SPRINGFIELD – The union representing Illinois prison workers is denouncing what it says is a return of “circuit riders” – hardcore, sometimes brutal inmates shipped from prison to prison to keep them out of trouble – after prisoners suspected in an attack last week were transferred to less-secure lockups, The Associated Press has learned.

In a letter Wednesday to Department of Corrections Director S.A. “Tony” Godinez, a regional director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees demanded an end to transfers until Godinez negotiates safety concerns with the union.

The AP obtained a copy of the letter which traces several violent incidents to the closure of the Tamms high-security prison that housed violent troublemakers and gang leaders, and what the union claims are “deplorable, crowded conditions” in the prisons.