Lawmakers considering independent oversight of state prisons

Summary

<p>The Illinois Department of Corrections might have to start answering to an independent watchdog. </p><p>The state corrections department has long been dogged by accusations of substandard medical care, intolerable living conditions and a lack of transparency. In its defense, department officials have pointed to several internal accountability measures that monitor the state's detention facilities and try to improve conditions. </p><p>But some state lawmakers say that's not enough. </p><p>A bill before the Illinois General Assembly would create an "Independent Corrections Ombudsperson"…

Description from Chicago Sun-Times.