Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program
The Cook County Sheriff’s Pre-Release Center (PRC) is a secure residential drug treatment program for pre-trial inmates. A minimum security facility located at 31st and California, the PRC maintains a daily average census of approximately 300 inmates. Using a variety of methods, it aims to break the cycle of drug addiction and criminality.
More than 5,000 persons have been inducted into the program since it opened in September 1993. All inmates participate in a 12-step
program providing the necessary education to remove chemical dependency and associated criminality from their lives. Inmates are enrolled
in self-help groups, learn personal living skills and attend adult education/GED classes. The PRC’s goal is to motivate substance abusers
toward a drug-free and responsible lifestyle through seminars, workshops, group and individual counseling, and outside support services.
Who Is Eligible For PRC?
The Pre-Release staff review jail records on a daily basis to find eligible inmates. Basically, any
inmate of the Cook County Department of Corrections with a substance abuse problem not charged with any of the following offenses will be
given consideration for the Pre-Release Center:
- All Class X crimes
- Bonds over $150,000
- Most Class I felonies
- Most person-on-person crimes
- Psychiatric Unit inmates
- Sex offenders
A Typical Day In PRC
| 6:00 - 7:15 a.m. | Wake-up and Breakfast |
| 7:15 - 9:00 a.m. | Cleanup and Inspection Each inmate is responsible for not only his own space and belongings, but an assigned public area. |
| 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Personal growth and development groups
All inmates participate in these group discussions on such things as behaviorial issues, leadership development and family issues. |
| 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. | Lunch |
| 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Therapeutic Sessions
Mentoring programs as well as group discussions on behaviorial expectations, interpersonal skills, dress codes and safety protocols. |
| 1:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Educational and treatment milieu All inmates participate in these discussions designed to encourage inmates to become more socially involved. |
| 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Adult education/GED classes All are encouraged to attend these courses administered by Malcolm X College. |
| 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Free Time |
| 10:00 p.m. | Lights Out! |
Pre-Release Center
3026 South California Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60608
773.869.6386
Copyright©1999 Cook County Sheriff’s Department. All Rights Reserved.