Prison Closures, Including Controversial Supermax, Near Completion
By aaroncynic in News on Dec 27, 2012 8:30PM
Gov. Pat Quinn has been fighting to close several prisons this year, and now inmate transfers from those prisons are nearing completion. Prisoners from the Tamms supermax facility, along with inmates from several adult transition centers and two juvenile centers are in the process of being shuffled around the state, and at least Tamms will close on Jan. 4. A women’s prison in Dwight, Ill., is still waiting for a closure date.
“The taxpayers of Illinois are the real winners," said Quinn in a press release. "Our state is facing unprecedented financial pressures and closing these facilities is one part of the long-term solution.” Quinn and The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union battled back and forth in the court system this year over closing the prisons. Quinn won the fight when an Alexander County judge followed an order from the Supreme Court and lifted a previous injunction on closure arrangements, the Northwest Herald reports.
A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Corrections told The Chicago Tribune, “The transfer of inmates and subsequent closure of these facilities will continue to be managed appropriately. The Department of Corrections continues to implement the closures in a thoughtful and responsible manner that prioritizes public safety and security while minimizing the impact on staff and inmates.”
As of last week, 12 inmates remained in solitary confinement at Tamms, while another 48 were in the minimum security wing of the prison. Tamms maximum security prisoners have been transferred to the Pontiac Correctional Center. Inmates in minimum security have been moved to the Sheridan Correctional Center. Most facilities will be closed by Jan. 4.