Illinois’ Thomson Prison to Reopen

THOMSON, Ill. — After sitting empty for four years, the Thomson Correctional Center (TCC) in northwest Illinois finally has an estimated reopening date. According to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., the Bureau of Prisons has dedicated nearly $54 million to renovate, reopen and staff the 1,600-bed facility.

Read more

Federal Government Reviewing Solitary Confinement Practices

WASHINGTON — The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of solitary confinement practices in its correctional facilities to determine the monetary and public safety repercussions of the current policy. The federal agency will hire an independent auditor to review the practice. The federal prison system is larger than any of the individual state systems, holding 215,000 inmates.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) spearheaded the review. Durbin believes the practice of solitary confinement has gone on for too long.

Read more