Direct. These vendors offer pre-approved packages that meet the facility’s requirements. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages containing cash, personal checks, or any items that are not approved by the facility.
Dress Code
The facility has a strict dress code policy for inmates. Inmates are required to wear a uniform provided by the facility. The uniform consists of khaki pants and a white shirt. Inmates are also required to wear a pair of black boots and a black belt. Inmates are not allowed to wear any clothing that is not part of the uniform or that has offensive or gang-related symbols.
In conclusion, the Big Muddy River Correctional Center offers a range of services to its inmates to help them maintain contact with their loved ones, purchase necessary items, and maintain their personal hygiene. These services include electronic fund transfer, commissary, package delivery, and dress code policy. The facility has strict rules and regulations regarding these services, and inmates are expected to follow them.
Additional Information
Mailing Address
Inmates at Big Muddy River Correctional Center can receive mail at the following address:
Individual in Custody Name & IDOC#
251 N. Illinois Highway 37
Ina, IL 62846All mail must include the inmate’s full name and IDOC number to ensure proper delivery. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages or cash through the mail.
Phone Number
Friends and family members can contact inmates at Big Muddy River Correctional Center by calling (618) 437-5300. The facility does not accept incoming calls for inmates, but they can make outgoing calls to approved phone numbers.
Inmates can purchase phone time using funds from their commissary account. Phone calls may be monitored and recorded for security purposes.
Inmate ID
Each inmate at Big Muddy River Correctional Center is assigned a unique ID number by the Illinois Department of Corrections. This number is used to identify the inmate in all official records and correspondence.
Inmates must provide their ID numbers to friends and family members who wish to visit or send mail. The ID number can also be used to deposit funds into the inmate’s commissary account.