NCJ Number
127329
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (July/August 1990) Pages: 28-31
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The two decades during which Illinois has used mandatory minimum standards for county jails and other local detention facilities have also been characterized by massive Federal court intervention into the operation of jails and prisons that have also been influenced by standards developed by professional associations.
Abstract
The courts have directly impacted a few Illinois jails, and the influence of professional standards and accreditation programs has been even more limited. Currently, less than 5 percent of Illinois' jails have achieved accreditation. In contrast, Illinois County Jail Standards have significantly impacted a substantial number of facilities. Much of the construction and improvement of jails is directly attributable to the involvement of the Detention Standards and Service staff. Over the past 15 years, 10 counties have closed their jails as a result of findings by Detention Standards and Services. A number of these have occurred without court action resulting in more prompt and cost-effective solutions. The standards have also contributed to escalating capital expenditures and operating costs; financial support for facilities, staff, and other critical aspects of jail operations looms as an ever larger problem for the future. 2 footnotes