Stephenson County: Higher inmate levels foreseen: Layoffs have left the jail with fewer correctional officers

 Officials are predicting this increase because of the large number of defendants set to be sentenced after the New Year’s holiday. The influx of new inmates could prove problematic for jail officials, who recently had to lay off seven full-time correctional officers as part of budget cuts

layoffs may force officials to release non-violent inmates charged with low-level misdemeanors due to lack of staff and space at the jail. Because of the staff reductions, which went into effect on Dec. 19, 2009, Snyders was forced to close a portion of the jail, decreasing its available capacity.

aggressive marketing campaign to push for approval of the February public safety sales tax referendum. This one-half cent tax increase may eventually provide funding for additional sheriff’s office staff, as well as preventing future cuts

Higher inmate levels foreseen: Layoffs have left the jail with fewer correctional officers - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard