Thomson Correctional Center

 At the end of 2009, President Obama officially proposed that the Federal Bureau of Prisons purchase the Illinois Thomson Correctional Center in Carroll County to not only house 1,600 maximum federal prisoners, but the approximately 100 terrorism detainees currently at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  ILEAS was asked by the Illinois State Police to partner with them on a combined proposal for the needs of law enforcement if that transfer actually occurs. 

After meeting with law enforcement officials in the Thomson area, a plan was developed and submitted to the State of Illinois.  Shortly afterwards, ILEAS was asked by the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Governor's Office to chair a multi-disciplinary ad hoc group and develop a report on the needs of the entire first responder community.  This group included the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT), Illinois National Guard, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) fire service and Emergency Managers.

ILEAS authored the final report which is now in the hands of Governor Quinn and the National Security Council.  The report outlines the vulnerabilities, strengths and weaknesses in the area and throughout Illinois in handling this politically sensitive issue.  It also requested several million dollars to shore up those regional resources.  If the plan is approved and funds are made available, ILEAS will work with all its partners to manage and oversee funds provided to support law enforcement.