NCJ Number
146157
Journal
Insight Into Corrections Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 2-12
Date Published
1993
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report provides an overview of recent trends and programs in the Illinois correctional system.
Abstract
The Bureau of Justice Statistics report entitled Prisoners in 1992 reveals that Illinois had the highest average percentage increase of the 10 largest prison systems from 1988 through 1992, with a 12.6-percent annual increase in the number of inmates. The two factors contributing most to this increase are the increase in the number of drug offenders in the prison system and the increase in the number of repeat offenders and parole violators in prison. Accreditation is another important issue. The Illinois correctional system has a strong record of meeting the standards of the American Correctional Association and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Illinois reflects national trends in urban crime, street gang problems, and prison construction. Several initiatives over the last few years have helped the Illinois correctional system increase its productivity in response to increasing demands. Correctional personnel are carefully screened and trained to protect their safety. Inmate work assignments and other inmate programs provide many benefits to Illinois prisons. Sex offender treatment, inmate drug treatment, and shock incarceration programs for nonviolent first offenders are all in operation. Parole services are also an important component of corrections. Increased crime prevention efforts are also needed to improve public safety.