Cook County Jail on lockdown due to staffing shortage

CHICAGO -- The Cook County Jail was placed on lockdown Sunday morning due to low staffing levels.

The lockdown is "for officer safety," allowing inmates to move only for medical reasons, emergencies and visitation, according to an alert on the Cook County sheriff's office website.

Inmates scheduled for discharge will also be processed.

"Regular divisional movement, programs and operations will be restored as soon as staffing levels reach the normal level," the alert said.

Another staffing shortage led to a jail lockdown in January.