Montgomery County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Montgomery County in 2026
MontgomeryILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Montgomery County, Illinois. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking records, charges, bond information, and incarceration history. Record categories available through official channels may include jail rosters, court case information, sex offender registry entries, and state correctional records. Access and completeness of records vary by source and the nature of the underlying case.
Inmate records may be searched through official government resources, including the county Sheriff's Office, state corrections databases, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may conduct an inmate search.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster through its online jail tracker portal. Members of the public may find an inmate through the Sheriff's Office JailTracker system at no cost and without registration.
To conduct a search, members of the public should:
- Navigate to the JailTracker inmate search page on the Sheriff's Office website
- Select a search type, including search by last name, first name, or booking number
- Enter the available search criteria into the appropriate fields
- Review the list of results returned by the system
- Select an individual record to view detailed booking information
Information displayed in the JailTracker system may include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date and expected release date
The roster is updated on a continuous basis as bookings and releases occur, though recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been convicted and transferred to a state correctional facility, the Illinois Department of Corrections individual in custody search provides a statewide database of persons currently in state custody. This resource is distinct from the county jail roster and applies to individuals serving sentences in Illinois state prisons rather than those held pre-trial or on short sentences at the county level.
To search, members of the public may enter a last name, first name, or IDOC number. The database returns information including the individual's current facility, projected release date, and offense information. Individuals are transferred from county jail to state custody following sentencing, a process that may take several weeks after a court judgment is entered.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides a searchable national database. This resource applies when a person has been charged under federal law and is held in a federal detention facility rather than a county or state institution. The locator returns information including the individual's current facility, projected release date, and register number.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Montgomery County Jail directly at (217) 532-9511 to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff are available to provide basic inmate information during regular business hours. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available to facilitate the inquiry.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Jail in person to request inmate information. A valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk are available to assist with basic custody inquiries during business hours.
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office & Jail
1 Wicks Ave
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9511
Sheriff - Montgomery County, Illinois
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at the address above. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth if known, and the specific information being sought. Processing times vary based on the nature and volume of requests received.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth when available to narrow results
- Search by booking number if that information is on hand
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:
If an individual does not appear in the county jail roster, the following explanations may apply:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; members of the public should check the Illinois Department of Corrections database
- The individual may be in federal custody; members of the public should check the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another county or jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet have been entered into the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (217) 532-9511 for assistance.
Are Inmate Records Public in Montgomery County?
Inmate records maintained by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, codified at 5 ILCS § 140, establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies, including law enforcement and correctional facilities. As stated in the Act, "all records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying."
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and jail population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts and bond type
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date, when available
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
Certain categories of inmate information are exempt from public disclosure under Illinois law. These include:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records, which may be withheld in whole or in part
- Visitor contact lists, which may be restricted for security reasons
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under 705 ILCS § 405
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments and security classifications
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests, including government transparency and accountability, public safety notification, family notification of a detained individual's location, support for legal proceedings, and the operational needs of the bail bond industry.
Privacy Considerations:
Illinois law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals in custody. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, receives heightened protection. The disclosure of inmate records may affect the employment prospects and family relationships of individuals who have been detained, a consideration that informs the scope of exemptions recognized under state law.
What Is Inmate Records in Montgomery County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by law enforcement and correctional agencies to document the custody, charges, and disposition of individuals who have been arrested, booked, or incarcerated. These records serve as the authoritative account of an individual's interaction with the county jail system and are maintained by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office as the official custodian of county detention records.
The primary categories of inmate records include the following:
Booking records are created at the time of arrest and document the circumstances of an individual's entry into custody, including the arresting agency, charges, and personal identification information.
Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including housing location, classification level, and any transfers between facilities.
Incarceration history encompasses the complete record of an individual's prior bookings and periods of custody within the county system.
Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, whether by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer.
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. The Montgomery County Jail houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, or awaiting transfer to a state facility following conviction. State prison records, maintained by the Illinois Department of Corrections, pertain to individuals serving longer sentences following felony convictions. Federal prison records, maintained by the Bureau of Prisons, apply to individuals convicted of federal offenses.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Montgomery County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block designation (subject to security restrictions)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, when available
- Actual release date following discharge
- Custody status, including in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and statutory citations
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, or no bond
- Bond status, including posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, when applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Case status information available through the Montgomery County Courthouse
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and offense descriptions
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, when applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county system
- Historical charges and custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level
- Special housing designations
- Program participation records
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments withheld for security purposes
Montgomery County Prison System
The Montgomery County Jail is operated by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody following conviction. The jail is located one block north of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro, Illinois.
Administration:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
1 Wicks Ave
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9511
Sheriff - Montgomery County, Illinois
Facility Operations:
The Montgomery County Jail operates under the authority of the elected Sheriff and accepts bookings from local law enforcement agencies throughout the county. The facility processes individuals charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses. Individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections following sentencing.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides access to medical care, mental health services, religious programming, and legal resources including law library access and attorney visitation. Coordination with the public defender's office is maintained to ensure access to legal representation for eligible individuals.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for discharge from custody. These services may include referrals for substance abuse treatment continuation, housing assistance, and employment resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Montgomery County Jail is subject to oversight by the Illinois Department of Corrections pursuant to 730 ILCS § 5/3-15-2, which establishes standards for county correctional facilities. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody through the Sheriff's Office administrative process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Jail
Montgomery County Jail
1 Wicks Ave
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9511
Sheriff - Montgomery County, Illinois
The Montgomery County Jail is the sole county-operated detention facility in Montgomery County, Illinois. The facility serves the following populations:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders serving terms of one year or less
- Felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody
- Individuals held on detainers or warrants from other jurisdictions
The facility is located one block north of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro and operates under the direct supervision of the Montgomery County Sheriff.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office may administer home detention and electronic monitoring programs for eligible individuals as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about these programs may contact the Sheriff's Office at (217) 532-9511.
Work Release
Work release programming may be available for eligible sentenced individuals, permitting participation in employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria and program availability are subject to the discretion of the Sheriff's Office and the sentencing court.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Montgomery County and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections. The IDOC operates facilities throughout the state, and placement is determined by the department based on classification and available capacity. Members of the public may locate state prisoners through the Illinois Department of Corrections individual in custody search.
Federal Detention Facilities
Montgomery County does not currently operate a federal detention facility. Individuals charged with federal offenses and detained pending trial or serving federal sentences are held in facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov provides a free search tool for locating federally held individuals.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County Jail | 1 Wicks Ave, Hillsboro, IL 62049 | (217) 532-9511 |
| Illinois Dept. of Corrections (State) | 1301 Concordia Court, Springfield, IL 62794 | (217) 558-2200 |
How To Find an Inmate in Montgomery County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Montgomery County at no cost through several official government resources.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office provides a free, publicly accessible inmate roster through its JailTracker inmate search portal. No registration or payment is required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated continuously as bookings and releases are processed.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Illinois Department of Corrections individual in custody search provides a free statewide database of individuals currently held in state correctional facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have previously been in state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides a free inmate locator at bop.gov for individuals held in federal custody. The search tool returns current facility information, projected release dates, and register numbers.
4. Court Records Search
Court case information for Montgomery County is accessible through the Montgomery County Courthouse and the Illinois Courts system. Court records may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates associated with a pending case. Members of the public may also search the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry for individuals required to register under state law.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (217) 532-9511 to request basic inmate information from the Montgomery County Jail. No charge is assessed for a standard custody inquiry. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 1 Wicks Ave, Hillsboro, IL 62049 during business hours to request inmate information. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and no fee is charged for a basic information inquiry.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search through the official JailTracker portal
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
- State and federal inmate database searches
The following services are subject to fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through approved deposit services
- Video visitation through contracted service providers
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the jail's telecommunications provider
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Third-party background check services
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites when searching for inmate information. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment.