We’re still waiting for a comprehensive study of the
state’s prison facilities, outlining how they can be
put to best use and how to save money without
compromising safety.
Although talk of closing Pontiac
prison faded with the departure of former Gov. Rod
Blagojevich, the idea of closing certain prisons seems
to pop up periodically no matter who is governor —
generally with little or no detailed analysis, other
than political analysis.
At one time, then Gov. George Ryan proposed closing
Vienna Correctional Center in southern Illinois. In
addition to Pontiac in 2004 and 2008, Blagojevich also
threatened at one time to close Vandalia Correctional
Center and Stateville prison near Joliet.
The proposed sale of the state’s nearly vacant
Thomson Correctional Center to the federal government
once again highlights the lack of long-range strategic
planning when it comes to our state’s prison
facilities.
We would have had such a report by now if other
lawmakers had gone along with a proposal by state Sens.
Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, and Christine Radogno,
R-Lemont, to create a Corrections Facility Panel to
study which prisons, if any, should be closed.
Their proposal called for the panel to consist of
four lawmakers, two correctional facility employees,
two representatives of outside groups knowledgeable
about prisons and the state’s prison director. The
report would have been due Sept. 1.
It would have been useful to have such a report in
hand during discussion of whether to sell Thomson.
But, regardless of what is done with Thomson, a
comprehensive prison facility study is needed — as this
Editorial Board and others have been saying since at
least 2004.
Rutherford has noted that other state agencies have
long-range strategic plans, such as the Department of
Transportation’s road plan.
If the Department of Corrections has such a plan,
they haven’t shared it.
Fortunately, the DOC director appointed earlier this
year by the governor — Michael Randle — apparently sees
the need for a study of where the prisons are going and
is undertaking a complete review of the prison system.
However, a comprehensive study that includes people
in and out of the department, along with lawmakers from
both parties, would still be useful in providing a
blueprint for how to improve the state’s prison system,
make best use of its resources and spend money wisely.
