Tazewell County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Tazewell County in 2026
TazewellRecords.org provides access to publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Tazewell County. Members of the public may find records pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility assignments. The following record categories are accessible through official channels:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail status
- Court date schedules
Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that members of the public may access at no cost. To conduct a search, members of the public should navigate to the jail and inmate information page, select a search type — by name, booking number, or date — enter the applicable criteria, and review the results returned. Selecting an individual record displays additional detail.
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and booking photograph
- Current charges and case numbers
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date and expected release date (where available)
The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. A mobile application is not currently offered by the Sheriff's Office for inmate searches.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding twelve months are transferred from county jail to state custody. The Virginia Department of Corrections inmate and supervisee locator allows members of the public to search for individuals held in state correctional facilities. The search tool accepts the individual's name or offender identification number and returns current facility assignment, sentence information, and projected release dates where applicable. Transfer from county jail to state custody typically occurs within several weeks following sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP inmate locator is the appropriate resource when a person is believed to be in federal custody. The locator returns the individual's register number, age, race, sex, projected release date, and facility location. This resource does not return results for individuals held in county or state facilities.
Phone Search:
- Phone number for inmate information: Contact the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office at (309) 477-2250
- Automated information may be available for basic custody status inquiries
- Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available
- The administrative line operates during standard business hours
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may appear in person at the Sheriff's Office to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, facility location, and scheduled court dates.
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
342 Court Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2250
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office at the address above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
If a search of the county roster does not return results, the individual may be held in state prison — members of the public should consult the Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator. The individual may alternatively be in federal custody, in which case the BOP locator is the appropriate resource. Other possibilities include release from custody, transfer to another jurisdiction, or a recent booking not yet reflected in the online system. Name spelling variations may also affect search results. The Sheriff's Office may be contacted directly at (309) 477-2250 for assistance.
Are Inmate Records Public in Tazewell County?
Inmate records maintained by the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS § 140, which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records held by government bodies. As a general matter, records pertaining to individuals currently in custody are accessible to the public, subject to specific statutory exemptions.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population data
- Booking date and facility location
- Charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Expected release date (where available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
Certain categories of inmate information are exempt from public disclosure under applicable law. These include:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be withheld)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments maintained for security purposes
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Transparency in the operation of correctional facilities promotes accountability in the administration of justice. Public safety is served by allowing community members to verify the custody status of individuals. Family members and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its statutory functions.
Privacy Considerations:
Under current law, the disclosure of inmate records is balanced against the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Sensitive personal information — including medical history, mental health status, and information that could endanger an individual's safety — is protected from routine public disclosure. The impact of public records on the families of incarcerated individuals and on post-release employment prospects is recognized in the administration of records access policies.
What Is Inmate Records in Tazewell County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, legal status, and personal identification of individuals held in detention facilities. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding an individual's presence within the correctional system and are created at the point of booking by the arresting or receiving agency.
The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, as the official custodian of county jail records, is responsible for creating and maintaining records for all individuals booked into county detention facilities. The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities, while the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records are distinguished as follows:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photograph.
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual within the facility, including housing assignment, classification level, and disciplinary history.
- Incarceration history encompasses the complete record of an individual's prior bookings, charges, and periods of custody within the jurisdiction.
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, including the basis for release (bond, sentence completion, court order, or transfer).
County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving sentences of twelve months or fewer. State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to longer terms. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of offenses under federal law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Tazewell County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security limitations)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (where available)
- Actual release date (following discharge)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments and program participation (where disclosed)
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments withheld for security reasons
Tazewell County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Tazewell County jail system is operated under the authority of the Tazewell County Sheriff, who serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the county. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the operation of the county detention facility, the supervision of pre-trial detainees, and the custody of individuals serving sentences of twelve months or fewer. The facility also houses individuals subject to holds for other jurisdictions and, in some cases, federal contract detainees.
Administration:
The administrative offices of the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office oversee all aspects of jail operations, including classification, programming, and inmate services.
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
342 Court Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2250
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The county detention facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals subject to detainers from other agencies. Classification is conducted at intake and determines housing assignment and security level.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides the following services to individuals in custody:
- Medical care and health screenings
- Mental health services and crisis intervention
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programs including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library access and legal materials
- Recreation and physical activity
Legal Services:
Individuals in custody have access to legal materials through the facility's law library. Public defender coordination is conducted through the court system, and attorney visitation is available during designated hours.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for discharge. These services may include referrals for housing assistance, substance abuse treatment continuation, and employment resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Tazewell County jail is subject to oversight by the Illinois Department of Corrections and applicable state standards for county detention facilities. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody pursuant to 730 ILCS § 5/3-8-8, which governs inmate grievance rights in Illinois correctional facilities.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Tazewell County
Tazewell County Jail
The Tazewell County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. It is operated by the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office and houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody.
Tazewell County Jail
342 Court Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2250
Jail and Inmate Information
- Population served: Pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers, and individuals subject to holds from other agencies
- Security levels: Multiple classification levels based on intake assessment
- Inmate lookup: The inmate custody lookup tool is available online for public access
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention/Electronic Monitoring
The Sheriff's Office administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and is subject to the nature of the offense, criminal history, and risk assessment. Members of the public seeking information regarding this program may contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
Work Release
A work release program is available for eligible sentenced individuals, allowing participation in employment outside the facility under supervision. Eligibility criteria are established by the Sheriff's Office and the sentencing court.
Weekend Sentencing
Weekend sentencing arrangements may be available for eligible individuals serving short sentences, subject to court approval and facility capacity.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Tazewell County and sentenced to terms exceeding twelve months are transferred to facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections. State facilities are distinct from the county jail and are not operated by the Sheriff's Office. The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains its own inmate search tool for individuals in state custody.
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP facility locator identifies federal detention facilities by region. Federal custody is entirely separate from county and state correctional systems.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Tazewell County Jail | 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554 | (309) 477-2250 |
| Illinois Dept. of Corrections (State) | 1301 Concordia Court, Springfield, IL 62794 | (217) 558-2200 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons (Federal) | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Tazewell County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office provides a free, publicly accessible inmate search portal that requires no registration or payment. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond status, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with new bookings appearing within several hours of intake.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Illinois Department of Corrections provides a free online search tool for individuals held in state correctional facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have previously served time in state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The federal inmate locator is a free resource for locating individuals in federal custody. The tool returns current facility assignment, projected release date, and basic identifying information.
4. Court Records Search
The Tazewell General District Court and the Tazewell County Circuit Court maintain case records that may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. Court records are accessible through the clerk's office and, in some cases, through online case management systems.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (309) 477-2250 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. The administrative line operates during standard business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office at 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554, during business hours to request inmate information. Public access terminals may be available on-site. Staff assistance is available at the front desk during regular business hours at no charge.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search and current custody status
- Basic inmate information including charges and bond status
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
The following services are subject to fees:
- Sending funds to an inmate's account
- Video visitation services (fees set by service provider)
- Phone calls placed by inmates to outside parties
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records
- Third-party background check services
Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for inmate location and basic record access. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Under 5 ILCS § 140/6, public bodies are required to make public records available for inspection, and fees for copies are limited to the actual cost of reproduction. Members of the public should verify that any website accessed for inmate information displays a recognized government domain before submitting personal information or payment.