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Director's Combined Weapons Match attracts 12 correctional center teams
East Moline Correctional Center team wins first place
SPRINGFIELD - Nov. 14, 2008 – East Moline Correctional Center placed first in the Annual Director's Combined Weapons Match held Oct. 24 at Taylorville Correctional Center’s firing range. Twelve institutional teams participated in the match.
"The agency is proud of the skills and teamwork of its employees," said Director Roger E. Walker Jr. "I’d like to congratulate all of the participants and thank everyone who helped make this year's match a success." More...
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice – Illinois Conference held Oct. 9-10 in Bloomington
“Accept the Challenge, Stay the Course, Achieve the Goal”
SPRINGFIELD – Oct. 16, 2008 - The Illinois Chapters of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice Conference and Training Institute was held Oct. 9-10 in Bloomington. This year's theme, “ Accept the Challenge, Stay the Course, Achieve the Goal,” focused on the path of those in the criminal justice field must take to be successful. More...
ICEMA holds Director's Golf Outing
SPRINGFIELD – Sept. 30, 2008 - The Illinois Correctional Employees Memorial Association (ICEMA) held the Director's Golf Outing Sept. 19 at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur with 36 teams teeing off during the day long event. The outing raised more than $7,000 for the 2009 ICEMA scholarship awards.
Winning teams included:
1st Flight Men's Championship Team: Menard Correctional Center Team, led by Warden Don Hulick, defended their title for the third-time win.
1st Flight Co-Ed Team: IYC Warrenville/Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
1st Flight Women's Team: Women and Family Services, led by Deputy Director Debbie Denning.
2nd Flight Men's Championship Teams: Wexford Health
2nd Flight Co-Ed Team: Women in Corrections with Acting CEO of Illinois Correctional Industries Donna Lindemulder and crew
2nd Flight Women's Team: Co-Ed Team: Dixon Correctional Center and Central Accounting
Women in Corrections-Illinois holds 2nd annual conference in Effingham
“Women are Great in 2008” attracts nearly 500 attendees
SPRINGFIELD - Sept. 15, 2008 - The Women in Corrections-Illinois 2nd Annual Conference held Sept. 2-4 at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham attracted nearly 500 attendees, who included participants, presenters, sponsors and vendors. This year's theme, “Women are Great in 2008,” focused on the diversity of women in corrections, the vital role they play, the challenges they face and the importance of personal and professional development. Conference topics included Changing the Face of Corrections from Dress Pants and Loafers to Dresses and Stilettos, Leadership at All Levels, Workplace Climate and Culture, Women's Health Issues and A Woman's Common Sense to Investing. More...
Eighteen more veterans graduate from state's Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program
More than 980 veterans have participated in the reentry program
SPRINGFIELD – Aug. 21, 2008 – Several state agency representatives commended the newest graduates of the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program – a multi-agency initiative to enhance the successful reentry of inmates into society through essential programs and services. Deputy Director of Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Roberta Fews, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Sergio Estrada, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) LaToya Price-Childs and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) Veterans' Services Program Manager Lane Knox attended today's special ceremony for 18 veterans at the Logan Correctional Center. More...
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice – Illinois Conference to be held Oct. 9-10 in Bloomington
SPRINGFIELD - Aug. 14, 2008 - The Illinois Chapters of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice will hold its Criminal Justice Conference and Training Institute Oct. 9-10, 2008, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites located at 3202 E. Empire St. in Bloomington, Ill. This year's conference will be hosted by the Central Illinois Area Chapter of NABCJ. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections to feature large display at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD - August 6, 2008 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will be featuring a large display located near Gate 2 ( Peoria Rd. and Sangamon Ave. ) at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This year's fair begins Friday, Aug. 8, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 17. More...
National Association of Correctional Record Administrators and Supervisors to host First Annual National Conference Sept. 22-25 in Minnesota
“Keeping the Public Safe One Day at a Time”
SPRINGFIELD – July 15, 2008 - The National Association of Correctional Record Administrators and Supervisors (NACRAS) will host its first annual national conference Sept. 23-25, 2008, in Bloomington , Minn. The conference theme is “Keeping the Public Safe One Day at a Time.” More...
IDOC staff and inmate work crews revisit floodwaters of 1993
Agency supports communities, provides thousands of hours of relief efforts
SPRINGFIELD – June 23, 2008 - Since mid June, Illinois Department of Corrections staff and inmate work crews have racked up nearly 18,000 hours providing flood relief protection to save farmlands and towns in Western Illinois from being swallowed by the flooding. Many of the efforts mirror the infamous Great Flood of '93, where staff and inmates battled the rising waters from sunrise to sunset by filling and throwing sandbags along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, working diligently in Cass, Adams, Hancock, Pike, Mercer, Henderson and Calhoun counties. More...
Illinois Correctional Industries to host Central Region National Correctional Industries Association Conference
BLOOMINGDALE – June 23, 2008 - Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI) will host the Central Region National Correctional Industries Association Conference June 23-25 in Bloomingdale. All states offering Correctional Industry programs have been invited to attend the conference. Several states including Ohio, Michigan and Indiana are scheduled to attend. Vendors and business partners from throughout the U.S. and Canada will also be participating. More...
IDOC to host 2nd Annual Women in Corrections-Illinois Conference
“Women are Great in 2008”
SPRINGFIELD – May 21, 2008 - The Illinois Department of Corrections will be hosting the 2nd Annual Women in Corrections-Illinois Conference on Sept. 2-4, 2008, at the Thelma Keller Convention Center, Effingham, Ill. More...
Gov. Blagojevich announces historic reduction in repeat crimes by ex-offenders, slower rate of growth in state's prison population
New statistics show major progress from Governor's comprehensive effort to reduce recidivism
Releases Community Safety & Reentry Commission report and plan to continue work as new stats show Chicago's murder and violent crime rates on the rise
CHICAGO - May 19, 2008 - Joined by law enforcement officials, community leaders, faith-based leaders and state officials, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that statewide reforms have led to historic reductions in crimes by former offenders and significant savings for taxpayers. An intensive effort launched by the Governor in fiscal year 2004 to provide incarcerated offenders and parolees with access to education, job training, substance abuse treatment and counseling has led to the lowest conviction rate among parolees in state history, a 23% reduction in arrests among the general parolee population, and a 40% reduction in repeat incarceration among parolees with substance abuse histories who graduated from the Sheridan Drug and Reentry Program. The drop in recidivism has saved the State an estimated $64 million in incarceration costs since 2004. More...
IDOC celebrates the first anniversary of the Moms and Babies Program at Decatur Correctional Center
Program helps strengthen family structure and enhance successful reentry back to the community
DECATUR – May 19, 2008 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Women and Family Services Division today hosted a special ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the Moms and Babies Program at the Decatur Correctional Center. Since the program's inception in 2007, two mothers and their babies have completed the program and returned home. Currently, there are five moms and their children in the program, including one mother who gave birth to a baby girl just five days ago. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice recognize Correctional Officers of the Year for 2008
Five front line employees awarded top honors
SPRINGFIELD - May 6, 2008 - Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Director Roger E. Walker Jr. and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) Acting Director Kurt Friedenauer today honored five outstanding front line employees as 2008 Correctional Officers of the Year at a ceremony in Springfield. More...
IDOC raises nearly $341,000 for 2007 SECA Campaign, wins top honors for seventh consecutive year
SPRINGFIELD – April 17, 2008 - The Illinois Department of Corrections won top honors in the 2007 State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) Campaign at the SECA Awards Reception held April 17 at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. IDOC received the highest award, the Capitol Cup, for the seventh consecutive year. The award is given to an agency for the most staff participation and exceptional giving. IDOC also was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice name 2008 Volunteers of the Year
“Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”
SPRINGFIELD - April 16, 2008 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) announced the recipients of the 2008 Volunteer of the Year awards at a recognition ceremony held today in Springfield. Becky Funk at Dwight Correctional Center was named IDOC 2008 Volunteer of the Year and Deb Sundberg at Illinois Youth Center-Kewanee was named as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year for IDJJ. Funk and Sundberg were among volunteers of the state's 28 adult correctional centers, eight adult transition centers and eight youth facilities who were being honored for their outstanding leadership and efforts in providing positive change in the lives of inmates and youths. More...
IDOC staff and inmate work crews provide cleanup following months of ice storms, flooding throughout Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – April 14, 2008 - During the last four months, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) staff and inmate work crews logged in 6,000 hours helping cleanup Illinois communities following severe ice storms and flooding. More...
Appreciation banquet held for 2007 SECA ambassadors of IDOC and IDJJ
SPRINGFIELD – March 4, 2008 – An appreciation banquet was held Feb. 28 for State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) ambassadors of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). More...
Illinois Correctional Employees Memorial Association (ICEMA)
Scholarship Program Application available on ICEMA website
Application deadline is March 15, 2008
SPRINGFIELD - Feb. 6, 2008 - The Illinois Correctional Employees Memorial Association (ICEMA) will be awarding scholarships to members of ICEMA and their children seeking to pursue secondary and higher education during the upcoming academic year. The expansion of the scholarship program to qualifying members is new this year and the committee is excited to see how many applications will be received. More...
Romanian delegation meets with IDOC officials
SPRINGFIELD - Dec. 13, 2007 - A Romanian delegation, hosted by Berean Prison Ministry, met with Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) executive staff at the agency's General Headquarters in Springfield on Dec. 13. The visit was part of IDOC's chaplaincy program. More...
Illinois Correctional Industries recycling program wins beautification award
Program fosters community partnerships, assists in inmate rehabilitation
SPRINGFIELD – Dec. 10, 2007 – The Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI) community-based recycling program recently was announced as an inaugural winner of the “Beautify Southern Illinois Awards.” The award was given based on individuals and groups who have gone above the call of duty in beautifying the region. More...
IDOC pays respect to former employees killed in Kosovo
Retired IDOC auditor and former warden among 47 honored
SPRINGFIELD - Nov. 8, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), represented by long-time Shawnee Correctional Center Administrative Assistant Kerry Camp, paid its respects at an Oct. 19 memorial service near Washington D.C. honoring 47 DynCorp International support personnel who have died in the line of duty while supporting U.S. objectives overseas. More...
Director Roger E. Walker Jr. presents the first place trophy to the East Moline Correctional Center team. Featured from left are Lieutenants Eric Thompson and Joe Arnold, Director Walker and Correctional Officers Gary West and Chad Karenke.
Director's Combined Weapons Match attracts 16 teams throughout the state
East Moline Correctional Center team wins first place
SPRINGFIELD - Nov. 2, 2007 - The Annual Director's Combined Weapons Match was held Oct. 26 at the Illinois State Police Firing Range and Training Facility in Pawnee. Despite rainy conditions, 16 institutional teams participated in the match throughout the day with East Moline Correctional Center taking first place.
"IDOC is proud of the skills and teamwork of its employees," said Director Roger E. Walker Jr. "I'd like to congratulate and thank all of the participants who helped make this year's match a success."
Until 2006, East Moline had taken first place for 11 consecutive times. In 2006, Hill Correctional Center won first and East Moline placed second. This year, the East Moline Correctional Center pistol team won the team competition with a score of 4149 - 116x out of a possible 4320 – 312x. Western Illinois Correctional Center took second place with a score of 4108 – 91x and Tamms Correctional Center placed 3rd with a score of 4092 – 76x. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections to conduct Operation Safe Spirits
Agency to increase monitoring of paroled sex offenders on Halloween
SPRINGFIELD - Oct. 26, 2007 - For the third consecutive year, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will increase surveillance of paroled sex offenders on the days leading up to and on Halloween. Operation Safe Spirits works with local law enforcement throughout the state to keep a closer eye on paroled sex offenders during this time when more kids are out in the evenings going door-to-door to trick-or-treat. More...
Director Roger E. Walker Jr. welcomes attendees in his opening remarks at the Illinois Chapters National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice Conference. Featured right is Marcus Hardy, president of Central Illinois Area Chapter.
Illinois Chapters of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice holds annual conference
Theme focuses on empowering and preparing leaders
SPRINGFIELD - Oct. 18, 2007 - The Illinois Chapters of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) held its annual conference in Fairview Heights Oct. 10-12 hosted by the Greater Illinois Area Chapter. This year's theme was “Empowering the Leaders of Today to Prepare for the Leaders of Tomorrow.”
“Education and mentoring uplifts the spirit,” said Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Director Roger E. Walker Jr. in the conference's opening remarks. “It helps to guide others in making sound decisions and having a commitment to personal responsibility on their job and in their lives. But it doesn't stop there,” Walker added. “Our system continues to be a place where thousands of our young are being locked up and locked out of the dream of a normal acceptable lifestyle. Our focus toward helping these individuals should be persuaded by seeing ourselves in a better light by helping each other, and in turn, helping our clients.” More...
More than 130 people from 28 states attended the National Association of Correctional Record Administrators and Supervisors Workshop. Featured from left are Director of Commitment and Volunteer Services Jodie Stouffer, who works for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections Services, IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. and IDOC Records Office Supervisor Glenn Jackson, who also serves as president of NACRAS.
IDOC holds First Annual National Association of Correctional Record Administrators and Supervisors Workshop
Workshop examines, promotes excellence in managing offender records
SPRINGFIELD - Oct. 17, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections hosted the First Annual National Association of Correctional Record Administrators and Supervisors (NACRAS) Workshop in Springfield Sept. 25-26. More than 130 people from 28 states attended the two-day conference.
“IDOC is pleased to have played a significant role in creating NACRAS,” said IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. “The efforts of this association are a vital component to public safety and interest. Those who perform these functions serve an important role as gatekeepers to the institutions by managing offender records and accurately calculating offender release. This workshop served as an important tool to examine and promote excellence in the management of offender records through the sharing of ideas and philosophies.” More...
A Russian ministry from the Republic of Karelia met with IDOC officials in Springfield Sept. 27 as part of the agency's chaplaincy program. Pastor Igor and Mrs. Elena Zenev and their son Ilya are featured middle front. Also featured left is IDOC Volunteer Services Manager Marcy Morris along with Berean Prison Ministry representatives.
Russian ministry meets with IDOC officials
SPRINGFIELD – Oct. 9, 2007 - A Russian ministry from the Republic of Karelia met with Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) officials at the department's General Headquarters in Springfield on Sept. 27 as part of the agency's chaplaincy program. Pastor Igor and Mrs. Elena Zenev and their son Ilya came to Illinois to visit with chaplains at facilities in which Berean Prison Ministry provides ministry.
Pastor Igor, Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety Col. Jill Morgenthaler, Chief of Community Outreach-Special Assistant to the Director Shelith Hansbro and other IDOC and ministry representatives discussed the differences and likenesses of prison ministry in Illinois and Russia. More...
Menard Correctional Center's team won the Men's Championship at the Director's Golf Outing hosted by ICEMA. Featured from left are Correctional Officers Jason Furlow and Jason Buskohl, Director Roger E. Walker Jr., Warden Don Hulick and Correctional Sergeant Larry Wingerter.
ICEMA holds Director's Golf Outing
SPRINGFIELD - Oct. 2, 2007 - The Illinois Correctional Employees Memorial Association (ICEMA) held the Director's Golf Outing Sept. 21 at Scovill Golf Course in Decatur with 35 teams teeing off early in the morning. The event raised more than $12,000 for the 2008 ICEMA scholarship awards.
Winning teams included:
Men's Championship Team: Menard Correctional Center Team, led by Warden Don Hulick, defended their title for the second-time win.
Co-Ed Team: Consolidated Communications
Women's Team: Fiscal Services Team, led by Accountant Supervisor Sharon Wunder, defended their title for the second-time win.
Deputy Director of Programs and Support Services Roberta Fews (left) and Chief of Community Outreach-Special Assistant to the Director Shelith Hansbro are featured at the Women in Corrections-Illinois Inaugural Conference. Both served as mistress of ceremonies throughout the event.
Women in Corrections-Illinois holds inaugural conference
Conference attracts nearly 250 attendees
SPRINGFIELD - Sept. 25, 2007 - The Women in Corrections-Illinois Inaugural Conference was recently held at Pere Marquette State Park Lodge. The two-day event in September attracted nearly 250 attendees who included participants, presenters, sponsors and vendors. This year's theme, “Empowering Women in Corrections-Different Strategies, Same Goals,” focused on the diversity of women in corrections, the vital role they play and the importance of professional development.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety Col. Jill Morgenthaler served as keynote speaker. Her presentation, Dare to be a DAME, highlighted how women can obtain personal growth through components such as getting involved or Do it, as well as Attitude, Mentoring and Education. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections kicks off 2007 SECA Campaign, holds training for SECA ambassadors
SPRINGFIELD – Sept. 14, 2007 – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) today kicked off the 2007 State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) Campaign. The campaign, which runs through Nov. 9, provides state and university employees the opportunity to support participating charities of their choice through payroll deduction or a one-time donation. To support the kickoff, training also was recently conducted at IDOC General Headquarters in Springfield for employees who will serve as ambassadors at their respective facilities to commence the 2007 SECA Campaign. More...
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice - Illinois Conference to be held Oct. 10 – 12
SPRINGFIELD - Sept. 13, 2007 - The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice-Illinois Chapters will be hosting its Annual Conference and Training Institute on Oct. 10-12, 2007, at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel located in Fairview Heights, Ill. More...
The Honor Guard will present colors on Aug. 10, opening day of the Illinois State Fair, at the IDOC tent as well as on Aug. 15. Other performances during the fair include the K-9 Unit and Help Paws.
Illinois Department of Corrections to feature large display at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD - August 6, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will be featuring a large display located near Gate 2 ( Peoria Rd. and Sangamon Ave.) at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This year’s fair begins Friday, Aug. 10, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 19.
Displays feature the Governor’s Operation Spotlight Reentry Program, Sheridan National Drug Prison and Reentry Program, National Model Meth Prison and Reentry Program, Women and Family Services programs, Illinois Correctional Industries, Volunteer Services, Victim Services and Recruitment as well as the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). More...
IDOC recognized as a leader in recycling rechargeable batteries
IDOC was recently presented an award for its leadership in recycling rechargeable batteries by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). Featured from left are Community Outreach Chief Shelith Hansbro, Manager of Telecommunications Larry Moritz, RBRC Manager of Marketing and Media Relations Linda Gabor, Director Roger E. Walker Jr., Communications Equipment Technician Ron Alexander and Radio System Supervisor Tom Costa of the Telecommunications Unit, and Brigitte Smith of the Director's Office.
Agency receives award for outstanding recycling efforts
SPRINGFIELD - July 16, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) was recognized with the 2006 “Regional Recycling Leadership Award,” by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization dedicated to recycling used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. RBRC presented the award on June 13, 2007, to IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. at the agency's general headquarters.
IDOC is one of the major leaders in the nations' correctional systems that recycle rechargeable batteries. Since joining the RBRC program in 2002, IDOC has implemented a successful statewide enrollment program with 21 collection locations for rechargeable batteries in correction department radio shops. As a result of these efforts, IDOC has collected nearly 10,000 pounds of rechargeable batteries since its inception with the program. Ron Alexander, communications equipment technician at IDOC, works with each site to make collections available in each location and is working to expand collections to other departments throughout the agency. In 2006, IDOC efforts resulted in the collection of nearly 2,100 pounds of rechargeable batteries. More...
IDOC to host Women in Corrections-Illinois Conference
SPRINGFIELD – July 11, 1007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections will be hosting the Women in Corrections-Illinois Conference on Sept. 4-5, 2007, at Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center in Grafton , Ill.
The Conference theme is “Empowering Women in Corrections - Different Strategies, Same Goals” with a focus on finding success in a male-dominated profession. Conference topics will include: Changing the Face of Corrections, Multi-Generational Workforce, Women's Health Issues, Investing for the Future, and other interesting topics. More...
IDOC officially opens Moms and Babies Program at Decatur Correctional Center
The Moms and Babies Program is designed to help strengthen the special bond that is critical to a healthy mother and child relationship. The pilot program at Decatur Correctional Center can currently accommodate five mothers and their babies, with a long-range goal of housing up to 20 mothers and babies.
Program helps strengthen family structure and enhance successful reentry back to the community
DECATUR - May 10, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Women and Family Services Division today hosted a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the Moms and Babies Program at Decatur Correctional Center. The program allows qualified mothers to keep their newborn babies with them and supports the incarcerated mother in developing and nurturing a bond with her infant through effective programming and a safe and supportive living environment. The program also affords the opportunity to build a sound foundation for a strong family structure to continue upon release.
“The Mom and Babies program is designed to help strengthen the special bond that is critical to a healthy mother child relationship. This new program recognizes the parental role and responsibilities of the female offender and helps prepare her to take proper care of her child when she reenters society,” said IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. “We want to give moms and babies a good start together for a more productive life outside the confines of the correctional facility.” More...
Blagojevich administration officials recognize Correctional Officers of the Year for 2007
Five front line employees awarded top honors
SPRINGFIELD - May 8, 2007 - Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Director Roger E. Walker Jr. and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) Acting Director Kurt Friedenauer today honored five outstanding front line employees as 2007 Correctional Officers of the Year at a ceremony in Springfield. The winners were chosen from a field of 50 nominees, who were nominated for the award by their colleagues. The overall winner was chosen by the departments' executive staff.
Director Walker and Acting Director Friedenauer commended the efforts of front line staff within their respective agencies.
“In every decision we make and in every action we take, safety is at the forefront of our operations,” Walker said. “This fine group of men and women serve with steadfast commitment in fulfilling the mission of the Illinois Department of Corrections.” More...
Illinois Department of Corrections to co-sponsor event at SIUC addressing the impact and issues of addiction
Event to feature special screening of HBO's “Addiction” and panel presentation on addiction in Town Hall Meeting forum
SPRINGFIELD - April 27, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is reaching out to students and community members at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (SIUC) to educate people on the dangers of addiction. IDOC, along with the SIUC Rehabilitation Institute, Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association and Civigenics will present a special screening of HBO's “Addiction” on Monday, April 30, beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by a panel presentation of leading experts on the subject. More...
IDOC raises $382,000 for 2006 SECA Campaign, wins top honors for sixth consecutive year
SPRINGFIELD – April 19, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections won top honors in the 2006 State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) Campaign at the SECA Awards Reception held April 19 at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. IDOC received the highest award, the Capitol Cup, for the sixth consecutive year. The award is given to an agency for the most staff participation and exceptional giving. More...
Illinois Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice name 2007 Volunteers of the Year
“Together We Create a Better Tomorrow” ceremony recognizes volunteers
SPRINGFIELD - April 18, 2007 - The Illinois Departments of Corrections (IDOC) and Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) announced the recipients of the 2007 Volunteer of the Year awards at a recognition ceremony held today in Springfield. Phillip L. McLaurin was named IDOC 2007 Volunteer of the Year and Tim Tomlinson at Illinois Youth Center – Pere Marquette was named as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year for IDJJ. McLaurin and Tomlinson were among volunteers of the state's 28 adult correctional centers, eight adult transition centers and eight youth facilities who were being honored for their outstanding leadership and their efforts in providing positive change in the lives of inmates and youths. More...
Correctional Officer Nicholson presents Director Walker with American flag in appreciation of IDOC’s support of deployed employees
Mark Nicholson, correctional officer at Jacksonville Correctional Center, presents Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger E. Walker Jr. with an American flag that was flown over Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with a Certificate of Authentication
SPRINGFIELD – March 9, 2007 - Mark Nicholson, correctional officer at Jacksonville Correctional Center, recently presented Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger E. Walker Jr. with an American flag that was flown over Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with a Certificate of Authentication.
The certificate reads, “This is to certify on Aug. 4, 2006, this American flag flew over Al Udeid Air Base during Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. This flag represents our dedication and steadfast devotion to duty in the fight against global terror and the vindication of the thousands of innocent people that perished during the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. May God grant them and their families peace.” More...
IDOC to implement Moms and Babies Program at Decatur Correctional Center
Program to help strengthen family structure and enhance successful reentry back to the community
SPRINGFIELD – March 6, 2007 - The Illinois Department of Corrections Women and Family Services Division is implementing a Moms and Babies Program at Decatur Correctional Center that will allow qualified mothers who will be leaving the prison in a specific period of time to keep their newborn babies with them. The program supports the incarcerated mother in developing and nurturing a bond with her infant through effective programming and a safe and supportive living environment. The program also affords the opportunity to build a sound foundation for a strong family structure to continue upon release. More...
IDOC recognizes its tactical commanders, assistant commanders during appreciation ceremony
IDOC recently held an appreciation ceremony to recognize the exemplary efforts of the agency’s tactical commanders and assistant commanders. Director Roger E. Walker Jr. and senior management are featured with the commanders of the state’s 28 adult correctional centers.
Springfield – Dec. 18, 2006 - The Illinois Department of Corrections recently held a special recognition and appreciation ceremony for the agency’s tactical commanders and assistant commanders for their exemplary efforts and dedication in safeguarding the state’s correctional centers.
“We all hold a common purpose here and that is to keep our prisons safe and secure,” IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. said during the ceremony. “I have always carried a great respect for your leadership and commitment to protect our staff, inmates and the public.” More...
IDOC continues to help communities with debris cleanup following severe winter storm
IDOC staff and inmate work crews provide cleanup restoration following the severe ice and snow storm that struck Central Illinois Nov. 30.
Recent cleanup effort is IDOC’s fourth major disaster recovery project this year
SPRINGFIELD - Dec. 13, 2006 – Even though most of the snow and ice has melted from the winter blast that recently hit the region, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) staff and inmate work crews continue to help communities in their cleanup and recovery efforts. Work crews totaling 1,015 inmates and 142 staff have been deployed to nearly 20 communities in seven counties to provide debris removal since Dec. 4.
“When disaster strikes, IDOC is there to help,” said IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. “This is the fourth major storm this year in which IDOC has reached out to help communities in their time of need. The leadership and professionalism of our staff, who report in a moment’s notice to organize and supervise work details, is commendable.” More...
Corrections Helping Paws Service Dog Program helps to transform lives
Jack, a schnoodle, is being trained to assist a person who uses a wheelchair. More than 100 dogs have completed the Helping Paws Service Dog Program at Dwight Correctional Center since its May 2000 inception.
More than 100 dogs complete training program
SPRINGFIELD - Dec. 5, 2006 - The Helping Paws Service Dog Program at Dwight Correctional Center is one of the first dog training programs in the state involving inmates as trainers. Since the program’s inception in May 2000, inmates have been training dogs to perform a variety of services, such as opening cabinets and doors, retrieving objects, switching lights and walking beside handicapped equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and braces. The program provides service dogs at no cost to people of Illinois with special needs.
The Helping Paws Program is a unique partnership between the Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Correctional Industries, Lake Land College and Morris Service Dogs, which is the service organization that places the dogs with recipients. Currently, 112 dogs have completed the training program and have gone on to become service, therapy, companion, search and rescue, drug detection and hearing dogs.
“Those involved in Helping Paws see firsthand the success of the program,” said IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. “ Throughout IDOC, there are many opportunities for offenders to give back to communities. Details of these programs teach them invaluable lessons while increasing their self-esteem as they help people.” More...
Blagojevich administration celebrates National Meth Awareness Day; highlights innovative Meth Prison and Reentry Program
IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. (left) is joined by White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Deputy Director Dr. Bertha Madras and other state and local partners to explain the innovative Meth Prison and Reentry Program at Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center and observe National Meth Awareness Day.
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Deputy Director Dr. Bertha Madras speaks at Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center Event
Governor proclaims today “Meth Prevention Day in Illinois”
SPRINGFIELD – Nov. 30, 2006 - On National Meth Awareness Day, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s administration today touted Illinois’ new innovative Meth Prison and Reentry Program. Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center will become a first-of-its-kind national model for reducing crime and recidivism among Meth offenders. Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Director Roger E. Walker Jr., joined by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Deputy Director and other state and local partners, explained the Meth Prison and Reentry Program this morning at the Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center (SWICC) in East St. Louis. The Governor also proclaimed today Meth Prevention Day in Illinois. More...
Blagojevich Administration moves forward with Governor’s plan to open innovative prison to treat meth addicts and reduce repeat crimes
Administration announces team of expert partners to help develop specialized meth treatment program
IDOC to celebrate National Meth Awareness Day on November 30 th in its development of the Historic Meth Prison and Reentry Program
SPRINGFIELD – Nov. 21, 2006 - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s innovative Meth Prison and Reentry Program is moving forward toward its goal of becoming a first-of-its-kind national model for reducing crime and recidivism among meth offenders. Today, the Governor announced that the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) officially chose a group of partners and community-based providers to help build a new, cutting-edge model for reducing crime among meth-involved offenders. Under the Meth Prison Initiative, hundreds of IDOC inmates at Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center will undergo a newly developed, highly intensive drug treatment and community reentry program to combat meth addiction and reduce crime. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections graduates 54 cadets from the training academy
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Nov. 17, 2006 - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the graduation of 54 correctional officer cadets, who completed a six-week, paramilitary training course at the Illinois Department of Corrections training academy in Springfield. On behalf of the Governor, IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. congratulated the new correctional officers during a graduation ceremony held at the agency’s General Headquarters. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections to increase monitoring of paroled sex offenders on Halloween
SPRINGFIELD - Oct. 27, 2006 - With Halloween approaching, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is increasing its surveillance of paroled sex offenders on Halloween in a program entitled Operation Safe Spirits. For the second year, the agency will be working with local law enforcement throughout the state in the monitoring of sex offenders on Halloween.
“The Illinois Department of Corrections is serious about monitoring sex offenders,” said IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. “The agency is dedicated to improving public safety and helping to ensure families have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.” More...
Gov. Blagojevich announces the graduation of 61 correctional officer cadets from the Illinois Department of Corrections training academy
Another new class of 54 cadets to graduate mid-November
SPRINGFIELD– Oct. 20, 2006 - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the graduation of 61 correctional officer cadets, who completed a six-week, paramilitary training course at the Illinois Department of Corrections training academy in Springfield. On behalf of the Governor, IDOC Director Roger E. Walker Jr. congratulated the 61 new correctional officers during a graduation ceremony held at the agency’s General Headquarters. More...
Gov. Blagojevich announces federal grant to support state’s efforts to reduce recidivism
$450,000 from U.S. Dept. of Justice supports Blagojevich Administration’s efforts to help keep released offenders from returning to life of crime
SPRINGFIELD - Oct. 12, 2006 - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will receive $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice to help prepare inmates for life after prison. Illinois is one of 20 states to receive awards to provide programs to help keep released inmates from returning to prison. More...
IDOC completes cleanup restoration project following July 21 storms
Disaster recovery project one of the longest in IDOC history
September 19, 2006 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) staff and inmate work crews logged in nearly 33,000 hours helping communities clean up and recover from the July 21 severe storms that swept through central and southern Illinois. In addition to cleanup efforts, IDOC responded to an urgent request for drinking water. Illinois Correctional Industries produced and delivered 85,000 individual containers and 300 five-gallon containers of drinking water to Metro East locations following the storm. More...
IDOC and LSSI continue to help support recovery efforts on the Gulf Coast
SPRINGFIELD – Sept. 12, 2006 - Collaboration continues with the efforts in Shreveport, La., to build housing for families who had their homes on the Gulf Coast destroyed by last year's hurricanes. The collaboration is between Building Homes: Rebuilding Lives, a program of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and IDOC School District 428. More...
Illinois Department of Corrections cadet training class begins
Sixty-two correctional officer cadets to take six-week training course
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Sept. 11, 2006 - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) announced today that 62 correctional officer cadets will begin a six-week paramilitary training course Monday, September 11 at the agency’s training academy in Springfield. The new group of cadets will increase IDOC’s front line staffing. This class is the second training course conducted this year for correctional officer cadets. More...
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IDOC staff and inmate work crews provide cleanup following months of ice storms, flooding throughout Illinois
