This page helps users handle an inmate search in DeKalb County, Illinois by focusing on custody status information, victim notification options, and DeKalb County Jail contacts.

For custody status updates, the main public service is VINE, also called Victim Information and Notification Everyday. The DeKalb County Sheriff also provides jail, corrections, bond, visitation, phone, mail, and inmate account information.

VINE custody status search and notifications

VINE is the public service used for custody status information and notifications. Users can check offender status and register for alerts about changes such as release, transfer, or escape.

Start with VINELink custody status and notification services. The service can send notifications by phone, email, text, or app, depending on the registration option selected.

  • Search for the offender through VINELink.
  • Review the custody status information shown for the person.
  • Register for notifications if you want alerts about custody changes.
  • Use the 4-digit PIN provided at registration to confirm phone notifications when VINE calls.

Safety note: If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Illinois VINE phone and mobile access

DeKalb County users may also call Illinois VINE at (866) 566-8439 for offender status information and notification registration.

The VINELink mobile app is free for iPhone and Android users and provides 24-hour access to custody status information and notification registration. The DeKalb County Sheriff describes the app as free and anonymous for users.

For mobile details, review the DeKalb County Sheriff VINELink mobile app page.

DeKalb County Jail and corrections information

The DeKalb County Jail is part of the Sheriff’s Corrections division. Jail operations include booking, inmate housing, courthouse security, and Electronic Home Monitoring.

The jail is located at the Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178. The Sheriff’s corrections information is available through the DeKalb County Sheriff Corrections page.

The jail facility expanded in 2018 and increased total jail capacity from 89 to 140 beds.

Bond and court appearance details

Bond may be posted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the DeKalb County Jail. Accepted payment methods include cash, cashier or bank check made out to the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, and certain credit cards.

Credit card bond payments have an 8% fee added by the credit card company. A $30 processing fee is collected in addition to the bond. Failure to Appear warrants have a $75 fee in addition to the bond.

Bond call is held by closed-circuit television. Members of the public may attend at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore, Room 220. Bond call is Monday through Friday at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

More details are on the DeKalb County Sheriff bond and court appearances page.

Visitation, mail, phone calls, and inmate funds

Inmate visitation is handled remotely. Visitation time can be purchased and scheduled through Inmate Sales or by calling (866) 340-7879. Inmates are allowed one 30-minute visit twice a week.

Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls. After booking, an inmate is provided a phone card that allows 5 minutes of phone time to obtain bond or let family know where they are. Additional calls may be collect, or an inmate may use funds to purchase phone cards from commissary.

Mail should be addressed using the inmate’s first and last name, followed by DeKalb County Jail, 150 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178. Do not send cash or personal checks.

Funds may be deposited by mailing a money order payable to the inmate, using the first-floor jail kiosk, leaving cash in the jail lobby, or following instructions through JailATM inmate deposits.

Contact DeKalb County Jail and VINE

Use these contacts for jail questions, custody notification help, and sheriff’s office routing.

  • DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Public Safety Building, 150 North Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178. Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Administration: (815) 895-7260. Non-Emergency/24hr: (815) 895-2155.
  • DeKalb County Jail, 150 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL 60178. Jail: (815) 895-4177.
  • Illinois VINE. Custody status and notification help: (866) 566-8439.
  • VINE toll-free support. Help locating an offender, registering for notifications, or accessing victim services: (866) 277-7477.

Common questions

Where can I search for DeKalb County inmate custody status?

Use VINELink to check custody status and register for alerts about changes such as release, transfer, or escape.

Can I get alerts when an offender’s status changes?

Yes. VINE allows users to register for notifications by phone, email, text, or app. Phone alerts continue for a designated period until the user enters the 4-digit PIN received at registration.

Who do I call for DeKalb County Jail questions?

Call the DeKalb County Jail at (815) 895-4177. For non-emergency Sheriff’s Office assistance, call (815) 895-2155.

Can inmates receive phone calls?

No. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. After booking, they receive limited phone time, and additional calls may be made collect or through phone time purchased through the inmate phone service.

How can someone schedule a DeKalb County inmate visit?

Visitation is handled remotely. Visits may be scheduled through Inmate Sales or by calling (866) 340-7879.