Tracy, legislators discuss needed changes at state prisons

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) joined several legislative colleagues during a Capitol press conference Tuesday to address a number of reported medical reactions involving Corrections staff exposures to illicit drugs — and inmate exposure deaths from illicit drugs — at correctional facilities in Illinois.

Tracy and fellow Senators Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), and Sally Turner (R-Beason) talked about what they learned from their visits to prisons throughout Illinois, and discussed what changes they think are necessary.

In a response from the Department of Corrections: “The Illinois Department of Corrections’ (IDOC) top priority remains the safety of our staff, individuals in custody, and everyone entering our facilities. While we are actively exploring additional options to enhance safety, it is important to note that the issue of contraband entering facilities is not unique to mail or to IDOC. Contraband can be introduced through various means, and this challenge is faced by correctional departments at every level of government. IDOC is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively by strengthening existing protocols, implementing new security measures, and learning from best practices across the nation to ensure the safety and security of our facilities.”