12,819 people were released from cook county between 12am and 8am in 2025, consistently released into dangerous conditions. While CCJ had kept increasing the number of people it traumatizes, even though violent crime hit historic lows.
In 2025 there were 46,662 total people released from Cook County Jail, with 12,819 (27.25%) being released between 12am and 8am. As violent crime rates in Chicago hit record lows, people being fed into jail cycling have continually increased. Jail population heights grew from 5,195 in December 2024 when Burke took office, to 5,869 in December 2025, a 12.97% increase in jail population. Burkes thirst to increase people held without bond also effects the amounts of people cycled through CCJ. There were 15,784 more people released in 2025 than in 2024. Which is a 51.12% increase in total releases. With 3,720 more people between 12am and 8am, a 40.88% increase in total overnight releases.
In 2025 there were 584 people release between 12am and 8am that were ages 60 to 85. While there is no clean drinking water in division 5 where people are held. Dehydration can bring out seizures, and exacerbate preexisting medical conditions. There is no reason for elderly individuals to be held at all. They should be provided resources not trauma.
In the winter releasing elders overnight into dangerous and freezing conditions greatly increasing their chance of death, is reckless endangerment. Hypothermia can set in at temperatures as high as 50º F. In the evening shelters close their doors and most public transit is unavailable. And CCJ constantly “forgets” to give released people bus cards. Combining possible medical conditions and cold temps. CCJ leaves elders vulnerable in an unknown area, with no way to shelter.
