UP Gazette

State Representative Dave Prestin has called for improvements in working conditions and staffing levels in Michigan's prisons after a recent incident at the Chippewa Correctional Facility. During a tour with Michigan Corrections Officers’ Union President Byron Osborn and other officials, a prisoner assaulted an inspector. The attack occurred after the prisoner was searched upon exiting the dining hall, which he was informed did not violate policy.

"This startling attack was especially troubling because this prisoner, and many others at our corrections facilities, are no longer in fear of any repercussions for this behavior," said Prestin. He highlighted that in the 20 days before his visit, there were numerous incidents including assaults on staff and prisoners, threats, weapon use by inmates, cell extractions, a lockdown, and even a murder.

Following Prestin’s visit, another officer was assaulted by a prisoner who had been reclassified from Level 5 to Level 2. These classification decisions are made by an MDOC committee based in Lansing without input from facility wardens. Previously, such decisions were made locally where prisoners were held until MDOC Director Heidi Washington centralized the process.

"Unfortunately, events like these are what happens when there has been a consistent erosion of support from the Michigan Department of Corrections and the governor," Prestin stated. He noted similar issues across various state facilities and emphasized that corrections staff face extreme danger due to inadequate support.

The Michigan Corrections Organization reports that officers often work mandatory 16-hour shifts leading to stress and morale issues. The Department of Corrections employs about 5,500 officers for nearly 33,000 inmates across 26 facilities. Many prisons have staff vacancy rates over 20%, with some exceeding 30%.

"The state is not seeing the whole of the problem," said Prestin. He argued that current recruitment strategies fail as new officers encounter unsafe conditions and lack support.

Prestin advocates for better wages, healthcare access, retirement benefits, support for injured or mentally stressed officers, sufficient leave time, and more resources to improve conditions for corrections staff.