Jail population falls to record low as COVID-19 measures take hold
The Cook County Jail population dropped to its lowest level in decades this week after judges began a sweeping review of criminal cases in an effort to clear space to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The jail population Friday had fallen to 5,003 — down by 400 or so detainees who were there on Monday when Chief Criminal Court Judge LeRoy Martin Jr. ordered a case-by-case bond reassessments of those charged with mostly non-violent offenses.
As the reviews began Tuesday and continued through the week, judges ordered the immediate release of inmates who were determined to not pose a threat to the public.
On Monday, officials announced the first two confirmed case of COVID-19 at the jail. By Friday, the jail had logged 38 confirmed cases. Nine sheriff’s office employees also tested positive for COVID-19.
