Criminal Justice Committee Meeting 11/12/26

The Kankakee County Board Criminal Justice Committee met on November 12, 2026. The Chief Judge reported that courthouse construction was progressing smoothly, with Bear praised for its work; no contract action or new spending approval was reported. The Sheriff described jail improvements, including new mattresses, cell painting, biometric readers in seven detention rooms, upgraded control-room monitors, and replacement shower doors. The Sheriff also reported spending more than $10,000 with an extradition company to transport individuals held outside the county, citing this and staff transport hours as costs affecting the department’s budget. The Sheriff’s projected revenue shortfall was revised from about $2 million to about $500,000. No procurement motions or contract awards were made; votes were to approve minutes and departmental reports.

The State’s Attorney reported that Harbor House had met its $2 million capital-campaign goal, raising just over $2.1 million for a new domestic violence shelter, with construction underway; this was not presented as a county purchase or award. The committee also discussed state grant funding for victim and witness services and grant-supported Narcan distribution. Other discussion covered caseloads, staffing vacancies, juvenile custody, jail operations, and public safety. These updates did not include new procurement decisions.