TV6 investigated allegations Lou Hare was hired as the assistant warden of programs at East Moline Correctional Center in September 2011. Hare insisted his father, former Congressman Phil Hare, had nothing to do with his hiring. Now we know more details about situation.
A report from the Office of the Executive Inspector General blames the Department of Corrections saying the DOC hired Lou Hare, even though he was not qualified to be the assistant warden of programming. According to the report, Hare was hired was because of his political connections. The report goes on to say the Illinois Department of Corrections hired a politically connected, but otherwise unqualified person for a senior prison position.
All the names in the report and location of the prison have been redacted, but Phil Hare confirms this report is about his son Lou.
The report goes on to say that the DOCS violated its own policy by hiring Hare, because his educational background and work history did not meet the written requirements. For the position of assistant warden of programming, an applicant must have a master's degree in an area related to job and work experience at a correctional facility or a social welfare organization. The report says Lou Hare does not have any coursework in criminal justice, criminology, behavioral sciences or public administration. Hare's work experience, according to his resume, includes teaching theatre, managing his father's campaign office and managing a movie store. He also worked at RICA for 5-years where he planned and coordinated programs.
The report says Hare brought up during his interview process that he did not have corrections experience, but he was assured he would receive training. In an interview with Hare's former employer, they said hare would not have gained any knowledge of how a prison works. Hare's former employer added that he did not have any interaction with criminal offenders.
During interviews with the DOC's executive director and director, they said former educators have been hired as assistant wardens of programs and all of them had done well. The DOC director also added that when hiring, he looks primarily at intangibles like energy and thought process.
The report recommends the Governor's office works to prevent the DOC from no longer hiring unqualified job candidates. The DOC did send us a statement saying they are reviewing their policies.
TV6 reached out to Lou Hare and he is unable to comment. The report only recommends that the DOC change its policy and it does not suggest that Lou Hare should loose his job.
