Tazewell County Public Records /Tazewell County Inmate Search

Tazewell County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Tazewell County?

Inmate records in Tazewell County are official documents created and maintained by the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office and its correctional division, capturing the full administrative history of each individual taken into custody. These records are distinct from court records: the Circuit Court Clerk maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, while the jail maintains custody records that document the physical detention of an individual from the moment of booking through release.

Record creation begins at intake, when a booking officer records the arrestee's personal identifiers, the arresting agency, the charges alleged, and any property held. The record is updated continuously throughout incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical flags, court transport dates, and bond status. Upon release, the record is closed and archived in accordance with Illinois retention schedules. Under 5 ILCS 160/ (the Illinois State Records Act), public bodies are required to maintain and make available records generated in the course of official government functions, which includes jail custody documentation.

Tazewell County Sheriff's Office McKinley Street, Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 477-2250 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office

Are Inmate Records Public In Tazewell County?

Inmate records in Tazewell County are generally accessible to the public under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) establishes a presumption of openness for all records held by public bodies, including county sheriff's offices and correctional facilities. Under current law, any person may submit a written FOIA request to the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office to obtain custody-related documents. The Sheriff's Office is required to respond within five business days of receiving a proper request.

The following categories of inmate information are publicly accessible at present:

Current inmate roster and custody status
Booking and arrest records, including date, time, and arresting agency
Charges filed against the individual
Bond and bail amounts set by the court
Expected release dates or scheduled court appearances
The name of the housing facility where the individual is held
Mugshots taken at the time of booking (subject to agency policy)

Certain information remains exempt from disclosure, including medical records, mental health evaluations, and information that could jeopardize facility security or an ongoing investigation, as provided under 5 ILCS 140/7.

What's Included Inmate Records in Tazewell County

Tazewell County inmate records contain a structured set of data fields compiled at booking and updated throughout the period of custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard components of a complete custody record.

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of booking
Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, hair color, eye color)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification number

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency and arresting officer
Current housing unit and cell assignment
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold for another agency)

Charge Information:

Statute(s) violated and offense description
Felony or misdemeanor classification
Case number assigned by the Circuit Court

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond posted date, if applicable

Court Information:

Next scheduled court date
Presiding judge and courtroom assignment
Case number cross-referenced with the Circuit Court Clerk's records, which members of the public may inspect through the Circuit Court Clerks directory maintained by Illinois Courts

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Sentence length imposed
Sentence begin date and projected end date
Credit for time served

Release Information:

Actual release date and time
Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transfer, court order)
Transferring agency, if applicable

Tazewell County Prison System

Tazewell County operates a county jail system administered by the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, which serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county's jurisdiction. The county jail holds individuals who are awaiting trial and have not posted bond, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies. This structure is distinct from the Illinois state prison system, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and houses individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year for more serious felony offenses.

Tazewell County Sheriff's Office — Jail Division McKinley Street, Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 477-2250 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office — Jail/Inmate Info

Types of Correctional Facilities In Tazewell County

Tazewell County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facility:

Tazewell County Jail McKinley Street, Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 477-2250 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office — Jail Information

The Tazewell County Jail is a county-operated detention facility under the direct supervision of the Sheriff. It functions as the sole local correctional facility for pre-trial detainees and short-term sentenced inmates within the county. The facility processes all bookings originating from municipal police departments, the Sheriff's patrol division, and state law enforcement agencies operating within Tazewell County. Individuals sentenced to longer terms may be transferred to an IDOC facility, where their custody status can be verified through the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search portal.

Who's in Prison In Tazewell County

The Tazewell County Jail houses several distinct populations at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet resolved their cases in court and have not posted bond. The facility also holds individuals who have been convicted and are serving sentences of up to one year, as authorized under Illinois law for misdemeanor and certain felony offenses. Additional populations include individuals held on immigration detainers, those awaiting transfer to IDOC or another county, individuals serving weekend sentences, and those held on contempt of court orders. Juveniles are not housed in the adult facility and are processed through the juvenile justice system.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Tazewell County in 2026

Members of the public may locate inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:

Online Custody Search: The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate custody lookup tool on its official website. Users may search by the individual's last name to retrieve current custody status, charges, and bond information.
Warrant Lookup: The same portal provides access to warrant information, allowing users to determine whether an individual has an active warrant on file with the Sheriff's Office.
In-Person Request: Members of the public may visit the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office during business hours to request custody records in person. Staff at the public counter can assist with locating booking records and directing requestors to the appropriate division.
FOIA Request: For records not available through the online portal, a written Freedom of Information Act request may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests must identify the subject of the record with sufficient specificity and may be submitted by mail, in person, or by email to the designated FOIA officer.
Circuit Court Records: For case-related documents such as charging instruments, court orders, and sentencing records, members of the public may contact the Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk, whose office maintains the official court file for each criminal case.

Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 477-2214 Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk

How To Find an Inmate in Tazewell County for Free?

Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an individual held in Tazewell County or the Illinois state system.

Tazewell County Sheriff's Online Portal: The Sheriff's Office provides a free jail and inmate information search on its website, accessible at any time without registration or fees.
Custody Lookup by Name: Users may search the inmate custody roster directly by entering the individual's last name. No account or payment is required.
IDOC Offender Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, the Illinois Department of Corrections individuals in custody search allows searches by last name, IDOC number, or date of birth at no cost.
Circuit Court Case Search: The Illinois Courts system provides public access to court case information through the Clerk's office, and the Circuit Court Clerks directory lists contact information for each county's clerk.
Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Tazewell County Jail directly at (309) 477-2250 to inquire about an individual's custody status at no charge.

How To Visit an Inmate In Tazewell County

Visitation at the Tazewell County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. All visitors must comply with the following requirements.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list before a visit may occur.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all adult visitors at the time of check-in.
Visitors are subject to search upon entry to the facility.

Visit Schedule:

Visitation schedules are set by the facility and may vary by housing unit. Members of the public should contact the jail directly at (309) 477-2250 to confirm current visiting hours, as schedules are subject to change.

What to Bring:

Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, or any contraband
Cell phones, cameras, or recording devices beyond the facility's designated areas
Food, beverages, or packages not authorized through official channels

Dress Code:

Visitors must dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.

Visit Types:

The facility currently offers in-person contact or non-contact visits depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment. Video visitation options may also be available; members of the public should confirm availability with the jail.

Visit Restrictions:

Individuals with active warrants, those on probation or parole, or those with prior criminal convictions may be subject to additional screening or denial of visitation privileges. Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult guardian.

How To Send Money to a Tazewell County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Tazewell County Jail. The following information reflects current facility policy.

Accepted Methods:

Kiosk deposits at the facility lobby (where available)
Online deposits through the jail's approved third-party payment vendor
Money orders submitted by mail, made payable as directed by the facility

Amount Limits:

The facility may impose limits on the amount that can be deposited within a given period. Members of the public should confirm current limits by contacting the jail at (309) 477-2250.

Fees:

Third-party payment processors typically charge a transaction fee. The fee amount varies by method and vendor.

What You Cannot Send:

Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted.
Personal checks are generally not accepted.
No funds may be sent through informal or unauthorized channels.

Use of Funds:

Commissary account funds may be used to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time.
Funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly through the commissary system unless specifically authorized by the court.

How To Send Jail Mail In Tazewell County

Correspondence sent to inmates at the Tazewell County Jail must comply with facility mail policies. All incoming mail is inspected by jail staff prior to delivery to the inmate.