Prisons and Jails
Judge strikes down ban on transfers to Illinois prisons
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The ruling by a Logan County Circuit Court Judge could cut the Cook County Jail population by ten percent.
Data
Why is the Cook County Jail population rising?
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There are about 800 more people in the jail than there were in early May. Injustice Watch took a closer look at what’s causing the change.
Police and Prosecutors
Wrongful conviction organization sues prosecutors for potentially exculpatory DNA evidence
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The Exoneration Project lawsuit asks the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to disclose DNA samples that have been matched to old crimes, which could lead to exonerations.
News
Activists petition Illinois public health department to shut down Vienna prison
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Activists and family members of people incarcerated at Vienna say that issues with water and electricity have made the prison unlivable, especially during a pandemic.
Police and Prosecutors
Champaign County judge gave high bonds after weekend of unrest
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“I guess they wanted to make an example out of us,” said Shantee Mason-Tanzie, one of 26 people arrested after alleged looting in Champaign County on May 31.
Alabama Prison Crisis
Alabama prison death highlights pattern of officials promoting bad bosses
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Billy Smith’s 2017 death highlighted broader problems at Elmore Correctional Facility, an overcrowded and understaffed prison with a history of abusive, neglectful managers.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 brings new challenges for Muslim inmates during Ramadan
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Restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak have made observing Ramadan more difficult for Muslims in prisons and jails.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus adds new fears for those on electronic monitoring
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Going to the doctor or the grocery store can be nearly impossible when you are on house arrest.
Coronavirus
Corrections department defies judge’s order to test ‘likely innocent’ death row inmate for COVID-19
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The order comes over a week after Walter Ogrod began showing symptoms associated with coronavirus.
Cook County Circuit Court
Activists demand courts release detainees amid COVID-19 concerns
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In an open letter to Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans, reform advocates are demanding the release of as many detainees as possible in order to mitigate risks related to the new coronavirus.