The Ones Who Run The Jail Are Taking Control. We’re Not Asking For Permission. We’re Building On Our Own Power.
Cook County Corrections Coalition (C4) is a non-for-profit, officer-driven movement committed to defending the rights, safety, and dignity of correctional officers in one of the toughest jails in America. We are a new power structure. Formed by officers, for officers, to expose corruption, fight retaliation, and ensure we are protected, respected, and properly paid.
THE PROBLEM
Why We Exist
33.3%
Pay Reduction When Injured
When an officer is injured on duty at Cook County Jail, they’re covered by workers’ compensation, which in Illinois provides two-thirds (66.7%) of the officer’s average weekly wage. Payments should begin within 14 days of the injury notice and follow the same bi‑weekly pay schedule used for regular wages. Although the County is required to issue bi-weekly payments, they are not responsible for delivery timing, causing many officers to receive only one payment per month or discover delays that leave them without income for weeks. The combination of reduced pay and unreliable payment timing places significant financial strain on injured officers, who still need to cover medical expenses, family needs, and basic obligations, while similarly injured deputies in neighboring jurisdictions receive their full salary uninterrupted.
12.63%
Salary Comparison to Other Counties
On average, correctional officers in Kendall, Lake, and DuPage counties earn $2,610,354.95 over a 25-year career.
That is exactly $292,901.95 more than correctional officers at Cook County Jail over the same period.
Cook County Correctional Officers earn $2,317,453.00 over a 25 year career.
0%
No PEDA Protection
Public Employee Disability Act (PEDA) offers 100% pay continuation when officers are injured on duty. We are the only law enforcement agency in the state of Illinois that does not have PEDA protection or PEDA like protections included in our CBA.
256
Battery To Staff
Between January 1 and June 20, 2025, there were at least 256 documented incidents of battery against correctional staff at Cook County Jail, averaging approximately 45 staff assaults per month. This alarming statistic reflects the growing volatility of the jail environment and the failure of leadership to implement meaningful safeguards. C4 is committed to exposing these conditions, advocating for structural reforms, and demanding accountability to protect those who risk their lives behind the walls each day.
WHAT WE ARE FIGHTING FOR
Now is the time to organize, expose, and demand reform.
C4’s Five Pillars of Power
Protection: We fight for officer protection physically, mentally, and legally.
Pay Equity: We demand compensation parity with neighboring counties.
Transparency: We ensure transparency in bids, discipline, investigations, and pay.
Respect: We demand an upholding of dignity at work, free from retaliation.
Reform: From cross-watching to contracts, we want systemic change.
What We Are Advocating For
Full PEDA like protections for ALL IOD cases, comparable to other law enforcement.
Transparency and fairness in bid assignments.
No retaliation for refusing illegal or unsafe orders (cross-watching, etc.).
Union accountability and financial transparency.
Wellness protections, including real support for mental and physical health.
Ending the de-deputization of light duty staff.
Safer working conditions and immediate response to safety hazards.
ABOUT C4
Who We Are
We are a coalition of correctional officers with over a century of combined service. We are whistleblowers. We are fighters. We are survivors of a broken system. Our leadership includes decorated veterans, legal minds, and those who have risked their careers to speak out and speak up for what is right. We are building a platform that can never be silenced because we are the voice behind the walls.
Our Mission
Our mission is to expose corruption, protect our coworkers, and build a new era of respect, safety, and power for correctional officers absent of fear, and without compromise.
Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors include hand selected individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, advocating for what is right, and not backing down when faced with adversity. For further information, click the board member's icon.
No. Your First Amendment rights and Whistleblower protections protect your freedom to speak out and organize.
We are transparent, officer led, and rooted in legal strategy and reform. We expose what others are afraid to confront.
No. We’re providing legal templates, filing Freedom of Information Act requests, winning grievances, and building legislative pressure. We act.
We are not anti-union. We are holding them accountable and empowering officers.
Become a member, attend meetings, share our materials, become a liaison for your division, or donate. Every voice and action matters.
JOIN THE COALTION
You Wear the Badge. Now Join the Movement.
You deserve to be protected at work, to be compensated for your service, and respected for your actions. We will advocate for you. Whether you are a part of C4 or not, you deserve to have the protections we are fighting for, for yourself, for your family, and for your future. We must stand united. We will fight for you and the time to fight is now.
Join C4
Join the movement. Join the fight. Stand united.
We will provide you with a welcome email, informationals, invitations to meetings, and any advocacy support you may need.
Resources
Documents & Statistics
Report Retaliation Anonymously
All reports of misconduct and retaliation are anonymous, we will not share your name or any information.