What happens when you call the McHenry County Jail?

And leave a message for the Shift Sergeant? Nothing.

Apparently, they haven't been trained how to retrieve messages and that a caller expects to be called back. Or perhaps the sergeants have been directed to return calls, unless I call.

The number is 815.338.9396, press 8, then 2 for the shift sergeant.

Maybe they should re-record the message to play: "This is the voice mailbox of the shift sergeant. Leave your name and phone number; we'll call back. If this is Gus Philpott calling, please hang up now."

Then I'd know not to expect a return call.

There should be a log of all calls left on voicemail. Then, when the jail accreditation folks come in, they could check it. That would be the American Correctional Association, of Alexandria, Va. (www.aca.org); not CALEA. I have my doubts about what they do with complaints about jails they have accredited, because they'll tell you to call the sheriff, if you have a problem. Like that will do you any good around here.

Or a log for the Men from ICE who come in to check records. Maybe they could look up to inspect which calls about ICE detainees got ignored.