|
The Department of Corrections, which is authorized
to conduct annual inspections of county jails, issued its findings
September 28, 2006. In a letter authored by Dennis Cooper, Special
Assistant to the Director, to Sheriff Steve Nichols the Logan County
jail was found to "be in full compliance with the Illinois County
Jail Standards. Such findings reflect well on you and your staff."
Cooper went on to commend the Sheriff for his continued efforts to
update the facility and enhance the safety and security of the jail
which benefits both staff and inmate.
The Logan County Grand Jury is mandated by statute to inspect the
jail annually in order that local citizens are exposed to, and
knowledgeable of, the manner in which its inmates are housed and
treated. On October 4, 2006 Sheriff Nichols personally accompanied
members of the Grand Jury through the jail. Their report is filed
with the Clerk of the court and the Chief Judge of the Eleventh
Judicial Circuit. The jurors expressed in their report that they
"were very impressed by Sheriff Nichols' knowledge of everything. He
has tried to cut costs and still improve with a lower budget." They
concluded the report with "Sheriff Nichols is doing one hell of a
job!"
Huyett stated that he was personally involved with other members of
the Grand Jury conducting an investigation into a reckless homicide
which occurred some months back and that while he supports Sheriff
Nichols, the content of the report reflects the words and thoughts
of the Grand Jury independent of his office or the Sheriff's office.
"The members of the Grand Jury who toured the jail insisted on the
language in the report" said Huyett.
A copy of the Illinois Department of Corrections report is on file
in the office of Logan County Clerk Sally Litterly. The Grand Jury
report may be inspected at the office of Logan County Circuit Clerk
Carla Bender said Huyett.
[News release] |
 |
Send a link to a friend 
