Families of Illinois prison inmates and legal advocates spoke out this week against the new program implemented by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) that restricts incarcerated people's access to incoming mail.
The IDOC announced in August it was launching the program after the union representing correctional offices issued a report last year that described an "explosion of illegal drug use" in the state prison system that was endangering the health and safety of correctional officers and prison staff. But critics argue it violates prisoners' civil rights and said there is little evidence to support the idea that the mail was a major source of contraband.
Both State Senator Chapin Rose and State Representative Adam Niemerg toured the state prison facilities in their district, including the Lawrence Correctional Center at Sumner and threw their support behind the new program. Tenielle Fitzjarrald, president of the local union that represents officers at the Lawrence Correctional Center, said that working conditions at the facility before the mail scanning plan was put into place were unacceptable. Since the scanning began, she said conditions have greatly improved.
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules is scheduled to review the policy again at its' next monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 18th in Chicago.
U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts fraud forum, announces creation of fraud task force in Southern District of Indiana
The 2026 Indiana State Fair debuts new attractions, entertainment and family fun
IDEM forecasts Air Quality Action Day for Wednesday in three Indiana regions
Indiana customers to receive $350,000 in bill assistance from Duke Energy this summer
Car collectors can go retro with an authentic model year license plate
Phase II complete on Parke County Rail Trail
Parke County officials seek info in Coxville Bridge damage
Lineup of 50 new food creations featured during this year's Indiana State Fair
Indiana wrapping up recounts in three legislative races
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 in Vermillion County
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses
IFB: Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
