For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
April 8, 2008

JAIL STUDY PROVIDES BLUEPRINT TO MAXIMIZE SPACE AT COUNTY JAIL; NEW FACILITY NOT NECESSARY

WHEATON, IL — DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom says a report conducted on the County’s growing jail population, which is part of a nationwide trend, indicates that DuPage County has the means to manage its current jail population without the need to construct a new facility. 

The report, released Tuesday to the County’s Judicial and Public Safety Committee, was undertaken by MGT of America, Inc., who were hired by the County Board to determine whether there was an imminent need to build additional capacity at the county jail and make recommendations on how to expand current practices and undertake new initiatives.  

“This report shows that the County does not need to construct a new jail in order to address it’s growing jail population,” said Schillerstrom. “What this report does provide is a blueprint of recommendations that we can undertake to help maximize the space at our jail, institute new pretrial and diversion programing and enhance the relationships between our criminal justice agencies.”

MGT’s review shows that the DuPage County criminal justice system can effectively manage projected offender population levels within the current jail facility, assuming implementation of specific policy and operational recommendations. 

MGT “sees no justification for physical expansion of the jail for at least the next ten years.”  Their study also indicates:

• The jail can add 36 beds to its existing facilities through moderate use of double celling, without compromising security or operational effectiveness. 
• The county justice system under-utilizes program alternatives to incarceration.  Investment in proven alternative sanction programs could free up significant additional capacity.  Re-establishment of the SWAP program and a supervised pretrial release program could lower the jail population.
• The jail provides good quality medical services while facing challenges in controlling hospital costs and addressing a growing mental health problem.  The county should evaluate the feasibility and cost implications of an FHQC medical model of health care delivery at the jail that utilizes existing community providers.
• The Sheriff’s office should develop a system that expands its basic data on jail budgeting, expenditures, staffing and operational performance to other County entities.
• There needs to be an improved communication system among criminal justice officials, and the establishment of a forum for joint planning for future justice system priorities and programs would benefit the county.

It is important to note that the DuPage County Jail and its medical staff are and have been, since 1986, fully accredited and the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office retains the highest national accreditation award, “The Triple Crown Award” since 1990.

“We are fortunate to receive this study after having secured a new revenue source,” said Schillerstrom.  “This will allow us to examine these recommendations and make the necessary investments that will ensure our jail has the resources it needs to maximize its space.”

An important factor in the study is the comprehensive examination of how each public safety office affects the other when it comes to the County’s justice system.  This report, noted MGT, was not confined to just the County Jail, and its practices, but rather was a thorough review of all the factors that contribute to the jail’s population, including sentencing practices and diversion programs.

“This report is a giant step forward for our county,” noted Judicial and Public Safety Chairman Michael McMahon (District 3).  “There are some things we can do in both the short and long term to address the jail’s population.  In the short term double celling, reinstituting SWAP and a pre-trial program are things we may want to consider.  It is important to note that these recommendations will take time, and they will take the cooperation of all parties involved.” 

In order to bring greater cooperation between the county’s criminal justice agencies, McMahon announced that he will be consulting with the Chairman and elected officials to gather their input on the creation of a subcommittee, or an interagency working group, that will continue discussions on issues that affect the jail population.

Patrick O’Shea, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said his committee will review the recommendations in the report and make the necessary investments that will not put the burden of a new jail facility on the taxpayers of DuPage County.

“The recommendations in this report are an investment that will allow us to maintain our current facility, as well as provide taxpayers with the most cost-effective services that will maintain public safety in the county,” said O’Shea.

This report is a culmination of several months of work involving extensive data analysis and input from different agencies in county government.  The report involved the full cooperation of the Sheriff’s Office, the Chief Judge, Probation, Courts Administration and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

“I want to thank Sheriff John Zaruba and his office for their input during this process,” said McMahon.  “MGT had to spend a great deal of time in the county jail interviewing and working with his professional staff, and their cooperation is greatly appreciated.” 

MGT of America has worked with more than 2,700 public sector agencies in 49 states, Puerto Rico and several foreign countries.  Their expertise provides clients with consulting services that assist in running more efficient and effective operations.  Today, their corrections and public safety practices are their largest and most successful practice area, and we are honored to have them with us today. 

# # #