Vandalia Correctional Center is a prison facility located in Vandalia, Illinois. The facility was established as the original prison farm operation in Illinois, housing misdemeanor individuals in custody. With a dorm-type setting and 113 buildings, the center spans a total of 412,000 square feet and has a total acreage of 1,520, with eight acres contained within the facility’s perimeter.
Operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Vandalia Correctional Center is responsible for the custody and care of its inmates. The center provides a range of programs and services aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society. In addition to its rehabilitation programs, the facility offers educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment to its inmates.
As with all correctional facilities, the Vandalia Correctional Center has faced its fair share of challenges, including overcrowding and staffing shortages. Despite these challenges, the facility remains committed to its mission of providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates, while also working to rehabilitate and prepare them for a successful return to society.
| Security | Minimum |
| Capacity | 1,300 |
| Physical Address | US-51, Vandalia, IL 62471 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 500 Vandalia, IL 62471 |
| 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) 283-4170 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facility Overview
The Vandalia Correctional Center is located in Vandalia, Illinois. The facility was established as the original prison farm operation in Illinois and has a dorm-type setting with 113 buildings, totaling 412,000 square feet.
Location and Physical Address
The Vandalia Correctional Center is located 85 miles southeast of Springfield, Illinois, and is situated on a 1,000-acre plot of land. The physical address of the facility is US-51, Vandalia, IL 62471.
Operational Capacity
The Vandalia Correctional Center has an operational capacity of 1,300 inmates, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. The facility is classified as a minimum-security prison and houses adult males who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to serve time in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Security and Accountability
The Vandalia Correctional Center is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility has a number of security measures in place, including perimeter fencing, electronic detection systems, and 24-hour surveillance cameras. Inmates are also subject to regular cell searches and pat-downs to ensure that contraband is not being smuggled into the facility.
The Vandalia Correctional Center also has a number of programs in place to help inmates prepare for their eventual release into society. These programs include educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Visitation
Visitation is an important part of the rehabilitation process for inmates at Vandalia Correctional Center. Friends and family members of inmates can visit on designated days and times, subject to certain rules and regulations.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Vandalia Correctional Center are 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. Visitors should log on 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Visitors are not allowed to enter the facility outside of these hours.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must follow certain rules and regulations when visiting Vandalia Correctional Center. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. Some of the rules include:
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Visitors must present a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must wear appropriate clothing and follow the dress code.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visitation area, including phones, purses, and bags.
- Visitors are subject to search before entering the facility.
Photo Identification
All visitors to Vandalia Correctional Center must present a valid photo ID before being allowed to enter the facility. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. Visitors who do not have a valid photo ID will not be allowed to visit.
Lockers
Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visitation area, including phones, purses, and bags. To accommodate this, lockers are available for visitors to store their belongings. Visitors must bring their own locks to secure their items in the lockers.
Overall, visitors to Vandalia Correctional Center must follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. By following these rules, visitors can help ensure that their visit is a positive and productive experience for themselves and the inmate they are visiting.
Offender Programs
The Vandalia Correctional Center offers various programs to help offenders gain skills and knowledge that can help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs include GED, Adult Basic Education, College Courses, and Horticulture.
GED
The GED program at Vandalia Correctional Center helps offenders earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program is designed to help offenders improve their reading, writing, and math skills. The program is taught by qualified instructors who use a variety of teaching methods to ensure that all learners are able to succeed.
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education program at Vandalia Correctional Center is designed to help offenders improve their basic literacy skills. The program covers topics such as reading, writing, and math. The program is taught by qualified instructors who use a variety of teaching methods to ensure that all learners are able to succeed.
College Courses
Vandalia Correctional Center offers college courses to offenders who are interested in pursuing higher education. The courses are taught by qualified instructors from local colleges and universities.
The courses cover a variety of subjects, including business, psychology, and computer science. Offenders who successfully complete college courses may be able to earn college credits that can be transferred to other institutions upon release.
Horticulture
The Horticulture program at Vandalia Correctional Center teaches offenders how to grow and care for plants. The program is taught by qualified instructors who have experience in the field of horticulture. The program covers topics such as plant identification, soil preparation, and plant propagation. Offenders who successfully complete the program may be able to find employment in the field of horticulture upon release.
Overall, the offender programs at Vandalia Correctional Center are designed to help offenders gain skills and knowledge that can help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs are taught by qualified instructors who use a variety of teaching methods to ensure that all learners are able to succeed.
Inmate Information
When incarcerated at Vandalia Correctional Center, an individual is assigned an identification number that will be used throughout their stay. This number is used for all official correspondence, including mail and visitation requests. Inmates are also required to carry an identification card with their picture and identification number at all times.
Identification
Male inmates at Vandalia Correctional Center are issued a standard prison uniform upon arrival. The uniform consists of khaki pants and a matching shirt with the identification number printed on the back. Inmates are also required to wear black boots and a black belt. Inmates who are assigned to work outside the facility may be issued additional clothing and equipment.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at Vandalia Correctional Center are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. All mail must be addressed to the inmate’s identification number and include the full name of the inmate. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages or items that are not pre-approved by the facility. The mailing address for Vandalia Correctional Center is:
Inmate Name and IDOC#
Vandalia Correctional Center
Post Office Box 500
Vandalia, IL 62471Vehicle Information
Inmates at Vandalia Correctional Center are not allowed to own or operate a vehicle while incarcerated. Visitors are required to park in designated areas and are subject to search before entering the facility. Inmates who are assigned to work outside the facility may be transported in a facility-owned vehicle.
Probation
Inmates at Vandalia Correctional Center may be eligible for probation or parole depending on the nature of their offense and their behavior while incarcerated. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and reintegration into society.
Contraband
Inmates at Vandalia Correctional Center are not allowed to possess any contraband items, including drugs, weapons, and cell phones. The facility has strict security protocols in place to prevent the introduction of contraband and to identify and remove any items that are found. Inmates who are found in possession of contraband may face disciplinary action and criminal charges.