State lawmakers requesting information about the status of the Pontiac and Vandalia Correctional Centers

Posted on February 15, 2022
Several GOP state lawmakers are requesting information on what is happening with recent transfers of prisoners out of the Pontiac and Vandalia Correctional Centers. (WJBC file photo)

By Neil Doyle

PONTIAC – Some Republican state lawmakers are concerned about the status and future of the Pontiac and Vandalia Correctional Centers.

According to a letter sent to Gov. JB Pritzker and the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, both facilities have had a significant number of inmate transfers.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) says he’s concerned about the administration’s plans for the future of these facilities. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“I don’t think that the facilities are planned for a full closure, but it appears the Department of Corrections is making some limited closures of wings at the Pontiac Correctional facility,” said Barickman.

Barickman says both facilities are some of the largest employers in their respective regions. He says any changes to staffing or inmate population levels would have a major impact on the economic health of those areas.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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