LaSalle County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In LaSalle County?
Inmate records in LaSalle County are official government documents maintained by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that begins at the moment of booking and continues throughout an individual's period of incarceration until their release.
Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1, correctional institutions are required to maintain records of all persons committed to their custody. These records differ significantly from court records, which are maintained by the circuit court clerk and focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal determinations. In contrast, inmate records focus on:
- Physical custody and location of the individual
- Security classification and housing assignments
- Behavioral incidents during incarceration
- Visitation records and communications
- Medical and mental health information
- Program participation and work assignments
The LaSalle County Sheriff's Office creates these records during the intake process when an individual is first booked into custody. Information is collected through interviews, fingerprinting, photographs, and documentation of personal property. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in status, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information until the inmate is released.
Are Inmate Records Public In LaSalle County?
Inmate records in LaSalle County are partially public under Illinois law. According to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/), certain basic information about individuals in custody must be made available to the public. However, the law also provides specific exemptions to protect sensitive information.
The following inmate record information is generally accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
- Booking information including date and time
- Charges filed against the individual
- Mugshot photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Information that is typically restricted from public access includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary reports and internal security information
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
The LaSalle County Jail maintains an online inmate search portal that provides public access to basic custody information. This system allows members of the public to verify if an individual is currently in custody and view limited information about their status.
What's Included Inmate Records in LaSalle County
Inmate records in LaSalle County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer
- Custody classification level
- Current housing assignment
- Scheduled court appearances
- Disciplinary incidents and sanctions
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case numbers associated with charges
- Warrant information if applicable
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Statute citations for alleged violations
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bond conditions if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to case
- Next scheduled court date
- Court case numbers
- Attorney of record
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
- Parole or probation eligibility dates
- Special conditions of sentence
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Release conditions
LaSalle County Prison System
The LaSalle County correctional system operates under the authority of the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals charged with or convicted of criminal offenses within the county. The system is designed to house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the Illinois state prison system. The LaSalle County Jail houses individuals who are:
- Awaiting trial on local charges
- Serving sentences for misdemeanors (typically less than one year)
- Awaiting transfer to state prison after felony conviction
- Being held on probation or parole violations
- Temporarily detained on behalf of other jurisdictions
Individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year are typically transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) state prison system after sentencing.
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone: (815) 433-2161
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In LaSalle County
LaSalle County maintains a single primary correctional facility:
LaSalle County Jail
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone: (815) 434-8344
LaSalle County Jail
The LaSalle County Jail is a medium-security facility with a capacity of 305 beds. The facility is designed to house multiple classification levels of inmates, including:
- Pre-trial detainees (both male and female)
- Sentenced misdemeanants
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Work release program participants
- Special management inmates requiring protective custody or disciplinary segregation
The facility includes specialized housing units for:
- General population
- Maximum security
- Medical observation
- Mental health observation
- Female inmates
- Work release participants
The jail is staffed by correctional officers employed by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office and provides various services including medical care, mental health services, and limited rehabilitative programming.
Who's in Prison In LaSalle County
The LaSalle County Jail population consists of several categories of individuals:
Pre-trial Detainees: The majority of inmates in the LaSalle County Jail are individuals who have been charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post the required bail amount. Under Illinois Compiled Statutes 725 ILCS 5/110-4, these individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses with sentences of less than one year serve their time in the county jail rather than state prison. Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Driving under the influence (first or second offense)
- Simple assault or battery
- Petty theft
- Criminal trespass
- Disorderly conduct
Short-term Felony Offenders: In some cases, individuals convicted of low-level felonies may serve their sentences in county jail rather than being transferred to state prison, particularly if the sentence is relatively short.
Work Release Participants: Some qualifying inmates participate in work release programs that allow them to maintain employment in the community while returning to the jail during non-working hours.
Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county jail pending hearings or as a sanction for the violation.
Federal Detainees: The LaSalle County Jail may occasionally house federal detainees through intergovernmental agreements with federal agencies.
According to jail population statistics, the average daily population fluctuates between 180-250 inmates, with the majority being male pre-trial detainees charged with felony offenses.
How To Search for Inmate Records In LaSalle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in LaSalle County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Search Portal:
- Visit the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal
- Enter the required search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Next court date
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification and specify the records being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Written Records Request:
-
Submit a written request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act to:
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
ATTN: Records Division
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 -
Include the following information:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific records being requested
- Preferred method of receiving records
Telephone Inquiry: For basic information about an inmate's custody status, the public may call the LaSalle County Jail at (815) 434-8344. However, detailed record information typically requires a formal records request.
All records requests are processed in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which allows public agencies up to 5 business days to respond to requests, with possible extensions under certain circumstances.
How To Find an Inmate in LaSalle County for Free?
Locating an inmate in LaSalle County can be accomplished through several free methods:
LaSalle County Online Inmate Lookup: The most efficient method for locating an inmate is through the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal. This free service provides:
- Real-time information on current inmates
- Search functionality by name or booking number
- Basic custody information including charges and bond amounts
- Recent booking and release information (last 24-72 hours)
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search: If the individual may have been transferred to state custody, the Illinois Department of Corrections Individual in Custody Search provides information on inmates in state facilities. Users can search by:
- Last name
- IDOC identification number
- Date of birth
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk: The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains court records that can help determine if an individual has been ordered into custody:
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone: (815) 434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
Telephone Verification: For those without internet access, basic inmate information can be obtained by calling the LaSalle County Jail directly at (815) 434-8344. Staff can verify if an individual is currently in custody but may not provide detailed record information over the phone.
When searching for an inmate, it is helpful to have the following information:
- Full legal name (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
How To Visit an Inmate In LaSalle County
Visitation at the LaSalle County Jail is regulated by specific policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important connections between inmates and their support networks:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may add or remove visitors from their list during designated periods
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility
- Visitation is non-contact through video visitation terminals
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Maximum Security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Work Release: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Each inmate is allowed two 30-minute visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Locker key (if using facility lockers for personal belongings)
- Medication that may be needed during the visit (must be declared)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
- Cameras or recording devices
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive cash (over $50)
Dress Code:
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related clothing or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- No excessively baggy clothing
- Appropriate footwear required
Visit Types:
- Standard video visitation (on-site)
- Remote video visitation (from approved locations)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Special visits (approved by jail administration for exceptional circumstances)
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors with active warrants will be denied entry
- Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Visitors on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
Visitation policies are established in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter I, Subchapter e, Part 701, which sets standards for county jail operations.
How To Send Money to a LaSalle County Inmate
LaSalle County Jail provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Services website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "LaSalle County Jail" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's name and ID number
- Enter payment information and amount
- Complete the transaction and retain the confirmation number
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the kiosk located in the jail lobby during regular business hours
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Enter the inmate's information
- Insert cash or swipe credit/debit card
- Obtain and keep receipt
Mail-In Deposits:
-
Send money order or cashier's check only (no personal checks or cash)
-
Make payable to the inmate's full name and ID number
-
Mail to:
LaSalle County Jail
Inmate Accounts
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 -
Include sender's full name and return address
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
Transaction Fees:
- Online credit/debit card deposits: $2.50 per transaction
- Kiosk credit/debit card deposits: $2.50 per transaction
- Kiosk cash deposits: $1.00 per transaction
- Mail-in money orders: No fee
Prohibited Items:
- Personal checks
- Cash sent through mail
- Third-party checks
- Traveler's checks
- Foreign currency
Authorized Uses of Funds: Inmates may use commissary funds for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Remote video visitation fees
- Release funds
Restricted Uses: Funds may not be used for:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees or fines (while incarcerated)
- Transfers to other inmates
- Outside purchases
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with jail security protocols.
How To Send Jail Mail In LaSalle County
Correspondence with inmates at the LaSalle County Jail must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:
Mailing Address Format: All mail must be addressed as follows:
Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
LaSalle County Jail
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (made payable to the inmate)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Hardcover books or magazines
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Items containing glitter, glue, or adhesives
- Pornographic or obscene materials
- Any items depicting gang symbols or promoting illegal activity
Mail Inspection Procedures: All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with jail policies. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate.
Publication Delivery: Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor through the mail. These items are subject to content review and may be rejected if they contain prohibited content.
E-Messages: The LaSalle County Jail offers electronic messaging through the inmate messaging system. Family and friends can create an account to send electronic messages for a fee. These messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail.
Mail Rejection: If mail is rejected, the sender will typically receive notification explaining the reason for rejection. Inmates may appeal rejected mail through the jail's grievance procedure.
All mail policies are established in accordance with Illinois County Jail Standards (20 Ill. Adm. Code 701.180), which governs inmate mail privileges and restrictions.
Lookup Inmate Records in LaSalle County
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LaSalle County Jail Information
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office