DuPage County Jail Reduces Population As Coronavirus Precaution

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is taking a number of measures to prevent the new coronavirus in the county jail facilities. These efforts include letting go inmates who could be "safely released on a warrant or I-Bond."

DuPage County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Justin Kmitch told Patch the jail's population was reduced by just over 160 inmates, most of whom were released to the public. Kmitch said pre-trial detainees were released on recognizance bonds and sentenced detainees "either had their sentences delayed to a later date or had their sentence terminated satisfactorily."

This reduces the 1,000-person capacity jail to just 369 inmates, Kmitch told Patch.

At press time, there have been no cases of coronavirus at DuPage County Jail.

In a news release, DuPage County Sheriff's Department said, " While we realize it is unlikely we will forever be able to hold the pandemic at bay, we are very proud of our efforts to date."

Sheriff's Office officials said they started planning in January to help keep coronavirus out of the facilities and to address an outbreak should one occur.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said in a statement, " Considering the rapid spread of COVID-19, I feel it is necessary to take additional precautions to prevent the introduction of the virus into the Correctional Facility. After consultation with the Chief Judge’s Office of the 18th Judicial Circuit, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders Office, Probation officials, the Circuit Clerk’s Office and our local police departments, we have developed a robust and fluid set of solutions."

The Sheriff's Office says it has "taken a very serious and scientific approach this pandemic with evidence-based solutions."

Incoming detainees are screened for coronavirus symptoms before intake. If a potential inmate has coronavirus symptoms, they need an incarceration order from a judge to be accepted into the jail. If they are still symptomatic, these inmates are sent to a local hospital to be tested for coronavirus before being admitted.

New inmates are isolated for 15 days if they show symptoms, show no symptoms, but have been in contact with coronavirus or come from a facility with a coronavirus outbreak.

In addition, deputies and other staff have been trained on proper cleaning and hand-washing techniques and are told to wear masks and gloves when in contact with any inmates. Cleaning supplies have been made available to inmates in all housing units, so they can sanitize areas in between each thorough cleaning.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 9: 15,078 Cases; 462 Deaths