Situated in Cairo, Illinois, the Alexander County Jail operates as a minimum-security facility overseen by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to serving as a detention center, this facility extends its services to neighboring areas that lack their own capacity to house inmates. Constructed in 1948, the Alexander County Jail was designed to accommodate up to 110 individuals. Beyond its primary function of providing inmate housing, the facility offers a law library accessible to inmates on weekdays from 7 AM to 3 PM, on a first-come, first-served basis. Inmates also have the opportunity to obtain copies of the facility’s official reports for a nominal fee. To provide further assistance, paralegals are available at the facility to support inmates.
Inside the Alexander County Jail, mail time brings joy to inmates, much like in any other prison facility. Inmates are actively encouraged to engage in correspondence with their loved ones and eagerly anticipate receiving mail. The jail administration conducts thorough inspections of incoming mail to ensure security and prevent any prohibited items from entering the facility.
For mailing purposes, individuals should use the following address format:
[Inmate’s Name/Booking Number]
In custody of Alexander County Jail
2000 Washington Avenue, Cairo, IL, 62914
Inmates at Alexander County Jail have the convenience of a commissary account, allowing their friends and loved ones to deposit money. Within the prison, canteens and shops offer essential items like writing materials and snacks for purchase.
To facilitate the process of sending money to inmates, the Alexander County Jail utilizes the services of Touchpay. Setting up an account with this company enables individuals to easily send money to inmates at the facility.
Inmates at Alexander County Jail are granted the privilege of making phone calls, with a minimum duration of fifteen minutes per call. However, it is important to note that all conversations are subject to monitoring by prison officials for security purposes and to ensure compliance with regulations.
Prior to entering Alexander County Jail, individuals seeking to visit must be aware that the facility reserves the right to conduct an investigation on the visitor. It is mandatory for visitors to carry a photograph of the inmate they intend to visit. Additionally, visitors must dress appropriately and provide a valid identification document. The facility allows visiting hours throughout the week, starting from 7:30 AM and concluding at 9:00 PM. The visiting schedule is as follows:
Monday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Sheriff Tim Brown, respected for his commitment to safeguarding the community, holds the esteemed position of being the foremost law enforcement officer in Alexander County. With a primary focus on ensuring public safety, Sheriff Brown diligently works to prevent and address criminal activities within the area. As the head law enforcement official, he bears the responsibility of upholding the law and protecting the citizens of Alexander County.
Alexander County, situated in the southernmost and southwestern region of Illinois, holds the distinction of being the county with the smallest population in the state, with a count of 5,240 residents according to the 2020 census. Its county seat is Cairo, strategically located along the western boundary formed by the mighty Mississippi River. As part of the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area, Alexander County encompasses jurisdictions on both sides of the river.
Established in 1819, Alexander County was carved out of Union County. It was named in honor of William M. Alexander, a prominent physician who practiced in the town of America, which served as the initial county seat. Alexander’s political career thrived, leading him to become the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in 1822. The county experienced agricultural development and attracted settlers primarily from the Upper South. Over time, the county seat shifted from Unity to Thebes and eventually to Cairo in 1860. Notably, America, the original county seat, now falls within Pulaski County, which was formed from parts of Alexander and Johnson counties in 1843.
Southern Illinois, including Alexander County, was predominantly settled by white migrants from the Upland South, thus inheriting many of the racial attitudes prevalent in the region. The influx of African Americans into Cairo, drawn by employment opportunities on steamboats, ferries, shipping, and railroads, gave rise to tensions between racial groups. The white residents, seeking to maintain their supremacy, resorted to violence, terrorism, and discriminatory practices, relegating black residents to second-class positions. African Americans faced exclusion from city government, as well as police and fire departments, and encountered limited opportunities for employment in local stores.
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Alexander County Jail
2000 Washington Ave # 7
Cairo, IL 62914
618-734-2141
http://www.alexandercountyil.com/