New Adult Justice Center & Sheriff’s on-time, under budget

Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay led county leaders in dedicating a new Adult Justice Center & Sheriff’s Office that not only relieves long-standing overcrowding issues, but also ensures a county criminal justice system that is safer, more efficient and cost-effective than at any time in history.

Specifically, the new 640-bed Adult Justice Center replaces an overcrowded and outdated Kane County Jail built in 1975 to house just more than 100 prisoners. Located next to the Kane County Courthouse, the new jail complex and Sheriff’s Office puts all county criminal justice functions at a single location, improving efficiency and strengthening security for residents.

Just as important for taxpayers, the project was completed on-time and with $2 million in the bank that will be returned to the county.

“Beyond providing much-needed jail overcrowding relief, we have brought the Sheriff’s Office, Jail and Courts together at a single location to improve efficiency and better serve residents,” McConnaughay said. “This is the kind of forward-thinking leadership that our residents require, and the result will allow Kane County to better meet its criminal justice needs for decades to come.”

Beyond the internal coordination made possible by the central campus, the new complex eliminates the need to transport prisoners across the county daily for court appearances, and delivers the most up-to-date technology to protect staff and residents.

The Justice Center is equipped to expand to up to 768 beds as needed, though McConnaughay and other leaders are simultaneously working to make the court system more efficient and relieve the court backlog that extends jail stays for those awaiting trial.

The forward-looking, consensus-building leadership builds on McConnaughay’s track record as Chairman of the County Board. A Republican, she looks to further that record of accomplishment in a second term – to join that effort, visit www.karen4kane.org or call 630-525-1615.

“This complex reflects the tremendous teamwork of all facets of Kane County government and law enforcement – and the result is an Adult Justice Center & Sheriff’s Office that serves our residents and communities not only today, but for years to come,” McConnaughay said. “This is an example of what is possible when leaders come together to meet the needs of our communities.”