Federal Correctional Institution Pekin Overview
Federal Correctional Institution Pekin (FCI Pekin) is a medium-security federal prison located in Pekin, Illinois. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Pekin primarily houses male inmates convicted of federal crimes. The facility also has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp designed to accommodate female offenders. Opened in 1994, the prison’s primary goal is to ensure the safe and secure incarceration of its inmates while providing various reentry programs aimed at rehabilitation, including vocational training and educational opportunities.
The prison is known for its mixed population across two facilities: the medium-security prison for male inmates and the satellite camp for female inmates who require less stringent supervision. These populations participate in work assignments and educational programming designed to support rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Contact Information for Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
- Address:
Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
2600 S. Second Street
Pekin, IL 61554 - Phone Number: 309-346-8588
- Email: PEK-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov
- Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name and Registration Number
FCI Pekin
P.O. Box 5000
Pekin, IL 61555
Visiting Information for Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
Visiting your loved one at FCI Pekin requires advance planning. The facility welcomes visitors during weekends and holidays, and each inmate is allowed a minimum of four hours of visitation per month. However, inmates may be granted more time depending on the facility’s availability.
Visiting Days and Hours:
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays
- Morning Session: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
What to Bring to a Visit:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Loose change for vending machines (in a clear plastic bag)
- Minimal personal items (e.g., car keys, necessary items for infants like bottles or blankets in clear containers)
Visits are contact visits, and visitors are allowed to briefly touch the inmate (a handshake, hug, or kiss) at the beginning and end of the visit. It’s crucial to dress appropriately—modest attire is required, and revealing or offensive clothing may result in denial of entry.
How to Book a Prison Visit at Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
To visit an inmate at FCI Pekin, you must first be on the approved visitor list. Inmates will submit names of visitors, and each person on the list will receive a Visitor Information Sheet. This must be filled out and submitted back to the prison for approval. The approval process typically takes several weeks, so plan accordingly.
Required Information to Book a Visit:
- Full legal name and address of the visitor
- A government-issued photo ID
- Relationship to the inmate
Each inmate is allowed up to ten visitors, which may include immediate family, close friends, and clergy. Call the prison at 309-346-8588 to confirm your visit has been approved before traveling.
Directions and Parking at Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
FCI Pekin is conveniently located about 10 miles south of Peoria, Illinois, and is accessible by car. If traveling from Chicago, the prison is approximately 165 miles southwest, making it a few hours’ drive.
- Directions: Take Interstate 74 toward Peoria, then follow the signs to Pekin on Illinois Route 9. Once in Pekin, continue on South 2nd Street to reach the facility.
- Parking: Parking is available at the facility, though spaces may be limited during peak visitation hours. Arrive early to ensure you can secure a spot.
What is Federal Correctional Institution Pekin Like for a Prisoner?
Life at FCI Pekin is structured around routine, rehabilitation, and education. The prison offers various vocational and educational programs to support inmates’ reintegration into society post-release. Prisoners participate in work assignments, such as maintenance or food services, to build skills for future employment.
In recent years, FCI Pekin has faced scrutiny for some medical care concerns. In one notable case, an inmate died after allegedly being denied adequate medical attention. Despite this, efforts have been made to improve conditions and ensure inmates have access to basic healthcare services
Famous Prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
FCI Pekin has housed several high-profile inmates, including:
- Tony Rezko: A former political fundraiser involved in a corruption scandal. Rezko was sentenced to 10 years for fraud
- Rita Crundwell: The former comptroller of Dixon, Illinois, who embezzled over $50 million from the city. Her case was the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history
FAQs about Federal Correctional Institution Pekin
Where is Federal Correctional Institution Pekin located?
FCI Pekin is located at 2600 S. Second Street, Pekin, IL 61554, approximately 10 miles from Peoria.What is the security level at FCI Pekin?
FCI Pekin is a medium-security facility with an adjacent minimum-security camp.How do I send money to an inmate at FCI Pekin?
You can send money using a U.S. Postal Money Order addressed to the inmate’s full name and eight-digit register number. Alternatively, use Western Union or MoneyGram services.What are the visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution Pekin?
Visiting hours are Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.Can children visit inmates at FCI Pekin?
Yes, children are allowed to visit, but they must be accompanied by an adult and listed on the inmate’s visitor list.How do I get on an inmate’s visiting list at FCI Pekin?
Inmates must submit your name for approval, and you’ll need to fill out a Visitor Information Sheet.What is the capacity of FCI Pekin?
The medium-security prison houses approximately 1,200 inmates, while the minimum-security camp has space for around 300 female inmatesIs there a dress code for visits at FCI Pekin?
Yes, visitors must wear modest clothing. Revealing or offensive attire will result in denied entry.What programs are available to inmates at FCI Pekin?
FCI Pekin offers educational programs, vocational training, and drug rehabilitation programs to support inmates’ reentry into society.How can I contact an inmate at FCI Pekin?
Inmates can receive mail and emails via the TRULINCS system. To send mail, use the inmate’s full name, register number, and the facility’s P.O. box address.
For more detailed information, visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons website.