Section 525.10  Applicability

 

This Subpart applies to all correctional facilities within the Department of Corrections.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.12  Definitions

 

"Chief Administrative Officer" means the highest ranking official of a correctional facility.

 

"Department" means the Department of Corrections.

 

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Corrections.

 

"Offender" means a person committed to the Department or to the custody of the Department.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.15  Responsibilities

 

a)         Unless otherwise specified, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may delegate responsibilities stated in this Subpart to another person or persons or designate another person or persons to perform the duties specified.

 

b)         No other individual may routinely perform duties whenever a Section in this Subpart specifically states the Director or Chief Administrative Officer shall personally perform the duties.  However, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may designate another person or persons to perform the duties during periods of his or her temporary absence or in an emergency.

 

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 15960, effective January 1, 1997)

 

Section 525.20  Visiting Privileges

 

a)         The Chief Administrative Officer of each correctional facility shall establish regular visiting hours.

 

1)         All rules and regulations pertaining to visiting shall be posted and made available to visitors and offenders.

 

2)         Visitors who travel great distances to visit an offender may request extended visits.  These requests should be submitted sufficiently in advance to the Chief Administrative Officer for consideration.

 

3)         Visitors shall be subject to search in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 501.220.

 

4)         Visitors may be permitted to wear religious headgear if:

 

A)        There are no safety or security concerns; and

 

B)        The headgear has been removed and thoroughly searched; and

 

C)        The visitor has indicated that the headgear has religious significance; and

 

D)        Either:

 

i)          The headgear is a kufi, yarmulke, turban, habit, or fez; or

 

ii)         A written request to wear headgear other than those listed in subsection (a)(4)(D)(i) of this Section was submitted to the Chief Administrative Officer at least ten days prior to the visit and the Chief Administrative Officer approved the request.  Failure to submit a timely request shall result in denial of the request.

 

5)         All offenders' visits shall be subject to monitoring and recording at any time by departmental staff, unless prior special arrangements have been made for confidential attorney visits or other privileged visits. For purposes of this Section, a privileged visit means any conversation or communication between visitors that is protected by a privilege of law or by decision, rule, or order of the Illinois Supreme Court.  Notices stating that visits are subject to monitoring and recording shall be posted in places in which offenders are normally permitted to visit and in the offenders' orientation manual.

 

6)         Visits may be restricted to non-contact visits by the Chief Administrative Officer for reasons of safety, security, and order.  This may include, but not be limited to, restricting visits to non-contact visits for offenders known or believed to be engaged in gang activity.

 

A)        Offenders who are assigned to an adult closed maximum security or who are in disciplinary segregation or who are extremely high escape risks shall be restricted to non-contact visits.

 

B)        Offenders found in possession of illegal drugs or who fail a drug test shall be restricted to non-contact visits for at least 6 months.

 

C)        Offenders involved in gang activity or found guilty of assault against a Department employee in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 504 shall be restricted to non-contact visits for a period of at least 6 months.

 

b)         At the time of admission to a reception and classification center, an offender shall submit a list of proposed visitors to designated facility staff.  A visiting list shall be established after verification, review, and approval by the Chief Administrative Officer.  Permission to visit may be denied due to the safety, security, or operations of the facility.  Visitors must be approved in order to visit.

 

1)         Department staff may interview or request background information from potential visitors to determine whether the individual would pose a threat to the safety or security of the facility or any person or to the order of the facility.

 

2)         Visitors 17 years of age or older must be on the approved list in order to visit.

 

A)        An individual 12 years through 16 years of age who is not a member of the offender's immediate family may only visit with the written consent of his or her parent or guardian.  Immediate family shall include children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, whether step, adopted, half, or whole, and spouses.

 

B)        When visiting, anyone under the age of 17 years must be accompanied by an approved visitor who is 17 years of age or older, unless prior written approval has been granted by the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

C))       Visitors under 12 years of age may only be permitted to visit:

 

i)          When accompanied by a parent or guardian who is an approved visitor;

 

ii)         When prior written consent has been given by a parent or guardian who is in the free community for the child to visit when accompanied by an approved visitor designated in writing who is at least 17 years of age; or

 

iii)        As otherwise approved by the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

3)         In determining whether an exception shall be granted pursuant to subsections (b)(2)(B) and (C), the Chief Administrative Officer may consider, among other factors, the proposed visitor's age, emancipation, and relationship to the offender; whether a legal guardian has been appointed for the proposed visitor; the inability of an approved visitor to accompany the proposed visitor; and any applicable court order.

 

4)         A proposed visitor who has been convicted of a criminal offense or who has criminal charges pending, including, but not limited to, an individual on bond, parole, mandatory supervised release, or probation or an ex-offender, may visit an offender only with the written approval of the Chief Administrative Officer.  In determining whether to approve or deny a request, the Chief Administrative Officer may consider, among other matters, the following:

 

A)        The nature, seriousness, and the date of commission of the offense.

 

B)        The proposed visitor's criminal history.

 

C)        The proposed visitor's relationship to the offender.

 

D)        The date of discharge from parole, supervision, or probation or of completion of service of a term of incarceration.

 

5)         The number of approved visitors may be limited by the Department due to operations and security reasons.  Any limitations imposed shall be conveyed to offenders.

 

6)         Offenders may request to change the names of requested visitors no more frequently than monthly except in emergencies or to add or change attorney names.

 

7)         A visitor may be disapproved at any time by the Chief Administrative Officer in accordance with this Subpart.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.30  Clergy Visitation

 

Clergy and religious leaders from religious groups may visit offenders during regularly scheduled visiting hours and during other hours as approved by the Chief Administrative Officer subject to safety and security concerns.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.40  Attorney Visitation − Adult Division

 

a)         Licensed attorneys and any investigators, law students, or paralegals working under their supervision may visit an offender during regularly scheduled visiting hours unless permission has been granted by the Chief Administrative Officer to visit during other hours.

 

b)         Investigators, law students, or paralegals shall be required to present a written statement from a registered attorney indicating that they are working under the supervision of an attorney who is representing an offender and indicating the names of the offenders with whom they are authorized to visit.

 

c)         Attorneys or those working under their supervision are requested to notify the Chief Administrative Officer of the designated time and date of the visit at least two days in advance of the visit in order to make special visiting room arrangements.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.50  Attorney Visitation − Juvenile Division (Court Agreement)

 

a)         To assure that persons committed to the Juvenile Division may privately confer in person with attorneys of their choice or with attorneys retained by their parents or with attorneys appointed by courts, the following procedures are established:

 

1)         Attorneys may routinely visit offenders between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily, unless other arrangements have been made with the Chief Administrative Officer of the facility.

 

A)        Except in emergencies, at least 24 hours before the visit, attorneys are requested to notify an employee of the facility designated by the Chief Administrative Officer to arrange visitations, the date and time at which they wish to confer with the offender.

 

B)        The designated employee will immediately confirm or deny the arrangements.

 

2)         The visiting attorneys may establish that they are attorneys registered with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois (130 East Randolph, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601) by exhibiting their Commission identification card.

 

A)        If no card is available, the facility shall call the Commission (800/826-8625 or 312/565-2600) to determine if the attorneys are registered.

 

B)        Visiting attorneys not listed with the Commission or those practicing out of state shall be approved by the Chief Administrative Officer only after it has been established that they are licensed to practice law.

 

3)         Any time prior to any attorney-offender conference, the offender shall sign an authorization.  The authorization shall be filed in the offender's master record file and shall be substantially in the following form:

 

I, (name of offender), hereby authorize (name of attorney), Attorney at Law, to represent me as my attorney and advocate.

 

Date		Signature

 

A)        In the event that the offender's written authorization is not submitted for the attorney, the designated employee will immediately confer with the offender for the purpose of obtaining written authorization.

 

B)        In lieu of the above authorization, any time prior to the visit, an attorney may present a copy of a court order appointing the attorney to represent the offender.

 

b)         The aforementioned shall apply also to law students, paralegals, or attorneys' agents to the extent that such persons present a written statement from registered attorneys indicating that the person is working under the supervision of an attorney.

 

c)         Before this Section of the Subpart may be modified, the Department legal staff shall be consulted.  This Section was promulgated pursuant to the settlement of litigation by order of the court.  It may not be modified without the approval of the court.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.60  Restriction of Visitors

 

a)         The Chief Administrative Officer may limit the frequency and duration of visits in accordance with the availability of space and staff.

 

b)         The Chief Administrative Officer may limit the number of persons allowed per visit in accordance with considerations of space, time, and security.

 

c)         Visiting privileges may be temporarily suspended by the Chief Administrative Officer during an institutional emergency or lockdown and for a reasonable time thereafter, upon the approval of the Director.

 

d)         Visitors and offenders shall not be permitted to exchange any item during a visit, except with prior approval of the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

e)         The Chief Administrative Officer may deny, suspend, or restrict visiting privileges based, among other matters, upon the following:

 

1)         Security and safety requirements;

 

2)         Space availability;

 

3)         Disruptive conduct of the offender or visitor;

 

4)         Abuse of the visiting privileges by the offender or visitor; or

 

5)         Violation of State or federal laws or departmental rules by the offender or visitor.

 

f)         Any of the following actions on the part of a visitor may result in a temporary restriction of up to six months:

 

1)         Disruptive conduct of a minor nature.

 

2)         Disobeying an order or posted rule.

 

3)         Refusal to submit to search.

 

4)         Possession of drugs when the visitor has demonstrated there was no intent to conceal or introduce drugs into the facility.

 

5)         Possession of alcohol when the visitor has demonstrated there was no intent to conceal or introduce alcohol into the facility.

 

6)         Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

7)         Possession of other contraband as defined under State, federal, or local laws or other departmental rules not specifically outlined in this Subpart.

 

g)         Any of the following actions on the part of a visitor may result in a permanent restriction:

 

1)         Assaultive behavior on any individual.

 

2)         Sexual misconduct.

 

3)         Possession of weapons.

 

4)         Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia.

 

5)         Unauthorized possession of money.

 

6)         Possession of escape paraphernalia.

 

7)         Possession of alcohol.

 

8)         Providing false identification or information.

 

9)         Disruptive conduct of a major nature.

 

10)         Violation of State, federal, or local law during a visit, including arrest or conviction based on any action committed during a visit.

 

11)         Any recurrence of an action that previously resulted in a temporary restriction.

 

h)         Employees who have been involved with offenders or former employees who have either resigned or have been terminated as a result of involvement with offenders may be permanently restricted from visits if it is determined they may be a threat to safety or security.

 

i)          If contraband is discovered in the possession of an offender either during or after a visit, it will be assumed that the contraband was introduced by the offender's visitor.

 

j)          Visits of offenders hospitalized in the community may be restricted to the immediate family and shall be subject to the general visiting policies of the hospital.

 

k)         Written notification of temporary or permanent restriction of visiting privileges shall be sent to the visitor and to the offender.  Any person excluded from an offender's visiting list at one correctional facility shall be excluded at all facilities.  The notice of temporary restriction shall state the exact length of the restriction.

 

l)          Notices of permanent restrictions shall inform visitors and offenders that they may request that the Chief Administrative Officer review the decision after a six month period.  After the initial six month review, permanent restrictions shall be reviewed by the Chief Administrative Officer on an annual basis upon request of the offenders or their visitors.  Written notification of the decision shall be sent to the visitor and to the offender.

 

m)        The Chief Administrative Officer may restore visiting privileges at any time.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.100  Applicability

 

This Subpart applies to all correctional facilities within the Department of Corrections.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.110  Definitions

 

a)         "Assistant Director" means the second highest ranking official of the Department.

 

b)         "Chief" or "Deputy Director" means the highest ranking official of a district or division within the Department.

 

c)         "Chief Administrative Officer" means the highest ranking official of a correctional facility.

 

d)         "Department" means the Department of Corrections.

 

e)         "Director" means the Director of the Department.

 

f)         "Mail Digitization" for purposes of this Subpart, means the process of scanning non-privileged incoming physical mail to create an electronic or digitized version.

 

g)         "Digital Copy Distribution" for the purposes of this Subpart, means the process of distributing the electronic or digitized version of non-privileged incoming mail to the individual in custody's electronic device.

 

h)         "Physical Copy Distribution" for purposes of this Subpart, means the process of distributing a printed copy of the electronic or digitized version of non-privileged incoming mail.

 

i)          "Incoming privileged mail" means mail from the following:

 

1)         The Director;

 

2)         Assistant Director, Chiefs, and Deputy Directors of the Department;

 

3)         Department attorneys;

 

4)         The Department Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) coordinator;

 

5)         The Department American with Disabilities Act coordinator;

 

6)         Members of the Administrative Review Board;

 

7)         Members of the Prisoner Review Board;

 

8)         The Governor of Illinois;

 

9)         A Foreign Consular;

 

10)       Federal or Illinois legislators;

 

11)       The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, the United States Customs Service, the Secret Service, the Illinois State Police, and Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments in the State of Illinois;

 

12)       The Office of the Illinois Inspector General;

 

13)       John Howard Association;

 

14)       A rape crisis center that has executed a memorandum of understanding with the facility; and

 

15)       Legal mail.

 

j)          "Outgoing privileged mail" means mail to the following:

 

1)         The Director;

 

2)         Assistant Director, Chiefs, and Deputy Directors of the Department;

 

3)         Department attorneys;

 

4)         The Department PREA coordinator;

 

5)         The Department Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator;

 

6)         Members of the Administrative Review Board;

 

7)         Members of the Prisoner Review Board;

 

8)         The Governor of Illinois;

 

9)         A Foreign Consular;

 

10)       Federal or Illinois legislators;

 

11)       The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, the United States Customs Service, the Secret Service, the Illinois State Police, and Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments in the State of Illinois;

 

12)       The Office of the Illinois Inspector General;

 

13)       John Howard Association;

 

14)       A rape crisis center that has executed a memorandum of understanding with the facility;

 

15)       Clerks of courts or of the Illinois Court of Claims; and

 

16)       Legal mail.

 

k)         "Legal mail" means mail to and from the following:

 

1)         Registered Attorneys who provide legal representation to individuals in custody;

 

2)         State's Attorneys;

 

3)         The United States Department of Justice and Offices of the United States Attorneys;

 

4)         The Office of the Illinois Attorney General;

 

5)         Judges or magistrates of any court or the Illinois Court of Claims Judges; and

 

6)         Any organization that provides direct legal representation to individuals in custody, but not including organizations that provide referrals to attorneys, such as bar associations.

 

l)          "Individual in Custody" means a person committed to the Department or to the custody of the Department.

 

m)        "Photocopy" for the purposes of this Subpart, means the process of creating a photographic copy of printed or written material through using light on a specific surface or other xerography and related techniques.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.115  Responsibilities

 

a)         Unless otherwise specified, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may delegate responsibilities stated in this Subpart to another person or persons or designate another person or persons to perform the duties specified.

 

b)         No other individual may routinely perform duties whenever a Section in this Subpart specifically states the Director or Chief Administrative Officer shall personally perform the duties.  However, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may designate another person or persons to perform the duties during periods of  temporary absence or in an emergency.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.120  Processing of Mail

 

a)         Mail shall be delivered and posted promptly.

 

b)         Individuals in custody may correspond with anyone in the free community in accordance with this Subpart without prior written approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, except with employees, former employees, or releasees of the Department.  Permission for committed persons to correspond between intra-state and inter-state correctional facilities shall require the approval of the Chief Administrative Officers of both facilities and shall be based on safety and security concerns.

 

c)         Each facility shall establish procedures in cooperation with the local post office for processing certified or registered mail. To send certified or registered mail, individuals in custody shall have sufficient funds in their trust fund accounts and shall attach to the envelopes signed money vouchers so that the proper postage may be applied and the amount deducted from their trust fund accounts.

 

d)         Individuals in custody shall not be permitted to open, read, or deliver another individual in custody's mail without the person's permission. However, individuals in custody may transport mail in sacks or other closed containers under the direct supervision of an employee.

 

e)         No disciplinary restrictions shall be placed on an individual in custody's mail privileges.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.130  Outgoing Mail

 

This Section applies to all correctional facilities within the Department.

 

a)         Individuals in custody shall be permitted to send privileged and non-privileged letters at their own expense.  Individuals in custody with insufficient money in their trust fund accounts to purchase postage shall be permitted to send legal mail and mail to clerks of any court or the Illinois Court of Claims, to certified court reporters, to the Administrative Review Board, and to the Prisoner Review Board at State expense if they attach signed money vouchers authorizing deductions of future funds to cover the cost of the postage.  The individual in custody's trust fund account shall be restricted for the cost of such postage until paid or the individual in custody is released or discharged, whichever is soonest.

 

b)         Individuals in custody shall clearly mark all outgoing mail with their name and in adult facilities with their institutional number.  Mail that is not properly marked, including privileged mail, shall be opened and returned to the sender if the sender's identity can be determined.  If the sender's identity cannot be determined, the mail shall be destroyed.

 

c)         Outgoing privileged mail shall be clearly marked as "privileged" and sealed by the individual in custody.  Outgoing mail which is clearly marked as privileged and addressed to a privileged party may not be opened for inspection except as provided in subsection (d).

 

d)         In adult facilities, outgoing privileged mail shall be examined for dangerous contraband, using an x-ray, fluoroscope, or other similar device. Such examination may be conducted in juvenile facilities.  Outgoing privileged mail may be inspected for dangerous contraband by other means which do not damage the mail and which do not permit the mail to be read.  Except in an emergency, outgoing privileged mail shall not be opened, unless there is reasonable suspicion that dangerous contraband is contained therein, legal services is consulted, and the mail is opened in the individual in custody's presence.

 

e)         With the exception of privileged mail, all mail shall be unsealed when collected or placed in housing unit mailboxes.  Sealed mail that is not privileged shall be opened and returned to the sender if the sender's identity can be determined.  If the sender's identity cannot be determined, the mail shall be destroyed.

 

f)         Each correctional facility shall establish procedures for the collection of outgoing mail.  Collections shall be made daily, Monday through Friday, except on State holidays.  Every effort shall be made to ensure that mail is delivered to the U.S. Postal Service on the same day.

 

g)         Outgoing non-privileged mail shall be inspected for contraband. If a letter from an individual in custody is confiscated because it contains contraband, the individual in custody shall be notified promptly in writing.

 

h)         Department employees may spot check and read outgoing non-privileged mail.  Outgoing non-privileged mail or portions thereof may be reproduced or withheld from delivery if it presents a threat to security or safety, including the following:

 

1)         The letter contains threats of physical harm against any person or threats of criminal activity;

 

2)         The letter contains threats of blackmail or extortion;

 

3)         The letter contains information regarding sending contraband into or out of the facility, plans to escape, or plans to engage in criminal activity;

 

4)         The letter is in code and its contents cannot be understood by correctional staff;

 

5)         The letter violates any departmental rules or contains plans to engage in activities in violation of departmental or institutional rules;

 

6)         The letter solicits gifts, goods, or money from other than family members;

 

7)         The letter contains information which, if communicated, might result in physical harm to another;

 

8)         The letter contains unauthorized correspondence with another individual in custody; or

 

9)         The letter or contents thereof constitute a violation of State or federal law.

 

i)          Any outgoing letter may be stopped and returned to the sender if the person to whom it is addressed (or a parent or guardian, if the addressee is a minor or incompetent) has notified the Chief Administrative Officer in writing that the person does not wish to receive mail from the individual in custody.  This rule shall not be construed to prevent individuals in custody from corresponding with their children unless their parental rights have been terminated.

 

j)          If an individual in custody is prohibited from sending a letter or portions thereof, the individual in custody shall be informed in writing of the decision.

 

k)         Material from a letter which violates subsection (h) may be placed in an individual in custody's master file.

 

l)          Individuals in custody may not send packages without approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, whose decision shall be based on administrative, safety, and security considerations.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.140  Incoming Mail

 

a)         Incoming privileged mail must be clearly marked as asserting the communication is privileged mail as defined in Section 525.110(h) by including language such as, but not limited to, "Privileged", "Confidential", "Attorney Correspondence", and "Legal Mail" and must be clearly marked with the name, title, and address of the sender.

 

b)         Incoming privileged mail shall be opened in the presence of the individual in custody to whom it is addressed to inspect for contraband, to verify the identity of the sender, and to determine that nothing other than legal or official matter is enclosed.

 

c)         Incoming privileged mail may contain communications only from the privileged correspondent whose name and address appear on the envelope.  If non-privileged material or correspondence from a third party is found to be enclosed, such material shall be treated as non-privileged mail.

 

d)         All incoming non-privileged mail must be clearly marked with the name and address of the sender.

 

e)         All incoming non-privileged mail, including mail from clerks of courts, shall be opened and inspected for contraband.

 

f)         Cashier's checks, money orders, and business checks subject to the restrictions imposed by 20 Ill. Adm. Code 205 shall be deposited in the individual in custody's trust fund account, with a record made of the sender's name, the amount received, and the date.  For purposes of this Section, a business check shall mean a check written on any agency's or firm's account and any check written on an employer's personal account for wages due to a person assigned to a transition center.  Individuals in custody shall be notified of all monies received and deposited in their trust fund accounts.  However, any checks or money orders which exceed the limitation on the amounts (20 Ill. Adm. Code 205) shall be returned to the sender, and the individual in custody shall be notified.

 

g)         Personal checks and cash shall be returned to the sender, and the sender shall be notified that funds cannot be received in that form.

 

h)         Correctional officials may spot check and read incoming non-privileged mail.  Incoming mail or portions thereof may be inspected, reproduced, or withheld from delivery for any of the reasons listed in Section 525.130(h) or in Subpart C.

 

i)          When an individual in custody is prohibited from receiving a letter or portions thereof, or other incoming non-privileged mail, the individual in custody and the sender shall be notified in writing of the proposed rejection.  Notification to the sender shall include the reasons for the proposed rejection and that the proposed rejection may be appealed, and an explanation of the appeal process.  Appeals must be submitted no later than 21 days from the date of the notification.  The Chief Administrative Officer or their designee shall make the final decision regarding the sender's appeal and send the final decision to the sender within 60 days of receiving the appeal.  If the appeal is denied, the decision shall specify which criteria listed in 20 Ill. Adm. Code 525.130(h) the mail meets.  An individual in custody may utilize the grievance procedures in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 504 Subpart F to address the proposed rejection.

 

j)          If an individual in custody has been transferred or released, first class mail shall be forwarded to the person if the address is known.  If no forwarding address is available, the mail shall be returned to the sender.

 

k)         If an individual in custody has been absent from the facility on a furlough or pursuant to writ, the person's mail shall be held at the facility for a period of one month, unless the individual in custody has made a written request to the Chief Administrative Officer to have the mail forwarded to another address.  At the conclusion of the month, first class mail shall be forwarded to the individual in custody's address, if known, or returned to the sender, unless alternative arrangements have been made.

 

l)          Individuals in custody may receive publications, including books, periodicals and catalogs, in accordance with Subpart C, and may receive typewriters ordered directly from a supplier through the commissary. Other packages may be received only as approved by the Chief Administrative Officer.  All packages shall be opened and searched prior to delivery.

 

m)        Photographs received through the mail for an individual in custody will be delivered to the individual in custody directly and without digitization when they are delivered directly from a legitimate and verifiable business that prints and distributes photographs through the mail, are free of contraband, are unopened, and include the original watermark(s).

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.145  Security Measures for Incoming Mail

 

a)         The Department shall take affirmative security measures for incoming non- privileged mail to prevent the introduction of contraband through the mail system.

 

1)         At a minimum, the Department shall implement incoming non-privileged mail procedures ensuring that any item entering the facility is inspected, screened, or otherwise processed in a manner that reduces the risk of dangerous contraband entering through the mail or other mail-related mediums.

 

2)         Methods of reducing contraband risk include:

 

A)        Implementing mail digitization by scanning incoming non-privileged mail to create an electronic or digitized version, that is then:

 

i)          Digitally distributed to the individual in custody by uploading it to their electronic device; or

 

ii)         Physically distributed to the individual in custody by printing a copy and delivering it to them.

 

B)        Producing photocopies of incoming non-privileged mail and delivering only copies of the original.

 

3)         Any contract agreement with a third-party vendor shall comply with all information security and data privacy policies stipulated by the State of Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology.

 

4)         Neither the Department nor any vendor with whom the Department contracts for the purpose of collecting, scanning, storing, transmitting, and/or deleting the mail of an individual in custody shall knowingly collect biometric identifiers or information in connection with processed mail.

 

5)         Neither the Department nor any vendor with whom the Department contracts for the purpose of collecting, scanning, storing, transmitting, and/or deleting the mail of an individual in custody, or any subcontractor of such a vendor, shall sell, trade or lease any data or metadata collected.

 

6)         The Department shall print and physically deliver a copy of a piece of non-privileged mail to the individual in custody to whom it is addressed at no cost to the individual in custody when the piece of mail has not already been printed and physically delivered to the individual in custody and:

 

A)        The individual in custody requests that the piece of mail is printed; or

 

B)        The individual in custody cannot adequately access the piece of mail via the electronic device for reasons including disability or impairment, placement in restrictive housing, technological malfunction, or any other reason.

 

7)         All scans, photocopies, prints, and other reproductions of mail intended for delivery to individuals in custody shall be clear, complete, and legible.  Mail that is issued to an individual in custody in a form that is not clear, complete, and legible shall be promptly re-issued in a clear, complete, and legible form.

 

b)         The Department shall take affirmative security measures for incoming privileged mail to prevent the introduction of contraband through the mail system.

 

1)         Any security measure or protocol implemented by the Department shall preserve the privileged mail nature of the communication.

 

2)         Security measures or protocols shall not include copying, scanning, imaging, or otherwise reproducing privileged mail in any form.  All security measures and protocols for incoming privileged mail shall occur at the facility where the recipient is located.  The Department shall not send incoming privileged mail to any offsite location for inspection, processing, or any other procedure.

 

3)         Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department shall utilize a multi-factor authentication system that allows the Department to confirm the identity of the sender of a piece of privileged mail. If multi-factor authentication is unable to confirm the identity of the sender, the Department shall conduct further review to confirm the identity of the sender.  Once the identity of the sender is confirmed, privileged mail shall be processed in accordance with Section 525.140.

 

A)        The multi-factor authentication system shall not delay the delivery of privileged mail to individuals in custody.

 

B)        For bulk legal mail sent to large volume of individuals in custody, the sender may contact the Department for a modified confirmation of identity through the multi-factor authentication system.  The confirmation shall allow the sender to complete its bulk mailing without producing an individual authorization for each recipient. The Department shall provide the modified confirmation within one week of receiving the bulk mail request.

 

C)        The Department shall not deny registration under the multi-factor authentication system to any individual, organization, or office that meets the definition of a legal or privileged mail sender in Section 525.110(i) or (k).

 

c)         Exclusion. The Director may exclude incoming mail from the security measures required by this Section to promote the effective administration of the mail system.

 

1)         The Director may exclude incoming mail from the security measures required by this Section when the item presents no material security risk, handling the original is operationally more efficient than the alternative, including when:

 

A)        There is an unforeseen circumstance, such as a power failure, that impacts the Department's ability to timely process incoming mail;

 

B)        The mail is sent through inter-office mail by the Department staff in the following roles:

 

i)          Assistant Director, Chiefs, and Deputy Directors;

 

ii)         Department attorneys;

 

iii)        PREA Coordinator; or

 

iv)        Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator;

 

C)        The mail is part of a mass mailing; or

 

D)        Delivery of the original is required for compliance with State or federal law.

 

2)         This subsection (c) shall not be construed to permit the Director to indefinitely or arbitrarily suspend the security measures required by this Section.

 

3)         No exclusions under this Section shall be utilized to show preferential treatment to one individual in custody.

 

(Source:  Added at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.146  Retention of Non-privileged Incoming Mail Subject to Mail Digitization or Photocopy

 

a)         Original mail documents received through incoming mail shall be retained for no less than six months after the date the mail is scanned or photocopied.  Original documents may be returned prior to the retention timeframe if requested by the individual in custody or sender.

 

b)         Original mail documents subject to a grievance shall be retained until the grievance is resolved or the grievance process is fully exhausted.

 

(Source:  Added at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.150  Telephone Privileges

 

a)         Telephone privileges shall be granted to individuals in custody in accordance with their institutional status and provisions of this Section.

 

b)         Collect calls may be made to persons where billable.

 

c)         Individuals in custody may not place telephone calls to:

 

1)         Toll free area codes, including but not limited to 800 series area codes, or to area codes or prefixes for which a charge is assessed to the line from which the call was placed, including but not limited to 800 or 900 series area codes or 976 prefixes;

 

2)         Emergency or directory assistance or to long distance carriers;

 

3)         Persons or companies which have requested that a block be placed on their telephone numbers;

 

4)         Numbers suspected of being used fraudulently or for fraudulent purposes;

 

5)         Parolees, formerly incarcerated individuals, former employees, or current employees absent the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer; or

 

6)         Numbers or persons restricted for other legitimate penological reasons, including security and order.

 

d)         A block may be placed on telephone calls to:

 

1)         The local community except to the individual in custody's friends, family, and others in the local community who request to receive calls from the individual in custody.

 

2)         A telephone number for which there is a large unpaid balance on the account, with the exception of telephone numbers of attorneys and law firms.

 

3)         Any telephone numbers listed in subsection (c).

 

e)         Individuals in custody may not engage in call forwarding or in conference calls.

 

f)         In the case of emergencies such as critical illness or death in an individual in custody's immediate family, consideration shall be given to allowing a special telephone call, regardless of the individual's institutional status.  Immediate family shall include parent or guardian, children, brother, sister, grandparent, whether step, adopted, half, or whole, and spouse.

 

g)         Individuals in custody who are the subject of a new criminal indictment, information, or complaint shall be permitted to make reasonable telephone calls to attorneys for the purpose of securing defense counsel, regardless of the individual's institutional status.

 

h)         All individual in custody's telephone calls shall be subject to monitoring and recording at any time by departmental staff, unless prior special arrangements have been made to make or to receive confidential telephone calls to or from their attorneys.

 

i)          Notices shall be posted at each telephone from which individuals in custody are normally permitted to place calls and in the individuals in custody's orientation manual.  The notices shall state that individuals in custody's telephone calls may be monitored or recorded or both.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.200  Applicability

 

This Subpart applies to all correctional facilities within the Department of Corrections.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.202  Definitions

 

"Assessment" means the initial screening and evaluation of a publication upon entering the facility.

 

"Chief Administrative Officer" means the highest ranking official of a correctional facility.

 

"Department" means the Department of Corrections.

 

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Corrections.

 

"Individual in Custody" means a person committed to the Department or to the custody of the Department.

 

"Publication" means any hard or soft-covered book, booklet, magazine, newsletter, newspaper, pamphlet, periodical, any electronic or digital publication, or similar materials.  Publications shall not include individual or mass mailings of advertisements or letters.

 

"Publisher" means any publisher, book club, or bookstore, any other book, magazine, or newspaper distributor, a religious organization or ministry, an educational institution, or a unit of government conducting mail order business or otherwise delivering publications to readers.

 

"Review" means an examination of publications by the Facility Publication Review Officer (FPRO) or by the Central Publication Review Committee (CPRC) for compliance with Section 525.220.

 

"Sexually Explicit Material" means any publication that contains pictorial depictions of actual or simulated sexual acts, including intercourse, oral sex, or masturbation and any publication that by word or picture depicts or describes illegal activity of a sexual nature, sadomasochism, bestiality, or sexual activity involving children (whether actual or perceived) or any publication that depicts or describes any sexually explicit material that would otherwise be contrary to law. Publications that contain nudity without additional elements as provided above or publications that provide research or opinions, or news coverage on sexual assault, sexual health, reproductive issues, or are scientific in nature, shall not be considered sexually explicit.

 

"Statewide Publications Determination List" means a listing of publications for which the CPRC, as the designee for the Director, has made an official determination of approval, disapproval, or conditional approval. The Statewide Publications Determination List shall be the official list used by all facilities.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.205  Responsibilities

 

a)         Unless otherwise specified, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may delegate responsibilities stated in this Subpart to another person or persons or designate another person or persons to perform the duties specified.

 

b)         No other individual may routinely perform duties whenever a Section in this Subpart specifically states the Director or Chief Administrative Officer shall personally perform the duties.  However, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may designate another person or persons to perform the duties during periods of  temporary absence or in an emergency.

 

c)         Facility Publication Review Officers.

 

1)         The Chief Administrative Officer shall appoint at least two employees at the facility to serve as Facility Publication Review Officers. 

 

2)         Facility Publication Review Officers are responsible for reviewing publications received by individuals in custody.

 

d)         Central Publication Review Committee.

 

1)         The Director shall establish a Central Publication Review Committee consisting of at least four representatives, including one from the Operations Division and one from Program Services.

 

2)         The Central Publication Review Committee, as the designee for the Director, shall make final determinations regarding the admissibility of publications received at facilities.  The Committee shall also maintain an up-to-date Statewide Publications Determination List.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.210  General Guidelines

 

a)         Each facility shall use the Statewide Publication Determination List and not maintain an individual list of publications.

 

b)         Individuals in custody shall be informed of the procedures governing publications during orientation and this Subpart shall be available to individuals in custody. 

 

c)         Publications received for individuals in custody shall only enter facilities through the mailroom.  This shall not prohibit publications already included in the personal property of an individual in custody from entering through transfers between Department facilities.  This does not include publications received for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, other approved programs, the facility library, and religious programs.

 

d)         Each individual in custody may receive, subscribe to, solicit free copies of, or buy copies of publications for delivery to the facility from a publisher in accordance with this Subpart. 

 

e)         Used publications, including publications that have sustained normal wear and tear, shall be permitted provided that they are free of contraband and do not violate the standards set forth in Section 525.220.  Used publications shall be inspected for contraband prior to issuance to the individual in custody. 

 

f)         All publications shall be delivered promptly after necessary inspection for contraband.  If it appears to violate the standards set forth in Section 525.220, the publication shall first be referred to the Facility Publication Review Officer for review and determination.

 

g)         Publications determined to be unacceptable shall be disposed of as contraband in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 501:  Subpart C.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.220  Standards for Publications

 

a)         A publication may not be disapproved solely because its content is religious, philosophical, political, social, or sexual, or because the content is unpopular or repugnant.

 

b)         Publications that meet one or more of the following criteria may be approved conditionally or disapproved if the publication:

 

1)         Contains sexually explicit material;

 

2)         Is written in code or facilitates communication between individuals in custody;

 

3)         Depicts, describes, or encourages activities that may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption, or it facilitates organizational activity without the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer;

 

4)         Advocates or encourages violence, hatred, or group disruption, or it poses an intolerable risk of violence or disruption;

 

5)         Encourages, instructs, or facilitates the commission of criminal activity; or

 

6)         Is otherwise detrimental to safety, security, good order, rehabilitation, or discipline, or detrimental to mental health.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.230  Procedure for Assessment of Publications

 

a)         Mailroom staff shall conduct an assessment of publications received by a facility.  When necessary, the Assistant Warden of Programs, the Education Facility Administrator, the Chaplain, or Librarian shall provide further evaluation prior to action taken.

 

b)         Staff members assessing publications that are listed as approved on the Statewide Publications Determination List and are free of contraband shall proceed as follows:

 

1)         A publication shall be delivered to an individual in custody promptly when the publication is received from a publisher;

 

2)         A publication received for a religious program shall be delivered to the staff responsible for the religious program;

 

3)         A publication received for an educational, vocational, or other approved program shall be delivered to the staff responsible for the educational, vocational, or other approved program, or to the individual in custody if the program is a correspondence course or other approved program that is not run by on-site Department staff; or

 

4)         A publication received for the facility library shall be entered into circulation.

 

c)         Staff members assessing publications shall forward a publication to a Facility Publication Review Officer for review under 525.233 if the publication:

 

1)         Does not appear on the Statewide Publications Determinations List;

 

2)         Is listed on the Statewide Publications Determinations List as disapproved or approved conditionally; or

 

3)         Violates the standards in Section 525.220.

 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.233  Procedures for Review of Publications

 

a)         The Facility Publication Review Officer, upon receiving a publication for an individual in custody to review from mailroom staff, shall:

 

1)         Notify an individual in custody when a publication received in the mailroom, addressed to the individual, is listed as disapproved or approved conditionally on the Statewide Publications Determination List, or has been found to contain contraband.  If the publication contains contraband, it shall be disposed of in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 501, Subpart C.  If the publication is listed as approved conditionally, the Facility Publication Review Officer shall advise the individual in custody that failure to authorize the removal of the unauthorized portion of the publication shall result in the entire publication being disposed of.  If the publication is listed as disapproved or approved conditionally, the Facility Publication Review Officer shall request that the individual in custody indicate whether the publication or portion of violation should be disposed of or should be mailed to an address of the individual in custody's choice at the expense of the individual in custody.  Disposal or removal of the portion in violation shall not occur prior to the objection filing deadline described in Section 525.233(c)(4) or to the conclusion of procedures described under Section 525.233(c)(4), whichever is later.  The individual in custody may file a grievance regarding a decision of the Central Publication Review Committee in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 504, Subpart F.

 

2)         Forward the publication to the Central Publication Review Committee if the publication was received directly from the publisher and previous notification of disapproval or conditional approval has not been provided to the publisher.  The Central Publication Review Committee shall notify the publisher.

 

3)         Review the publication in its entirety if it is not listed on the Statewide Publications Determination List and the content appears to violate the standards set forth in Section 525.220.

 

A)        If the publication does not violate the standards in Section 525.220, it shall be forwarded to the individual in custody. The Facility Publication Review Officer shall provide the title of the publication to the Central Publication Review Committee.

 

B)        If the publication appears to violate the standards in Section 525.220, the Facility Publication Review Officer shall forward it to the Chief Administrative Officer to review.

 

C)        Upon receipt of a publication received for or on behalf of a program or library, the Facility Publication Review Officer shall:

 

i)          Immediately forward the publication to the program coordinator or librarian to be integrated into the applicable program or library circulation if the publication does not violate the standards in Section 525.220.

 

ii)         Forward the publication to the Chief Administrative Officer to review.

 

b)         The Chief Administrative Officer shall review a publication from the Facility Publication Review Officer in its entirety.

 

1)         If the Chief Administrative Officer finds that the content appears to violate the standards in Section 525.220, the Chief Administrative Officer shall forward the publication to the Central Publication Review Committee for final review and determination.

 

2)         If the Chief Administrative Officer finds that the content does not violate the standards in Section 525.220, the publication shall be forwarded to the individual in custody, program coordinator, or librarian.

 

c)         Following receipt of publication from the Chief Administrative Officer, the Central Publication Review Committee shall notify the Facility Publication Review Officer, individual in custody, publisher, and program staff (as applicable), with written explanation that includes a specific rationale, that the Committee has:

 

1)         Entered the publication on the Statewide Publications Determinations List as approved if the publication does not violate the standards in Section 525.220.

 

2)         Entered the publication on the Statewide Publications Determinations List as disapproved if the publication clearly violates the standards for approval.

 

3)         Entered a determination on the Statewide Publications Determinations List that the publication is conditionally approved as a portion of the publication clearly violates the standards for approval.

 

4)         Upon receiving notice from the Central Publication Review Committee under Section 525.233(a)(2), the publisher may file an objection and submit a written supportive statement or other documentation within 35 days of the notice date.  If an objection is filed, then the Chief of Operations and Chief of Programs shall review the objection.  A written determination shall be provided to the publisher within 60 days of the Department's receipt of the objection.

 

d)         The Facility Publication Review Officer shall notify the individual in custody or program coordinator of the Central Publication Review Committee's decision, as applicable.

 

(Source:  Added at 50 Ill. Reg. 1047, effective January 9, 2026)

 

Section 525.300  Applicability

 

This Subpart applies to all correctional facilities within the Department of Corrections.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.302  Definitions

 

"Chief Administrative Officer" means the highest ranking official of a correctional facility.

 

"Department" means the Department of Corrections.

 

"Director" means the Director of the Department.

 

"Offender" means a person committed to the Department or to the custody of the Department.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)

 

Section 525.305  Responsibilities

 

a)         Unless otherwise specified, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may delegate responsibilities stated in this Subpart to another person or persons or designate another person or persons to perform the duties specified.

 

b)         No other individual may routinely perform duties whenever a Section in this Subpart specifically states the Director or Chief Administrative Officer shall personally perform the duties.  However, the Director or Chief Administrative Officer may designate another person or persons to perform the duties during periods of his or her temporary absence or in an emergency.

 

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 15960, effective January 1, 1997)

 

Section 525.310  Request for Permission to Marry

 

a)         Marriage between two offenders confined in Department facilities shall be prohibited.

 

b)         An offender who wishes to become married shall submit a written request to the Chief Administrative Officer a minimum of 30 days in advance of the date requested for the marriage ceremony.

 

1)         The notice shall include the name and address of the intended spouse and a description of any actions which have been taken in obtaining a marriage license and in complying with applicable provisions of the law.

 

2)         All financial obligations shall be the responsibility of the offended or the intended spouse.

 

3)         A request for a transition center leave may be submitted at the same time as the request to marry.  The request shall be reviewed in accordance with 20 Ill. Adm. Code 530:  Subpart D.

 

c)         The facility chaplain or an individual designated by the Chief Administrative Officer shall conduct a pre-marital counseling session with the offender or the intended spouse or both.

 

d)         The Chief Administrative Officer shall review the request to marry and shall approve or deny the request based on security concerns, the best interest of the offender, or other legitimate penological interests.  The Chief Administrative Officer's decision regarding the request to marry and, if applicable, the leave request, shall be made in writing. Acopy of the written decision shall be provided to the offender.

 

e)         Except as provided in Section 525.310(f), the facility shall make its chapel or another suitable location available for the performance of the approved marriage ceremony.

 

1)         The facility's chaplain shall review the type of ceremony that is requested and refer a description of the proposed ceremony to the Chief Administrative Officer for approval.

 

2)         Witnesses and guests shall not exceed 6 in number, excluding the officiating clergyman.  Witnesses and guests must be on the offender's approved visiting list, except as otherwise approved by the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

3)         Facilities for the consummation of marriages or for a reception shall not be provided.

 

f)           The marriage ceremony and reception, if any, of an offender housed at a transition center shall be at the offender's or intended spouse's expense and at a suitable location in the free community as approved by the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 8039, effective July 1, 2003)