Insights & Information

Tamms Correctional Center is too costly for Illinois, says the John Howard Association (JHA), which urges State officials to close the facility. Tamms is currently Illinois’ only “supermax” prison, costing nearly $65,000 a year per inmate, the most of all Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities. JHA found evidence that long-term isolation at Tamms – often 23-24 hours per day, for months or years – has harmful impacts on inmates’ mental and physical health. JHA also reports that IDOC staff do not receive adequate training or support to manage the needs of the population at the facility. To read the full report, click here.