Mitchell legislation to establish county work camps

[FEB. 18, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- In an effort to better rehabilitate county jail inmates in the state of Illinois, Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, is sponsoring legislation to allow counties to operate work camps for nonviolent offenders, under the direction of the county sheriff.

"Certain nonviolent offenders are eligible for sentences of incarceration in a county jail and may benefit from the rehabilitative aspects of a county work camp program," said Mitchell. "This legislation is an attempt to allow counties and sheriffs to put approved offenders to work completing community service tasks rather than sitting every day in the confines of a county jail."

Mitchell said the current law does not explicitly allow counties to operate work camp programs for offenders serving time in county jails; however, the Illinois Department of Corrections operates several work camps in minimum-security facilities.

Under the legislation, certain offenders will not be permitted to participate in the county work camp programs, including those who have been convicted of:

• A felony in which force or threat of force was used against a victim.

• Any offense involving sexual exploitation, sexual conduct or sexual penetration.

• Domestic battery.

• Violation of any order of protection.

• Stalking.

• Any misdemeanor that results in the death of or great bodily harm to a victim.

• Manslaughter and reckless homicide.

• Any DUI violation.

"Work camps are excellent tools in rehabilitating criminals, which could be utilized at the county level," said Mitchell. "With this legislation, not only are we helping offenders get back on track, but we are also providing needed services within the local communities."

[News release from Rep. Bill Mitchell]

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