Lockdowns, Overtime, and Unmet Needs: Why we must solve the current prison staffing crisis

Ensuring the safe and secure operation of Illinois’ prisons is a critical state function, yet the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is facing a chronic staffing shortage that jeopardizes the health, safety, and well-being of staff and incarcerated people. High staff turnover and unfilled vacancies have profound implications for nearly all aspects of life for people living and working in the state’s prisons. Incarcerated people are spending untold hours locked down with restricted access to programming, outside supports, and recreation; medical and mental health care needs are going unmet; staff are overworked and burned out; and safety and security are critically compromised. These conditions cannot be sustained. Addressing this crisis is imperative to affirming the humanity of everyone living and working in Illinois’ prisons. The purpose of this report is to document the nature and scope of staffing shortages in Illinois’ prisons, detail the harms to incarcerated people and staff, and make recommendations for urgent and vital action to address the identified challenges. (Oct 2024)