About the "Jail"
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About the Jail
The first McHenry County Jail was established together with the
Sheriff's Office in 1837. As the county grew, so did the need for
more space. In 1972, a new government center was built. Nearly 20
years later a separate adult correctional facility was built. In
2006, that space was expanded again and today we have the capacity
to house up to 650 inmates and employ 195 correctional officers and
staff.
The facility houses inmates awaiting trial in criminal cases, as
well as those that have been sentenced to the County facility. An
inmate can be held at the facility until they can post bond or are
sentenced. After an inmate is sentenced, they can be detained at
the County facility for 364 days. Anyone sentenced to more than 364
days is taken to the Illinois Department of Corrections to serve
their sentence.
Included in the inmate population are Federal Immigrations and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, Federal U.S. Marshal inmates
and Federal Bureau of Prison inmates. By housing approximately
325-380 federal detainees/inmates, the jail generates revenue for
the county at a rate of $95 per detainee/inmate per day from the
federal government. To locate a detainee who is currently in ICE
custody, or who was released from ICE custody for any reason within
the last 60 days, please click here.
Illinois County Statute (55 ILCS 5/3-6017)
The Sheriff is the custodian of the courthouse and jail. He or
she shall have the custody and care of the courthouse and jail of
his or her county, except as is otherwise provided.
Illinois County Statute (55 ILCS 5/3-6023)
Each sheriff shall, in person or by deputy, county corrections
officer, or court security officer, attend upon all courts held in
his or her county when in session, and obey the lawful orders and
directions of the court, and shall maintain the security of the
courthouse. Court services customarily performed by sheriffs shall
be provided by the sheriff or his or her deputies, county
corrections officers, or court security officers, rather than by
employees of the court, unless there are no deputies, county
corrections officers, or court security officers available to
perform such services.
The expenses of the sheriff in carrying out his or her duties
under this Section, including the compensation of deputies, county
corrections officers, or court security officers assigned to such
services, shall be paid to the county from fees collected pursuant
to court order for services of the sheriff and from any court
services fees collected by the county pursuant to Section 5-1103,
as now or hereafter amended.