Stateville and Menard prisons have been on lockdown after recent violent attacks by inmates. (Photo courtesy flickr)

By Metro News Service

SPRINGFIELD - Several prisons in Illinois were on lockdown last weekend because of increased violence. Menard Prison Correctional Sergeant Kevin Hirsch said they've had several fights in the past week.

An inmate attacked a lieutenant at Menard about three weeks ago. The inmate responsible for that attack has reportedly been transferred to Pontiac to spend time in isolation.

Menard and Statesville prisons were locked-down after staff members were attacked last week. Hirsch says one reason inmates are getting so bold is because they know Governor Quinn wants to close Tamms, which means the inmates know their punishment for major offenses will be less severe.

A spokesperson for the DOC says the safety of staff and inmates is the department's top priority and they take incidents of violence very seriously.