Custodial Training for Inmates Keeps Illinois Jail Coronavirus-free

Most correctional facilities across the country have seen an increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases. This has to do with cramped spaces, low maintenance, and facility cleanliness. Illinois prisons currently have more than 9,500 inmates who have contracted the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus , according to state data from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

However, the DuPage County Correctional Facility located in Wheaton, Illinois, outside of Chicago, reports no cases of COVID-19 among its 993 inmates at the jail.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said he believes it is the custodial training program for inmates implemented in August 2019 that has kept his facility coronavirus-free.

“Thank God we moved to taking control prior to the pandemic because it became a natural barrier when COVID-19 came up,” Mendrick told the four newest trainees at their graduation ceremony on January 7. “We are one of the only facilities. In fact, I don’t know of any other correctional facilities offhand that have had zero COVID-19 cases since this started. We did all of 2020 with zero COVID-19 at the DuPage County Sheriff’s Correctional facility. And that’s because of you guys.”

Only six months before the pandemic hit the U.S., the jail implemented an ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) certified custodial technician program, a customized six-week course that teaches inmates specialized cleaning procedures for daily maintenance and gives them an opportunity to participate in hands-on cleaning demonstrations like stripping and waxing floors. Upon completion of the course, inmates receive a custodial technician certificate from CMI, which can help them secure gainful employment and earn up to US$20 per hour upon release.

Mendrick said due to the coronavirus pandemic, the program was revamped to teach participants about approved chemicals to inactivate the virus, correct machinery operations, and basic professional cleaning practices.

The custodial training program is part of the jail’s larger rehabilitation program that is open to nonviolent offenders and funded with a grant secured by the nonprofit organization JUST (Justice – Understanding – Service – Teaching) of DuPage. Since August 2019, the jail has hosted 10 male inmate classes and one female inmate class with 75 total graduates.

In addition to the cleaning certification course, the jail provides graduates with three business suits and job placement assistance upon release.

Recent program graduate Kent Hughes thanked his fellow graduates, mentors and JUST during the program’s 11^th graduation ceremony in January. Hughes called the program a “model for other county jails across the state.” He said he will use his experience for motivation to stay out of jail as he earns income for not only himself but also his family.

Eight additional deputies were recently certified through CMI to lead and teach the program, Justin Kmitch, director of communications at DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, said in an email statement. “The program has been deemed a remarkable success both in the cleanliness of our facility and the betterment of the inmates as they job search upon their release,” Kmitch said.

Brant Insero, ISSA Director of Education, Training, Certification, and Standards, said the world needs certified custodial technicians now more than ever to serve on the front lines of the pandemic.

“These individuals are leaving the prison with a mission and sense of purpose because they are literally responsible for saving lives,” Insero said. “The cleaning industry is forever changed because of COVID-19 and these CMI Certified Custodial Technicians have the opportunity of a lifetime ahead of them.”