Lake County jail earns national innovation award

The Lake County Adult Correctional Facility has received the Detention Facility Innovation Award from the National Institute for Jail Operations, officials announced Thursday.

The national award recognized the county jail for its broad approach to improving jail operations through new technology, equipment, training, specialized resources and programming, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office.

“This is tremendous recognition for the men and women of our Corrections Division,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in the announcement. “They have worked incredibly hard to make our jail safer, more secure and more effective.”

In March, the facility placed a new body scanner into service. The scanner, similar to what is used at airports, provides correctional officers with an additional layer of screening and allows staff to identify potential contraband that may otherwise go undetected.

In April, the sheriff’s office introduced its first K9 assigned specifically to the corrections division. The dog assists correctional staff with contraband detection, facility searches, apprehensions, emergency disturbances and other operational needs. A second joined the facility earlier this month.

The jail also was recognized for efforts to expand educational, vocational and reentry opportunities for those in custody. Current programs include GED instruction, workforce development, the Bridges Program through the College of Lake County, substance abuse support and anger management.

Health care services have also expanded, including the addition of on-site physical therapy, officials said.

The Innovation Award comes shortly after the jail earned its sixth consecutive accreditation from the American Correctional Association.