Jail Put On Lock Down Because Workers Stuck By Snow
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Even the inmates at Cook County Jail are getting a snow day.
However, for them, that means their movements will be extremely limited.
Sheriff Tom Dart ordered the lock down until further notice because about a third of jail staff were unable to report to work on Monday because of the blizzard that dumped 19 inches of snow around many parts of the Chicago area.
"When you have large amounts of people not show up, it makes it very, very difficult to operate," Dart said.
Dart said another reason for the no-shows is the Super Bowl. Last year, the day after the game, some staff were no-shows.
"We had a problem but not of this magnitude," Dart said.
He said some of the people who called in sick are legitimately ill, but others may be investigated.
About 110 officers who were already on duty were mandated to work overtime to compensate for the shortage.
Under a lock down, visitations and other prisoner movements are extremely limited.
Exceptions would include court appearances and medical appointments.