Vandalia Correctional Center

The Vandalia Correctional Center is located 85 miles southeast of Springfield. It was established as the original prison farm operation in Illinois, housing entirely misdemeanor offenders. The center has been renovated and reprogrammed and now houses felons. The center has a dorm setting facility design with 113 buildings, totaling 411,848 square feet. Total acreage is 1,520 and the area within the perimeter fence is eight acres. In November 1999, when new security level designations were assigned to ensure consistency and standardization of operations, Vandalia was assigned to Level 6 minimum security and the work camp to Level 7 low minimum security.

The control and accountability of offenders continue to be the highest goal set during FY 2003. To ensure accountability, the security staff maintained a high degree of supervision and observation of all offenders working within the compound, on all program and work assignments and in housing units. All offender movement is escorted for better control and accountability. Property box compliance is monitored on each shift by duty administrative staff to ensure compliance with the Administrative Directive. The property boxes facilitate safety, security and sanitation and also enhance the ability to conduct searches, maintain fire safety and facilitate transportation of property.

The work camp continues to lend support to local communities as well as support to Vandalia Correctional Center. The work camp policy encourages each offender to get involved in community service. The goal of this policy is the return to society of a responsible, law-abiding and productive citizen. The work camp continues to be the largest work camp in the state with an offender population of 400. The work camp provided more than 164,000 hours of community services last year. Along with the center's excellent staff and hard working offenders, the Vandalia Work Camp takes pride in providing quality assistance to numerous communities, organizations and road commissioners on various projects.

Highlights

Three significant accomplishments for Vandalia Correctional Center during FY 2003 were the completion of a new water tower, improvements made to the general kitchen and maintaining normal daily operations with staff shortages due to the Early Retirement Incentive (ERI).

Vandalia Correctional Center installed a new water tower. The old water system was erected in 1930. The upgraded water distribution system now consists of a 400,000-gallon water tower instead of the previous 150,000-gallon tower. This project was completed in April 2003 to bring the water demand in line with today's population and automation standards at a cost of $680,000.

Funding for needed improvements in the general kitchen was also secured. A new revolving oven at a cost of $27,125 was installed and completed in May 2003. A commercial dishwashing machine at a cost of $66,787 was also installed and completed in June 2003.

The Maintenance Department has assisted in the sandblasting of the bricks and foundation of the institution, restoring it to its original condition.

With approximately 80 staff retiring under the ERI during FY 2003, work to maintain normal facility operations became a challenge. However, staff stepped up to the plate and many remaining employees were temporarily assigned into key vacated positions to keep the daily operations flowing smoothly.

Reducing Recidivism

The program and services offered at the facility are evaluated and updated annually to meet the challenges of rapid changes the center faces with today's population. The center continues to actively seek methods to reduce the rate of recidivism.

The Education Department has served a total of 2,214 students this fiscal year. Vandalia had 110 students who earned GED certificates and 58 students who earned vocational certificates.

Inmates enrolled in construction occupations class continue to participate in the Habitat for Humanity program. This allows the offenders to gain the construction skills and enhanced self-esteem while helping others and giving something back to the community.

The vocational programs teach students the necessary skills to seek meaningful employment. The certificates and diplomas awarded will aid the offender upon release.

The Field Services Department provides literature and advisement through the community resource manual in meeting the needs of reintegration into the community, such as employment resources, financial, housing and government and medical assistance. Field Services provides instruction through the PreStart Module, which involves thought-provoking questions that prepare offenders to think and plan how to regain their place in society and remain arrest free after release.

The Gateway Program has enhanced the substance abuse program to address the high occurrence of recidivism by exposing each offender to four primary treatment areas in relapse prevention, life skills, cognitive restructuring and drug education. These core subjects address vital areas of the offender's life, who are susceptible to collapse and eventual re-incarceration. Gateway also makes a concerted effort in opposing recidivism by setting an appointment for aftercare and continuing treatment for each offender. A follow-up call is made to check on the offender's attendance at the appointment. In the event the offender fails to appear for the aftercare appointment or call to reschedule, the Field Services office is notified and the offender's parole supervisor is contacted. The percentage of offenders who take advantage of this aftercare treatment has increased this year.

Security Initiatives

Security is the center's highest priority. Vandalia Correctional Center continues to conduct searches of dormitories, common areas and all offender lines entering each dormitory. The center has increased the use of the K-9 unit. All outer buildings are searched as well as incoming visitors. Searching vehicles entering the facility keeps out contraband.

Although there has been an impact to the facility due to the ERI, Vandalia continues to maintain a regular tactical training schedule due to the dedication of Tactical Team volunteers. The Tactical Unit is made of security staff who volunteer and train regularly. The unit is used for emergency situations throughout the state and is available to respond at a moment's notice.

Vandalia Correctional Center has formed volunteer teams of employees to wear self-contained breathing apparatus. These staff members are trained and certified to conduct emergency evacuations in hazardous situations.

Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Compliance

The center has closely monitored policies and procedures and instituted cost-saving measures to remain within budgetary guidelines. Overtime and compensatory time were monitored on a continuing basis. Expenditures for contractual and commodity items were scrutinized and current inventory levels re-evaluated and reduced. When available, surplus items were used from other facilities and the federal government. In an attempt to reduce operating costs, offenders with sufficient funds were required to pay for transportation costs upon release. This policy saved approximately $30,000 for FY 2003. Offender compensation was restricted to FY 2002 levels, saving the institution approximately another $15,000.

Indicator Reports

Documentation of the facility's monthly indicator reports reflect security staff has increased shakedowns of dormitories, common areas and offender lines. The reports show an average of 1,300 cell searches conducted per month. This ensures an environment free of weapons and contraband. In addition, when offenders are returning from their job assignment, they are searched with a metal detector prior to entry into their assigned dorm. This also ensures no contraband is brought into the living units. Statistical documentation from the facility's indicator reports reflects only a total of one confiscated weapon for FY 2003.

Shakedowns of vehicles entering institutional grounds have increased. Statistics from the indicator report shows an average of 150 vehicle searches were conducted per month during FY 2003. These searches include staff, vendor, volunteer and visitor vehicles.

New Technology and Automated Enhancements

To enhance the automated operations of the facility, fiber optics were installed in the main gate, dietary and mechanical stores. The main gate was automated to enter volunteers, vendors, visitors and contractors into the computer database.

Conclusion

The quality and commitment of staff members are to be commended. The staff members at Vandalia Correctional Center are dedicated. Their work has increased in productivity, and with their continued help and support, the facility is able to reach the goals and expectations of IDOC. Working with competent and dedicated administrators also has been an asset in maintaining the overall operations of the facility.