Safety Cited in Winnebago County Bid for More Jail Guards

New Sheriff Gary Caruana is asking the county board to approve a $6.7 million budget increase for more officers and equipment, including $1.4 million for 26 jail guards. The county faces a $2.1 million shortfall for the coming fiscal year, excluding the sheriff's request.

The Rockford Register Star reports that the jail has 36 fewer staff members than when it opened 2007. The jail's average population has dropped in recent years.

Jail officials also point to an Illinois Department of Corrections recommendation after a November inspection that encouraged county leaders to "explore possible options for increasing the number of security staff."

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