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Prison freeze extended through end of August

By WEEK Producer
August 17, 2012 Updated Aug 17, 2012 at 6:46 PM CDT

The freeze on inmate transfers, from prisons in Dwight and Tamms, will continue until August 31st.

AFSCME, the union representing prison guards and staff, had sued the state of Illinois over the closings, arguing that transferring inmates posed a "grave risk" to prison workers.

Governor Pat Quinn ordered the closings in order to save 100-million dollars but AFSCME and Dwight city officials argue Illinois prisons are already over-crowded, and that the closings will disrupt life in two communities unnecessarily.

Another status hearing has been scheduled for August 27th.

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