Operations
Corrections Volunteer ServicesThe Volunteer Program at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department strives to change the lives of offenders with programs that provide social, spiritual, and educational tools needed to help persons return successfully to mainstream society. Numerous volunteers from community organizations such as Rockford Reachout Ministries, providing Chaplin services and coordinating all religious programming. Rock Valley College provides AA, GED, CNC and Yoga classes. Goodwill Pathway Re-entry program provides addiction resources and offers assistance to the soon to be released back into the community. Other group topics include men’s and women’s focus groups, setting and reaching goals, health education, managing stress, job coaching, problem solving and parenting skills. Linkage to the Veteran’s Justice Outreach Rockford Homeless program is also available upon request.
Food Services
Aramark Corporation provides meals for jail inmates and staff and continually reviews menu options to ensure the best quality and selection of food items.
Aramark operates the Operation Excellence Program (OPX) to ensure smoother operation in the food preparation stages, while at the same time allowing a more accurate and efficient portion control. The OPX program also improves the inventory of food products with the assurance that meal substitutions are limited due to lack of product.
In addition, the Serv-Safe certification program offers inmate workers the ability to earn a sanitation and food preparation certificate through video instruction and on-the-job training. Once certified, inmates can use this training to assist in obtaining employment in the food and restaurant industry after their release.
Medical Services
The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford provides around-the-clock medical care to persons incarcerated in the Winnebago County Jail. Coverage includes medical, dental, and pharmaceutical needs. U.I.C. partners with Crusader Clinic to provide HIV health services to those incarerated in the Winnebago County Jail.
Mental Health Services
Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Jail Behavioral Health System-Enhanced program, is contracted through Freedom Behavioral Health Services, supported with grant funding by the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) and the ½ cent sales tax. Freedom’s qualified mental health professionals provide assessment and treatment services for the incarcerated individuals in the Winnebago County Jail. Additionally, the behavioral health specialists assist in connecting individuals with community support and service providers upon discharge.
Corrections Training & Personnel
The Corrections Training & Personnel department tests and hires applicants for the Corrections Division, including Corrections Officers and Instructors.
Court Services
The Court Services department provides transportation from the jail to the Winnebago County Courthouse for bond hearings, status hearings and trials. Security measures during these transports are a top priority in the day-to-day operation of the Winnebago County Corrections Bureau.