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Sheriff gets approval to install secure pass‑through trays in booking area to reduce safety risks
Summary
The committee approved a contract and related budget transfer for Mechanical Services Inc. to install removable pass‑through trays/plates at booking-area cell doors to prevent inmates from reaching through current food slots and creating safety risks.
The McLean County Justice Committee approved May 7 a contract with Mechanical Services Inc. to install pass‑through access plates and removable trays in the jail booking area and approved a related emergency appropriation to pay for the work from the county’s mental‑health/public‑safety fund.
Sheriff Lane told the committee the existing food slots in the booking area allow detained persons to reach and take items from the slot and that staff have experienced incidents in which the opening was used to hold items hostage. The vendor’s removable trays slide through the slot and can be fully closed to prevent inmates from grabbing items, the sheriff said.
Member Ziebart moved to approve the contract; Member Klaus seconded. The committee also approved the emergency appropriation ordinance to fund the project, with the chair announcing both requests approved. County staff said the installation will apply to the booking area only.
