SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn defended a criminal investigation into leaks at Tamms prison on Wednesday, the same day his Corrections Department agreed to temporarily halt transferring inmates until the workers' union has a say.

The Democratic governor told reporters in Chicago that it's appropriate for the Illinois State Police to investigate leaks after attempting to interview at least six Tamms employees Tuesday. One employee told The Associated Press that investigators said they were assessing improper distribution of private health care information.

A spokeswoman said Tuesday that Quinn did not order the investigation. His office did not respond Wednesday when asked whether Corrections or state police officials informed him of it.