Push for independent review

Cook County commissioners seek independent review of Cook County Jail amid concerns over deaths and supervision.

Resolution scheduled for vote

A resolution calling for the review is scheduled for a vote Tuesday in the Health and Hospitals Committee of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

2023 death toll

In 2023, 18 people died at the jail, many from drug overdoses tied to delays in medical care.

Tara Stamps' stance

Commissioner Tara Stamps says the 2023 death toll requires an outside review to establish reliable facts and identify systemic concerns.

“I’m sponsoring the resolution because I’m concerned”

Michele Deitch's perspective

University of Texas at Austin's Michele Deitch says Chicago is unusual for lacking independent oversight compared to other major U.S. cities.

“New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, San Diego, just to name a few”

Past oversight history

Cook County Jail had federal oversight from 1974 to 2017 after failing safety inspections and medical care standards.

Current safety measures

Cook County sheriff's office implemented mail scanners, additional staff for mail screening, and drug testing to address overdose risks.

“We have embraced new technologies, such as mail scanners”

Rebecca Levin's concern

Former sheriff's adviser Rebecca Levin says 2023 death spike warrants third-party review despite downward trend since 2023.

“Rebecca Levin, a former senior adviser with the sheriff’s office”

Stamps' long-term goal

Commissioner Tara Stamps aims to create an ecosystem of care for Black and brown detainees through ongoing oversight.

“This is the beginning of trying to create an ecosystem of care and compassion”

Deitch on lasting oversight

Michele Deitch emphasizes that ongoing independent oversight is critical to prevent backsliding in jail systems.

“The problems inside any jail, any prison system, any place of detention are chronic”

2023 death trend

Since 2023, deaths at the jail have trended downward, mostly from natural causes related to medical issues or drugs.

Next steps

The resolution calls for a single independent review but Stamps says it's the start of long-term oversight efforts.

“The resolution does not accuse any individual, employee, office, or agency of wrongdoing”

What happens next

Cook County aims to establish permanent independent oversight for jail safety and medical care through ongoing review.