Illinois sheriff does jail time - voluntarily

updated 9:02 a.m. ET Aug. 21, 2008

WAUKEGAN, Ill. - The Lake County sheriff is behind bars — voluntarily.

Sheriff Mark Curran said his goal is to talk to inmates so he can see the jail from their perspective. That way he can try to solve potential problems, such as safety issues, and better understand the inmate experience, he said.

Real inmates bunk together in a cell, but Curran will sleep in his own cell for safety reasons. He was locked up Wednesday.

"I want some introspection but let's be realistic. I'm never going to be able to completely create that scenario," Curran told The Associated Press by telephone from jail.

Curran said he's also trying to draw attention to the fact that jails are overpopulated with the mentally ill, the uneducated and repeat offenders. Rehabilitation needs to be a focus, he said.

So far Curran said he has met several inmates, not all of whom appeared to realize he was sheriff. For those who do recognize him, he said he'll have to work to gain their trust.

"There might be some skepticism amongst them," he said. "You break down the walls as much as you possibly can."

Unlike the other inmates, Curran gets to leave on a date he chooses: Aug. 27.

More from msnbc.com Black workers' crisis may linger after upturn Afghan scouts learn to ‘be prepared!’ First Read: Obama faces 'historic week' Scoop: Some aren’t surprised by Tiger Woods mess Share pics of your decorated Christmas tree On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM WEIRD NEWS

Weird news Section Front

Cops: Woman makes threat to delay flight Man arrested in Salvation Army kettle theft 10,000 African albinos fearful after killings Moose a suspect in woman's death Australia town to shoot invading camels S. Africa's baboon gangs get more aggressive Kangaroo slashes man in dog-rescue attempt Woman loses benefits over Facebook pics Life in prison for scaring woman to death Strange ancient crocodiles swam the Sahara Weird news Section Front   Add Weird news headlines to your news reader: