Smuggling Cook County Jail Guard Pleads Guilty

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office: Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Marijuana and Alcohol into Cook County Jail CHICAGO — A former Cook County Corrections Officer admitted in federal court today that he smuggled marijuana, tobacco … Continue reading

Cook County Jailers Charged with Cooperating with Inmates to Smuggle Drugs, Etc.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney: CORRECTIONS OFFICER AND THREE INMATES AMONG SEVEN CHARGED IN ALLEGED PLOT TO SMUGGLE CONTRABAND INTO COOK COUNTY JAIL CHICAGO — Nearly three ounces of marijuana was confiscated after it was found hidden inside … Continue reading

Zinke Quoted in Chicago Sun-Times about Charging Only $16 Daily for Cook County Prisoner

None other than McHenry County Undersheriff Andy Zinke is quoted in a Chicago Sun-Times story about Mayor Daley nephew R.J. Vanecko’s paying only $16 a day for the privilege of serving his sentence in McHenry County Jail, instead of Cook … Continue reading

Finally, Testing Incoming Inmates for HIV

More than 20 years ago, State Rep. Penny Pullen was pushing for inmates to be tested for HIV upon incarceration. She was even willing to settle for testing upon release. Why? In the hope that those in prison might be … Continue reading

Young Chinese Leaders Come to Crystal Lake and Woodstock – Part 1

At the end of June, 2007, I had the opportunity to host young political leaders from China. It was an exchange trip sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Back in the fall of 1976, I had an … Continue reading

Finding Someone in County Jail

Update of June 15, 2012. There is now a way to find people in the McHenry County Jail.  Look here for the link. = = = = = A friend of McHenry County Blog was trying to find out if … Continue reading

What Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Can Do To Come Out Smelling Like a Rose – Part 1

Last week was so busy I didn’t get to read the three daily newspapers that land on my driveway every morning. When I picked up the Wednesday Sun-Times, I saw Mark Brown’s column entitled, Jail’s weekly stats:42 fights, 11 shanks … Continue reading

What Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Can Do To Come Out Smelling Like a Rose – Part 1

Last week was so busy I didn’t get to read the three daily newspapers that land on my driveway every morning. When I picked up the Wednesday Sun-Times, I saw Mark Brown’s column entitled, Jail’s weekly stats:42 fights, 11 shanks … Continue reading

Part 7 – Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail – Housekeeping and Conclusions

This is the seventh and last installment of what was contained in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report about Cook County Jail. It looks at maintenance, housekeeping, sanitation, pest control, plus the report’s conclusions. There seems … Continue reading

Part 7 – Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail – Housekeeping and Conclusions

This is the seventh and last installment of what was contained in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report about Cook County Jail. It looks at maintenance, housekeeping, sanitation, pest control, plus the report’s conclusions. There seems … Continue reading

Part 6 – Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail – Suicide & Fire Prevention

This is the sixth installment of what was contained in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report about Cook County Jail. It addresses suicide and fire prevention. There is a section entitled, “Inadequate Suicide Prevention” (page 66). … Continue reading

Part 6 – Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail – Suicide & Fire Prevention

This is the sixth installment of what was contained in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report about Cook County Jail. It addresses suicide and fire prevention. There is a section entitled, “Inadequate Suicide Prevention” (page 66). … Continue reading

Part 5 – Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail – Access to Medical and Dental Care

This is the fifth installment of what was contained in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report about Cook County Jail. It concentrates on prisoner access to medical and dental care. Hos about sick call? Here’s how … Continue reading

Part 5 – Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail – Access to Medical and Dental Care

This is the fifth installment of what was contained in the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division report about Cook County Jail. It concentrates on prisoner access to medical and dental care. Hos about sick call? Here’s how … Continue reading