Pontiac Correctional Center is a medium-security prison located in Livingston County, Illinois. It is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and has been in operation since 1871. The facility sits on a 37-acre site, with 32 acres being enclosed by fencing.
Pontiac Correctional Center houses a variety of individuals in custody, including those in segregation, protective custody, mental health, administrative detention, reintegration management, and medium security.
The facility offers various programs for individuals in custody, including academic programs such as Adult Basic Education, as well as vocational and life skills programs. The goal of these programs is to help individuals in custody prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society.
Pontiac Correctional Center has a long history and has undergone many changes throughout the years. Despite its challenges, the facility remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and individuals in custody. In this article, we will explore the history of Pontiac Correctional Center, its current operations, and the challenges it faces in the future.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,255 |
| Physical Address | 700 West Lincoln Street Pontiac, IL 61764 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 99 Pontiac, IL 61764 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (815) 842-2816 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Construction and Opening
Pontiac Correctional Center is a medium-security prison located in Livingston County, Illinois. The facility was built in 1871 and was originally known as the Illinois State Prison. It was constructed using limestone quarried from the nearby town of Joliet. The prison was designed to house up to 1,000 inmates, and its construction cost $1.3 million.
The Illinois State Prison was opened in 1871 and remained in operation until 2009. During its long history, the prison saw many changes and improvements. In the early 1900s, the prison began to focus on rehabilitation and education programs for inmates. In the 1930s, the prison became known for its successful farming program, which allowed inmates to work on the prison’s farm and sell their produce to local markets.
Notable Inmates
Over the years, the Illinois State Prison, later known as Pontiac Correctional Center, housed many notorious inmates. One of the most well-known inmates was William Balfour, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of three members of singer Jennifer Hudson’s family in 2008. Balfour was transferred to Pontiac Correctional Center in 2012.
Another high-profile inmate was Drew Peterson, a former police officer who was convicted of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison and was transferred to Pontiac Correctional Center in 2013.
Pontiac Correctional Center also housed Larry Eyler, a serial killer who was convicted of murdering at least 21 young men in the 1980s. Eyler was transferred to Pontiac in 1986 and remained there until his death in 1994.
In addition to these notable inmates, Pontiac Correctional Center has housed many other individuals over the years. The facility has a capacity of 1,255 inmates and currently houses both medium-security and maximum-security inmates.
Facility
Pontiac Correctional Center is a prison facility located in Pontiac, Illinois. The facility has a total of 63 buildings covering more than 744,000 square feet. The site is enclosed by fencing, with 32 acres of the 37-acre site being fenced. The facility is designed to house different categories of inmates, including maximum-security, medium-security, and minimum-security inmates.
Layout and Features
The facility has different units for various categories of inmates, including the Maximum-Security Unit, Medium-Security Unit, Minimum-Security Inmates, Administrative Detention Reintegration Management, Level 3, Level 1, North Condemned/Administrative Detention, Death Row Inmates, Segregated, General Population Status, North Segregation, East Cell House, Segregation Release, South Protective Custody Unit, Former Death Row Offenders, South Mental Health Unit, and West Cell House.
The Maximum-Security Unit houses the most dangerous offenders, while the Medium-Security Unit houses inmates who are less of a danger to society. Minimum-Security Inmates are those who are less likely to escape or pose a threat to society. Administrative Detention Reintegration Management is a unit designed to help inmates transition back into society after serving their sentences.
Death Row Inmates are housed in a separate unit, where they await execution. The North Condemned/Administrative Detention unit is where inmates who are condemned to death or are in administrative detention are housed.
Segregated inmates are housed in a separate unit away from the general population. The North Segregation unit is where inmates with disciplinary issues are housed. The East Cell House is where inmates who are not in segregation are housed. The Segregation Release unit is where inmates are placed after they are released from segregation.
The South Protective Custody Unit is where inmates who need protection from other inmates are housed. The Former Death Row Offenders unit is where inmates who have been removed from death row are housed. The South Mental Health Unit is where inmates with mental health issues are housed, and the West Cell House is where inmates with general population status are housed.
Operational Capacity
The facility has an operational capacity of 1,255 inmates. The facility is designed to provide a secure environment for inmates and staff members. The staff members are trained to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates.
The facility is equipped with modern security systems, including surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and alarms, to ensure the safety of the inmates and staff members. The facility also has a medical unit that provides medical care to inmates who require it.
In conclusion, Pontiac Correctional Center is a well-designed facility that provides a secure environment for inmates and staff members. The facility has different units for various categories of inmates, including maximum-security, medium-security, and minimum-security inmates. The facility also has modern security systems to ensure the safety of the inmates and staff members.
Population
Pontiac Correctional Center is a maximum-security adult male facility with an operational capacity of 1,255 individuals. As of the latest quarterly report in January 2018, the facility’s total population was 1,432, including 574 inmates at Pontiac Correctional Center and 870 inmates at Stateville Correctional Center. The report also shows that the average annual cost per individual was $70,366 in FY20.
Inmate Demographics
The age range of the inmates varies, with the largest age group being between 31 and 40 years old, followed by the age group between 41 and 50 years old. The report also shows that 445 inmates at Pontiac Correctional Center participated in educational and vocational programs, with 117 of them earning their GED.
Mental Health
Pontiac Correctional Center has a mental health operational capacity of 66, with 66 chronically mentally ill (CMI) inmates. The quarterly report in April 2015 shows that 232 inmates at Pontiac Correctional Center had a psychiatric diagnosis, with 77 of them diagnosed with schizophrenia, 71 with bipolar disorder, and 71 with major affective disorder. The report also shows that 294 inmates had a psychological diagnosis, with 208 of them diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.
In conclusion, Pontiac Correctional Center is a maximum-security adult male facility with a population of 1,255 inmates. The majority of the inmates are men, and the age range varies. The facility offers educational and vocational programs, with 117 inmates earning their GED. Pontiac Correctional Center also has a mental health operational capacity of 66, with 66 CMI inmates. The majority of the inmates with psychiatric and psychological diagnoses have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major affective disorder.
Services
Pontiac Correctional Center offers a range of services to inmates to help them improve their lives while incarcerated. These services include health care, programs, and correctional officers who ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Correctional Officers
Pontiac Correctional Center employs a team of correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility. The Union represents the officers and works to ensure that staffing levels are appropriate to maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates. The facility operates on a strict schedule, and officers work overtime as necessary to ensure that all areas of the prison are covered.
Health Care
Inmates at Pontiac Correctional Center have access to a range of healthcare services. The facility has a fully staffed medical unit that provides routine care as well as emergency services. Mental health development is also available for those who need it. The facility strives to provide quality care to all inmates, regardless of their medical needs.
Programs
Pontiac Correctional Center offers a variety of programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of success upon release. Anger management classes are available to help inmates learn how to manage their emotions and avoid conflict.
The facility also offers educational programs to help inmates earn their GED or pursue college courses. Vocational training programs are also available to help inmates learn valuable skills that will help them find employment upon release.
In conclusion, Pontiac Correctional Center provides a range of services to help inmates improve their lives while incarcerated. The facility employs correctional officers to maintain order and security, provides health care services to all inmates, and offers a variety of programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for life after incarceration.
Visitation
Pontiac Correctional Center recognizes the importance of maintaining family and community ties through visitation. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the visitation hours and guidelines to ensure a successful visit.
Visitation Hours
Visitation hours at Pontiac Correctional Center vary depending on the housing unit of the inmate. Visitors are encouraged to check with the facility prior to traveling to ensure that the date on which they intend to visit is an authorized visiting day for the individual in custody. Monthly visiting schedules are also available on the facility’s website.
Visiting Days
Authorized visiting days at Pontiac Correctional Center vary depending on the housing unit of the inmate. Visitors are encouraged to check with the facility prior to traveling to ensure that the date on which they intend to visit is an authorized visiting day for the individual in custody. Monthly visiting schedules are also available on the facility’s website.
During authorized visiting days, visitors are allowed to visit their loved ones in custody. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they have enough time for the check-in process. Visitors are also reminded that they must adhere to the facility’s dress code policy.
Overall, Pontiac Correctional Center strives to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and visitors during visitation hours.
Safety and Security
Pontiac Correctional Center places a strong emphasis on safety and security for both inmates and staff. The facility has various policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of all individuals within its walls.
Abuse and Assault
Abuse and assault are serious concerns within correctional facilities, and Pontiac Correctional Center is no exception. The facility has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse or assault, and all allegations are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Inmates who are victims of abuse or assault are provided with medical and mental health care, as well as access to victim advocacy services.
Homemade Weapons
Homemade weapons are a significant threat to the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Pontiac Correctional Center has strict policies and procedures in place to prevent the creation and use of homemade weapons. The facility conducts regular searches and inspections to ensure that no weapons are being created or used within the facility. Inmates found to be in possession of a homemade weapon are subject to disciplinary action.
Investigation
In the event of an incident or allegation of misconduct, Pontiac Correctional Center has a thorough investigation process in place. The facility has a team of trained investigators who conduct impartial and thorough investigations to determine the facts of the situation. The facility also has a grievance process in place for inmates who wish to file a complaint or report an incident.
Overall, Pontiac Correctional Center places a strong emphasis on safety and security. The facility has policies and procedures in place to prevent and respond to incidents of abuse, assault, and the creation and use of homemade weapons. The facility also has a thorough investigation process in place to ensure that all allegations are investigated impartially and thoroughly.