Lake County jail passes Illinois Department of Corrections audit

The Lake County jail has passed its most recent inspection and audit conducted by the Illinois Department of Corrections, Sheriff John D. Idleburg announced.

Conducted annually, the IDOC inspection reviews more than 330 categories.

Several achievements were recognized and documented by the auditors, including the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for inmates and staff; the jail's creation of a Gender Equity Committee to evaluate the needs of female inmates and staff; GED classes offered over Zoom to allow inmates to continue their education during the pandemic; plans for an upgraded body-worn camera system; the installation of the new air handlers for the ventilation system; and expansion of the Vivitrol program to provide ongoing substance abuse treatment to inmates.

"While it was difficult during the pandemic, we continue making it a top priority to capitalize on inmate programming, so we can utilize an inmate's time here to help them better themselves, so they can be successful when they re-enter our community. This reduces recidivism and ultimately saves taxpayer dollars," Idleburg said.