Community gathers to voice concerns about Logan CC relocation

LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — Hundreds gathered to voice their concerns about the possible relocation of Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln on Thursday.

Marchers took to the street for a demonstration and then gathered for a town hall meeting.

One of the affected employees is Kenny Johnson, a correctional officer who's worked at the facility for over 13 years. He told WAND News that the relocation would be "a hardship on a lot of folks." The hardship wouldn't just be felt by the 500 plus employees, but also the women behind bars.

"Some of these families travel up to four hours to come to Logan to visit," Johnson said. "That four hour trip is going to turn into a six, six and a half hour trip visit."

An AFSCME report released last month noted that relocating the women currently housed at Logan CC to Crest Hill in Will County would be an upheaval that would remove supports for offenders from central and southern Illinois.

While state officials say they are mindful of this concern, they still feel the need to relocate.

"We understand that any relocation disrupts employees, their families, the individuals in our custody, and their loved ones," said Latoya Hughes, the acting Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The state's justification behind this proposal addresses the facility's age and the need for a modernized replacement that can provide more public safety.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability will meet on Friday morning to vote on the proposed closure.