Hancock County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Hancock County

Hancock County Jail Information

The Hancock County Jail is a 52 bed jail in the city of Carthage, Hancock County, Illinois. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 217-357-2115.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.

You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.

Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Illinois State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 217-357-2115, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Hancock County Jail at 217-357-2115 to get it.

Phone: 217-357-2115

Physical Address:
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, IL 62321

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Hancock County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Hancock County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 217-357-2115 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the  Hancock County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.

Hancock County Jail Inmate Search

The Hancock County Jail maintains an average of 52 offenders in custody on any given day. The Hancock County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Hancock County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,040 offenders.

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About the Hancock County Jail

The 52-bed Hancock County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Hancock County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year. 

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 217-357-2115, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment. 

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks. 

The Hancock County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills. 

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided. 

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit. 

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program. 

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page

All personal mail is sent to: 

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

What is the booking process for the Hancock County Jail?

After being arrested, the offender is brought to the Hancock County Jail for booking, which is the detailed process of identifying, classifying, deciding on charges, and whether the person will either be released on their own recognizance, allowed to be released on bail, or moved into the jail until their court date.

The first thing every newly arrested person must do is close their mouth. Everything an offender says may be used against them, so the best thing to do is remain silent when questioned about the arrest and what led to it.

These are the steps of booking someone into the Hancock County Jail:

  • Personal identification.
  • Mugshot(s).
  • Questions about medical history, mental health, drug and alcohol use, and gang affiliations.
  • Possible DNA.
  • Full body search.
  • Property forfeiture.
  • Free phone call.

Booking can take as little as an hour, or up to 48 hours on a busy weekend or holiday evening, or if the offender is violent, wasted or generally uncooperative. If you have any questions about when you can pay an offender's bond and what the cost will be, call the facility at 217-357-2115.

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Directions / Map to the Hancock County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How do you pay bail for someone who has been arrested in [county_extended}?

When an offender is arrested and brought to the Hancock County Jail in Carthage for booking, there are several outcomes after being processed.

1. The offender will be released with no bail, promising to return on a specific date to appear before a judge in either Municipal or Hancock County Court.
2. The offender is ordered to remain in jail until their court date.
3. The offender is allowed to be released after paying a specified bond or bail.  Call 217-357-2115 to get the exact amount.

The payment of an offender's bail or bond can take many shapes.

  • If can be paid by cash, money order or credit card.
  • It can be paid using a bail company, licensed to do business in Hancock County.
  • It can be paid by using a residential property in the county as collateral. 

For detailed Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the entire bail process in Hancock County Illinois, check out the Hancock County Jail Bail Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Hancock County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, IL 62321
217-357-2115

  • Visits are 20 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 217-357-2115 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 217-357-2115 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES  
WEDNESDAY 12:30PM FEMALES
WEDNESDAY 1:30PM -3:00PM MALES
SATURDAY 12:30PM FEMALES
SATURDAY 1:30PM - 3:00PM MALES

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail?

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Hancock County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.

Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Hancock County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321


Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Hancock County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Hancock County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Hancock County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose Illinois, then choose Hancock County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Hancock County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Hancock County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Hancock County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Hancock County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail?

How do Inmates in Hancock County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Hancock County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Register with CTEL, the phone system Hancock County inmates must use.
  • Open an account, 
  • Fund your acount,
  • Find, and then sync with your inmate.

Rates

  • Rates cannot exceed $0.21 per minute for regular calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls.
  • The minimum billable duration is one minute.
  • Billable time is measured and rounded to the next higher full minute. 
  • Phone calls are terminated if the called party does not accept the call charges.
  • Customers are not billed for a 'no response'. 

Transaction Fees:

  • If paying through the Customer Portal Website: $3.00 per transaction
  • If paying with the assistance of a live operator: $5.95 per transaction

Minimum Deposit Amount
There is a $25.00 minimum for the first deposit.

Customer Service
Monday - Friday 8-5 PM CST
800-583-9683 
Email: support@ctel.us

For full information about using CTEL to communicate by phone with your Hancock County inmate, visit our Inmate Phone Page. You will find information about Inmate Phone schedules, rates, rules, policies, and tips. Please note that all of your phone calls will be recorderd and any information about your inmate's case that you speak about could be used against him in court. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail, and what can I send them?

Hancock County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Hancock County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Hancock County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Hancock County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Hancock County Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321

Hancock County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Hancock County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Hancock County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate's ID #
Inmates Full name
98 Buchanan Street
Carthage, Illinois 62321


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail, and what can I purchase?

JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Hancock County Jail

Search for JailATM services for Hancock County Jail.

Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Hancock County Jail. 

Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Hancock County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.

Send Gift Packs

Hancock County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.

These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Hancock County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Hancock County Jail follow these steps:

  • Go to JailATM, choose Illinois, then choose Hancock County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
  • Select the products you want shipped to them at Hancock County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Hancock County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Hancock County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Hancock County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Hancock County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Hancock County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Hancock County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-357-2115 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Hancock County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Hancock County?

Hancock Lee Adams McDonough Schuyler Henderson Clark Lewis
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Search for an Inmate in Hancock County

This facility, known as "Hancock County Jail" is also known as Hancock County Jail, Illinois, Hancock.