A sally port is an enclosed area to help officers during their transport of prisoners. It’s has a garage-like design, and the garage opens and then shuts before officers begin to unload prisoners and transport them to Champaign County Court for their legal proceedings.
The Champaign County commissioners said a sally port is something they wanted to invest in because it helps protect all parties involved in transporting prisoners to and from the Tri-County Regional Jail. Champaign County Commissioner Steve Hess said the $800,000 price tag is money well spent.
“We are also concerned about safety for officers transporting the prisoner to court, safety for the prisoner themselves and the general public,” Hess said.
The sally port is just part of the county’s plan to improve overall security at the courthouse, Hess said earlier this year.
In 2013, the courthouse moved security from the basement to the first floor and added a magnetron, which allows deputies to x-ray bags entering the courthouse.
Video arraignments capability is another improvement that is in the works at the Champaign County Courthouse. Champaign County commissioners are working with the leaders from the counties they share the Tri-County Regional Jail with — Union and Delaware — to figure out what video equipment will be the best investment for everyone.
About the Author