UP Lawmakers Demand Urgent Action on Michigan Prison Staffing Crisis

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Lansing, Mich. - State Senator Ed McBroom, alongside Representatives Dave Prestin and Greg Markkanen, has called for immediate action from Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Director Heidi Washington in response to escalating issues within Michigan's prison system. The lawmakers highlighted critical staffing shortages, deteriorating working conditions, and a surge in violence, particularly in Upper Peninsula (U.P.) facilities.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

Senator McBroom, a long-time critic of MDOC’s handling of prison staffing, expressed frustration over the department's failure to address these issues effectively. "Director Washington has failed to fix or even address the damning staffing shortages within our prisons," McBroom stated. He emphasized that these shortages have been a persistent problem, contributing to a more dangerous environment for both inmates and officers.

The Oversight Committee, chaired by McBroom, has previously criticized MDOC for its lack of transparency, particularly concerning reports of assaults on officers and misuse of overtime policies. Officers are reportedly working over 80 hours a week, often facing shifts of more than 32 hours within a two-day span.

Unrest and Unsafe Conditions at Baraga Prison

Recent incidents at the Baraga Correctional Facility underscore the gravity of the situation. Between July 1 and July 17, there were 13 significant violent altercations involving inmates and officers. Additionally, staffing shortages led to multiple lockdowns and cancellations of prisoner yard periods, exacerbating tensions.

Byron Osborn, President of the Michigan Corrections Organization, highlighted the dire working conditions, including unsafe prisoner-to-officer ratios and frequent 16-hour mandatory overtime shifts. The union has even called for the National Guard to be mobilized to support prison staffing.

Legislative Efforts and Proposed Solutions

In response to these challenges, McBroom has introduced Senate Bills 156 and 157, proposing a new retirement plan for corrections officers. This plan mirrors the benefits provided to Michigan State Police troopers, offering a combination of pension and 401(k)-style benefits. Representatives Markkanen and Prestin support this initiative, which aims to make corrections officer positions more attractive and sustainable.

The lawmakers also advocate for increased wages and benefits to attract and retain staff. Representative Prestin cited a successful example from his tenure as a Menominee County commissioner, where reallocating funds from overtime to base wages helped resolve a staffing crisis at the county jail.

The Path Forward

The UP legislators argue that raising wages and improving working conditions are critical to solving the staffing shortages plaguing Michigan's prisons. They urge MDOC leadership, and by extension the governor, to take decisive action. "As head of MDOC, Director Washington has been unable to solve the disaster within her department," Prestin stated. "If she can’t find the answers, the governor needs to find someone who can."

This pressing call to action highlights the urgent need for reform within the Michigan Department of Corrections to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates.