Lake County Inmate Search
A Lake County inmate search refers to the process of obtaining information about individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities located in Lake County, Illinois. Lake County inmate records are considered part of Lake County Public Records and can be accessed by interested persons according to the provisions of the Illinois Public Records Act. Lake County inmate searches are essential when gathering data for studies or criminal investigations, locating offenders in county-run correctional facilities, and obtaining information relating to an inmate's incarceration, including their charges, sentence length, release date, fines, and relevant criminal history (where applicable).
Lake County Crime and Incarceration Statistics
According to a 2019 report published by the Center for Criminal Justice Research, Police and Practice, larceny-theft was the county's most-reported crime in that year. Between 2005 and 2018, 72% of reported crimes were larceny theft, while 16% were burglary incidents. However, the number of arrests in the county has gradually declined. The county recorded less than 7000 misdemeanor arrests in 2018, compared to more than 11,000 in 2008. It also recorded fewer arrests of younger adults aged 18 to 24. Between 2010 and 2018, the arrest rate for adults 25 to 44 reduced by 39%, while those of emerging adults declined by 61%.
Lake County Prison System
Lake County's prison comprises a central jail and several correctional centers. The Lake County Adult Jail is a medium secure correctional facility that serves as the main detention center. The Sheriff's Office Corrections Division oversees the facility and has a capacity for up to 600 inmates. Other correctional facilities in the county include the Hulse Juvenile Detention Center, which holds youths charged with a criminal offense. Oversight of this facility falls under the jurisdiction of the Division of Juvenile Probation & Detention Service. Summarily, the county's correctional facilities include:
- Lake County Adult Correctional Center
- Lake County Community-Based Corrections
- Lake County Juvenile Detention
How to Find an Inmate in Lake County
To find an inmate in Lake County, inquirers are advised to contact the custodial correctional facility. For instance, the Lake County Sheriff's Office provides online options for locating inmates using a known name or inmate number. Requesters may also be able to obtain information by visiting the County Sheriff's office at:
Sheriff's Office Corrections Division
29 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
If the inmate is in the custody of the Illinois Department of Correction, members of the public may be able to obtain information by calling (217) 558-2200.
How Does a Lake County Inmate Search Work?
Inmate searches are permitted per the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The Act provides that members of the public may access or obtain records in possession of public agencies, except where excluded by law. The information provided during an inmate search typically varies. However, most searches offer the following inmate information depending on the individual's status and the type of crime committed:
- Inmate's name (includes first, middle, and last name to reduce duplication incidents)
- Inmates' registration number (this may be a county number, IDOC number, or BOP number).
- Inmates' bio-data (sex and race)
- Inmate's physical profile (weight, height, eye color)
- Presence of any marks, scars, or tattoos
- Inmate's location (name of the facility where the inmate is being held)
- Inmate's admission date
- Projected parole date
- Release date (Inmates projected release date if known)
- Inmate's status (in custody, on parole, etc.).
- Sentencing information (offense, duration of sentence)
Where to Find a Lake County Inmate Locator
Residents can locate inmates using different online tools, depending on where the inmate is housed. For instance, the Lake County Sheriff's Office provides an online tool for locating inmates housed in facilities maintained by the county government. To use the tool, inquirers must provide a last name (at least three letters) and a first name (at least one letter). Searches can also be filtered by booking number or booking date.
Similarly, residents who wish to locate individuals in the Illinois Department of Correction (IDOC) custody can use a locator tool provided by the department. Accepted search criteria include a last name, birth date, or a known IDOC number. The whereabouts of inmates located in a federal-managed prison fall under the overview of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Inquirers may be able to locate federal inmates using an online inmate locator. Searches on the public federal platform will require a BOP register number. Alternatively, searches can be conducted using a first, middle, and last name.
Inmate searches can also be conducted using third-party inmate locators. These non-governmental platforms provide access to databases containing records compiled from multiple jurisdictions, which may include Lake County. Members of the public can search for inmates using a name after paying a fee.
How to Send Money to a Lake County Inmate
The Lake County Sheriff's Office provides different options for transferring funds to an inmate's account. Senders can deposit funds directly into an inmate's account using ConnectNetwork's Trust fund Service. This option will require an active ConnectNetwork account. Deposits can be processed online or using either the iOS or Android app. Depositors may also be able to send money by phone. Alternatively, funds can be placed in an inmate's account by making payments at a Jail reception lobby kiosk.
How to Visit a Lake County Inmate
All visits at the Lake County Jail are conducted via video. Friends and families can either choose remote video visits using a compatible tablet or onsite video visits, which take place in the visitation lobby. However, onsite visits must be scheduled in advance of the date. Video visits conducted via a remote mobile app require an active account with the GettingOut service. Visitors must also download an iOS or Android app.
Remote visits cost 0.25 cents per minute, while visits at the lobby are charted free (inmates are allowed only one free visit per week). The visiting lobby opens Sunday through Saturday between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., 11:45 and 2:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Visitors are also required to provide proof of identification. Acceptable means of identification include:
- Illinois Bar Association Card
- Student I.D
- State-issued driver's license
- Passport (with photo)
- Government ID card
In the event of a facility emergency, scheduled visits may be canceled. In addition, while at the visitation center, visitors are not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke. Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be forcefully removed from the center.
How to Send Jail Mail in Lake County
Friends and family must direct any incoming mail sent to inmates housed by the Lake County Sheriff to the following:
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
There are no limits on the amount of jail mail an inmate may receive. However, certain items are prohibited from being sent by mail. These include:
- Cash, credit cards, or money orders
- Articles of clothing
- Food items
- Any drawing, text, or symbol associated with gangs
- Any item that contains material other than paper
- Reading material or magazines (except when purchased directly from approved vendors)
Lake County Jails and Prisons
The following are some jail facilities, prisons, and detention centers in Lake County:
Hulse Juvenile Detention Center
24647 North Milwaukee Avenue
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 377-7800
Lake County Adult Correctional Center
20 South County Street,
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-4150
Lake County Community-Based Corrections
15 South Martin Luther King Junior Avenue,
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-4062
Lake County Juvenile Detention,
25467 North Milwaukee Avenue,
Vernon Hills, IL 60061,
(847) 377-4188
