SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn on Friday appeared to be backing away from his position that visits by reporters to Illinois prisons constitute a security risk.

Illinois' Department of Corrections released a statement saying officials are working to schedule media tours of prisons.

"Safety and security continues to be the department's top priority," department spokeswoman Stacey Solano said. "There has been increased interest in some Illinois prisons, and the department will manage guided tours to media representatives while taking into consideration the safety and security of our staff, inmates and visitors, as well as available resources and associated costs."