Just $150,000 Could Drastically Overhaul The Largest Jail In The Country

This week, the MacArthur Foundation announced its $75 million commitment to tackling over-incarceration in U.S. jails. Under the foundation’s newly created Safety and Justice Challenge, 20 jurisdictions across the country competed for $150,000 grants to develop unique solutions to a national problem. Although the amount of money may be relatively small, the competition is uniting major criminal justice stakeholders in a county with the largest single-site jail in the country — and one that’s in dire need of reform.

For years, members of Cook County’s criminal justice system have been embroiled in debates about how to reduce jail overcrowding, the over-incarceration and mistreatment of juveniles, and a growing mental health crisis. Recently, however, various policies have been implemented to chip away at Cook County Jail’s problems. The distribution of ankle bracelets has reduced the number of people sitting behind bars by granting them freedom of movement in the general population while under correctional supervision. As a result of this electronic monitoring system, there are fewer people housed in the jail. And in what was heralded as a major development last week, a psychologist signed on to become the jail’s executive director, signaling a shift in how mental health is treated.

With additional funds, Cook County hopes to capitalize on recent momentum by strengthening stakeholder collaboration.

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/05/28/3663534/just-150000-drastically-overhaul-largest-jail-country/