Dear Ally of the John Howard Association, In December 2012, JHA visited Menard Correctional Center (Menard). By far the largest of the three male maximum-security facilities within the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Menard is located about 2.5 hours south of Springfield, and almost 6 hours south of Chicago, in Menard, IL.  Vital Statistics:Total Population: 3,666 Maximum-Security Population: 3,144 Maximum-Security Rated Capacity: 2,600 Average Annual Cost Per Inmate (FY 2011): $19,824 Average Age: 38 Source IDOC 2/11/13 Key Observations: - Opened in 1878, the facility has serious maintenance needs that will cost more than $12 million to address.
- Publicized incidents of staff assaults and recent inmate deaths have brought attention to high tensions at Menard, where physical plant issues, constant lockdowns, and allegations of unprofessional staff conduct and neglected inmate grievances are common.
- Staffing at Menard has been inadequate for many years. Influx of staff from other southern facilities closures should somewhat improve conditions.
- Inmates at Menard distrust the internal discipline and grievance procedures.
- Since JHA's 2011 monitoring visit, Menard has made several improvements including reducing its segregation population, notably of inmates suffering from mental illnesses; attempting to isolate and reduce lockdowns by housing inmates by aggression levels; and working with staff to strengthen communication and accountability.
Gwyn Troyer John Howard Association
Director, Prison Monitor Project
(312) 503-6304 |
