An Illinois Department of Corrections official says the agency has increased the number of correctional officers, helping drive down overtime costs.
The department has increased staffing by 468 correctional officers, after accounting for attrition through resignation, retirements and dismissals. The department hired 1,114 new trainees between Dec. 31, 2014, and Nov. 30.
The department has reduced overtime payouts by nearly $10 million between November 2014 and November 2015.
A spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, says that even with the increase in staffing, levels are far lower than what is needed.
Boosting staffing and cutting overtime costs have been priorities for Gov. Bruce Rauner.
