Even before Gov. Pat Quinn ordered the closing of Illinois’ maximum-security prison, Tamms, dangerous games were being played with prison safety.

While the population within the prison walls continued to rise sharply, fewer people were available to handle the crunch – victims of budget cuts that have sliced and diced their way through most state agencies.

Now, with the closing of Tamms and plans to shutter a female penitentiary in Dwight, it’s worth questioning whether existing safety nets can handle the strain.