LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan Department of Corrections is making staffing changes at several prison housing units that will direct impact two prisons in the Upper Peninsula.
MDOC says “These changes will result in a reduction in the custody staffing needed to operate the Baraga Correctional Facility, as well as an increase in Level IV beds that are available to manage the statewide prisoner population.” Also a Level II housing unit at the Chippewa Correctional Facility will be reopened .
MDOC also will be reducing staff at Baraga Correctional Facility this upcoming summer due “to continued decline in the state’s administrative segregation population, which will allow for the closure of an 88-bed unit.” The facility, which has experieced high staff overtime due to vacanies, will require 22.75 less officers to operate after the change.
The third facility impacted by this change is the Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee, Michigan. This summer, the Department will transition a Level II housing unit to Level IV to increase its capacity at that level.
“The Department has closely monitored staffing, capacity, and the management needs of prisoners over the past few years to safely reduce the overtime burden on staff at facilities when beds can be placed out of service,” said Heidi Washington, Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. “The changes announced today will provide relief to the staff at the Baraga Correctional Facility, which currently faces a significant amount of overtime due to vacancies. In addition, it will ensure we have additional Level IV custody beds to house individuals who need this increased level of management, which supports our facilities and helps keep our staff safe.”
These changes will result in a net increase of 72 active beds in the MDOC. The Chippewa Correctional Facility currently has four temporarily closed housing units and reopening one will increase officer staffing needs by 10.5.
“While these changes are necessary, we recognize that we are asking the staff at the Chippewa Correctional Facility to take on an additional burden during this period, so I extend my gratitude to them on behalf of the Department and their colleagues,” added Washington.
The Department continues to actively recruit staff, including Corrections Officers, for all facilities. The MDOC offers competitive starting salaries, with Corrections Officers starting at just over $42,500 annually. This is a rewarding career path with the potential to reach a maximum pay, before overtime, of $65,000 after just five and a half years. Individuals interested in joining the MDOC can find more information and apply at Careers (michigan.gov).
