Menard Correctional Center is a maximum-security prison located in Illinois. The facility, which was established in 1878, is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and spans over 2,600 acres of land. Menard Correctional Center is recognized as the state’s largest maximum-security prison, and it houses a significant number of inmates.
The prison comprises 155 buildings totaling 1,294,000 square feet, and it has a population of over 2,500 inmates. Menard Correctional Center is known for its unique X-house design, which is intended to maximize security and surveillance. The facility is enclosed by a perimeter of 41 acres, and it changes in elevation over 200 feet.
Menard Correctional Center is a vital part of the Illinois Department of Corrections, and it plays a significant role in maintaining public safety. The facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include academic courses, vocational training, and counseling services.
Despite the challenges of operating a maximum-security prison, Menard Correctional Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,575 |
| Physical Address | 711 E Kaskaskia St, Menard, IL 62259 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1000 Menard, IL 62259 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (618) 826-5071 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Menard Correctional Center is a maximum-security adult male facility located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Established in 1878, it is the largest maximum-security facility in Illinois. The facility is comprised of 155 buildings totaling 1,294,000 square feet, and it includes five housing units, a receiving and orientation unit, a segregation unit, a health care unit, and a medium-security unit.
Establishment
Menard Correctional Center was established in 1878 as a replacement for the Illinois State Penitentiary in Joliet. The original facility was built on 2,600 acres of land and included 41 acres enclosed by a perimeter. The facility was designed to house 1,500 prisoners, and it was built with a central tower that allowed guards to observe the entire facility from a single location.
Expansion
Over the years, Menard Correctional Center has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of inmates. In 1902, a new cell house was built to house an additional 600 prisoners. In 1927, a new administration building was constructed, and in 1933, a new hospital was built to provide medical care for inmates.
In the 1960s, Menard Correctional Center underwent a major expansion that included the construction of several new buildings, including a new segregation unit, a new dining hall, and a new education building. In 1977, a new maximum-security unit was built to house the most dangerous inmates.
Today, Menard Correctional Center is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that provides a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility is staffed by highly trained correctional officers and support staff who are committed to maintaining the safety and security of the facility and its occupants.
Facility Information
Menard Correctional Center is a maximum-security prison facility located in Illinois, operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections. The facility houses adult male inmates and has a total operational capacity of 2,575.
Security Level
Menard Correctional Center is a maximum-security facility, with five housing units, a receiving and orientation unit, a segregation unit, and a health care unit. Additionally, there is a medium-security unit within the facility. The facility is designed to house inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes and are considered high-risk.
Lockdown Status
The lockdown status of Menard Correctional Center varies depending on the situation. Inmates are typically allowed to move freely within the facility, but the prison may be placed on lockdown in the event of an emergency or security threat. During a lockdown, inmates are confined to their cells, and visitation is suspended.
Operational Capacity
Menard Correctional Center has an operational capacity of 2,575 inmates. This includes the general population, administrative detention, and segregation units. The prison also has a reception and classification center, where newly arrived inmates are processed and evaluated.
The facility offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can participate in construction programs and earn certifications in various trades.
Video visitation is available for inmates, and vending items are available for purchase through the commissary. Inmates must follow video visitation guidelines, which include dress code and behavior requirements.
Overall, Menard Correctional Center is a secure and well-maintained facility that provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for life after prison.
Population
Menard Correctional Center has an operational capacity of 2,575 maximum security adult male inmates. As of May 2023, the facility houses a total population of 2,192 individuals, with 1,770 in the Menard Correctional Center, 373 in the Menard Medium Security Unit, and 49 in the Menard Reception & Classification Center. The average annual cost per individual is $40,012 as of FY20.
Adult Male
The Menard Correctional Center primarily houses adult male inmates. The facility has a total of 1,770 maximum security adult male inmates as of May 2023.
Level E Offenders
Level E offenders are inmates who are deemed to be a high escape risk and are housed in a separate unit. As of May 2023, it is unclear how many Level E offenders are housed at Menard Correctional Center.
Diagnostic Orientation Status Offenders
Diagnostic Orientation Status (DOS) offenders are inmates who are in the process of being diagnosed and classified by the Illinois Department of Corrections. As of May 2023, there is no information available on the number of DOS offenders at Menard Correctional Center.
Reception Center Status
The Menard Reception & Classification Center is a separate unit within the facility that houses inmates who are in the process of being classified and assigned to a permanent facility. As of May 2023, there are 49 inmates housed in the Reception Center.
Death Row
Menard Correctional Center houses Illinois’ death row, which is known as the Condemned Unit. As of May 2023, there are no inmates on death row at Menard Correctional Center.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding has been an issue at Menard Correctional Center in the past. In 2013, a lawsuit was filed against the facility for overcrowding, claiming that the facility was housing more than double its intended capacity. As of May 2023, it is unclear whether overcrowding is still an issue at the facility.
Other Information
The average prisoner age at Menard Correctional Center is not available. The facility is comprised of 155 buildings totaling 1,294,000 square feet, with 41 acres enclosed by a perimeter. The North and South Cell Houses are two of the largest cell houses at the facility. Each inmate is assigned an ID number upon arrival at the facility.
Visitation
Menard Correctional Center allows visitation for inmates as a way to maintain family connections and reduce recidivism. The facility offers contact and non-contact visits, legal visits, extended visits, and video visitation. The visitation guidelines are strict and must be followed by all visitors.
Contact Visits
Contact visits are allowed for inmates who are in the general division. Visitors can touch and hug the inmate during these visits. The visits are held in a designated area, and visitors must follow the dress code and other guidelines.
Non-Contact Visits
Non-contact visits are allowed for inmates who are in the maximum security unit. Visitors and inmates communicate through a glass partition during these visits. The visits are held in a designated area, and visitors must follow the dress code and other guidelines.
Legal Visits
Legal visits are allowed for attorneys and other legal representatives. These visits are held in a designated area, and visitors must follow the dress code and other guidelines. Legal visits are not subject to time limits.
Duty Warden
The duty warden has the authority to restrict or deny visitation for any reason. Visitors must follow the instructions of the duty warden at all times.
Visit Restriction
Visitation may be restricted or denied for visitors who violate the dress code or other guidelines, or for visitors who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility.
Adult Visitors
All visitors must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID. Visitors who are under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Visitation Guidelines
Visitors must follow the dress code and other guidelines. Visitors are not allowed to bring in any items, including cell phones, cameras, or weapons. Visitors must pass through a metal detector and may be subject to a search.
Video Visitation
Menard Correctional Center also offers video visitation for inmates. Video visitation hours for the General Division are Sunday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Video visitation hours for the Medium Security Unit are Sunday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors should log on 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
Visitation Hours
Visitation hours depend on the unit an inmate is in. Visitors should check this link for more information. The facility is located at 711 Kaskaskia Street, Chester, Illinois, and is an adult male facility. The facility is located near the Mississippi River.
Education and Programming
Menard Correctional Center provides a variety of educational and programming opportunities to its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to lead productive lives after their release.
The center offers academic, vocational, substance abuse, anger management, chaplaincy, library, automotive, construction occupations, horticulture, culinary arts, thinking for a change, and career technology programs.
Academic
Menard Correctional Center provides GED and Adult Basic Education programs to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills. These programs are designed to help inmates earn a high school equivalency certificate and prepare for college-level courses.
Vocational
Menard Correctional Center offers vocational programs that provide inmates with job skills training. These programs include automotive, construction occupations, horticulture, and culinary arts. Inmates who complete these programs are better equipped to find employment after their release.
Substance Abuse
Menard Correctional Center provides substance abuse programs to help inmates overcome addiction and learn how to live a drug-free life. These programs include counseling, group therapy, and educational classes.
Anger Management
Menard Correctional Center offers anger management programs to help inmates learn how to control their emotions and avoid violent behavior. These programs include counseling, group therapy, and educational classes.
Chaplaincy
Menard Correctional Center provides chaplaincy services to inmates of all faiths. These services include religious study groups, worship services, and pastoral counseling.
Library
Menard Correctional Center has a library that provides inmates with access to books, magazines, and other reading materials. Inmates can use the library to improve their literacy skills and learn about a variety of topics.
Automotive
Menard Correctional Center offers an automotive program that provides inmates with the skills they need to work in the automotive industry. Inmates learn how to repair and maintain cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
Construction Occupations
Menard Correctional Center offers a construction occupation program that provides inmates with the skills they need to work in the construction industry. Inmates learn how to build and repair buildings, roads, and other structures.
Horticulture
Menard Correctional Center offers a horticulture program that provides inmates with the skills they need to work in the landscaping and gardening industry. Inmates learn how to grow and care for plants, flowers, and trees.
Culinary Arts
Menard Correctional Center offers a culinary arts program that provides inmates with the skills they need to work in the food service industry. Inmates learn how to prepare and cook a variety of dishes.
Thinking for a Change
Menard Correctional Center offers a Thinking for a Change program that helps inmates develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. This program is designed to help inmates make better choices and avoid negative behaviors.
Career Technology
Menard Correctional Center offers a Career Technology program that provides inmates with the skills they need to work in a variety of industries. Inmates learn how to use computers, operate machinery, and perform other job-related tasks.
Menard Correctional Center also hosts a reentry summit every year to help inmates prepare for their release and transition back into society. Anthony Wills, the center’s warden, is committed to providing inmates with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Prison Labor
Menard Correctional Center uses prison labor to perform various tasks within the facility and for outside contracts. Inmates are paid a nominal wage for their work, which is used to cover their own expenses and contribute to victim restitution funds.
Meat Processing
One of the primary industries at Menard Correctional Center is meat processing. Inmates work in the prison’s slaughterhouse and processing plant, where they process beef, pork, and poultry. The meat is then sold to various vendors, including schools, hospitals, and government agencies.
Waste Removal
Inmates at Menard Correctional Center are also responsible for waste removal within the facility. They collect and dispose of garbage, as well as recycling materials such as paper and cardboard. Inmates also operate a composting program, which turns food waste into fertilizer for the prison’s gardens.
Construction Trades
Menard Correctional Center offers vocational training in various construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Inmates receive hands-on experience working on projects within the facility, such as building and repairing furniture, as well as participating in community service projects.
The use of prison labor has been a controversial issue in the United States, with some critics arguing that it exploits inmates and undermines fair labor practices. However, supporters of prison labor argue that it provides inmates with valuable job skills and helps reduce recidivism rates.
The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains that its prison labor programs are designed to provide inmates with vocational training and prepare them for successful reentry into society. While the use of prison labor remains a contentious issue, Menard Correctional Center continues to provide inmates with opportunities for work and skill development.
Health Care
Menard Correctional Center has a health care unit that provides medical and behavioral health services to inmates. The health care unit is staffed by licensed medical professionals who are responsible for providing care to inmates. The unit is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology to ensure that inmates receive the best possible care.
The health care unit provides a wide range of services to inmates, including:
- Primary care services
- Dental care services
- Mental health services
- Specialty care services
- Chronic care services
Inmates can access health care services by submitting a sick call request. The request is reviewed by a medical professional, who determines the appropriate course of action. Inmates can also receive medical care through scheduled appointments.
The health care unit also provides preventative care services, such as immunizations and health education. Inmates are encouraged to take an active role in their health care by participating in health education programs and following the advice of medical professionals.
Overall, the health care unit at Menard Correctional Center is committed to providing high-quality medical and behavioral health services to inmates. The unit works closely with other departments within the facility to ensure that inmates receive comprehensive care.