Michigan Dept. of Corrections

Part of our team at Carson City Correctional Facility was excited to host a Reentry United event, together with MDOC reentry services, previously incarcerated individuals, Parole Board members, Director Washington, and numerous partner organizations. Listen to DRF Warden Rewerts as he shares why he believes these events are important to empower offenders preparing for parole to use the skills they have the opportunity to build.

Part of the Michigan State Industries (MSI) team recently exhibited at the County Road Association conference, where road officials from nearly all 83 Michigan counties convened. The MSI booth was very busy with interest in their Sign Recycling Program and the host of road sign and construction wear products on display.

Director Washington was recently a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio. Why? Because the governor of Wisconsin is looking to emulate the innovative Vocational Village model Team MDOC has built here in Michigan. WPR also interviewed Marcos Fernandez who spent more than 13 years in custody, graduated from the Vocational Village welding program, and now owns his own company where he is employing hiring graduates of the program. Vocational Village aims to give prisoners intensive, hands-on job training experience, to prepare them for high-demand careers upon reentry. See more of the interview here: https://lnkd.in/enihz9dJ

[APRIL IS SECOND CHANCE MONTH] Carson City Correctional Facility played host to Reentry United, an event that provides those nearing their parole date resources, advice, and encouragement to be productive upon release. Warden Rewerts said, “Especially when [attendees] are talking to former offenders that are out and being successful, it shows them that we're just not blowing smoke. We're just not talking nonsense to them. There is light at the end of this tunnel… the choice is always theirs. I challenge everyone that I talk to; you've been given the tools to succeed.” Members of the Parole Board, previously incarcerated individuals, and Director Washington spoke and answered questions. Then, partner organizations and MDOC teams focused on reentry set up tables where they could provide additional resources. Thank you, CFA, FOA, and OS staff for believing in your ability to make a change and investing your time in these events. You are making a difference in our state.

We are thrilled to announce the graduation of 224 officer recruits from the Catherine Bauman Lower Peninsula class! Combined with their counterparts from the Northern Region academy, who graduated a few weeks ago, they continue our officer recruitment momentum as another sizeable class. Please join us in congratulating our newest graduates!

[MDOC History Highlight] The Ionia State Hospital opened in 1885 as a hospital for prisoners and other patients with significant mental illness. 90 years later, the hospital closed, and the buildings were transferred to MDOC as Riverside Correctional Facility. The facility closed in 2007 as prison populations decreased. This interactive project was put together at the request of the Michigan Land Bank, as part of their efforts to preserve the old hospital cemetery located at the site as the Land Bank cleared the land for redevelopment in 2022. Take a look ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eZMkwksG

Take a look at what the MSI team has been up to: finding efficiencies at the MSI sign factory, one of the several manufacturing shops MSI operates to provide real job experience opportunities for Michigan adults in custody while producing high quality products and services.

Our own Director Washington has been elected Vice President of the Correctional Leaders Association! CLA is a national organization of the corrections department leaders of all 50 States, plus Los Angeles County, District of Columbia, New York City, and Philadelphia. It exists to promote careers in corrections, support correctional leaders, and advance practices and policy that enhance public safety. We're glad she's at the forefront of these important conversations.

The recommended budget focuses on recruiting and retaining officers by investing in pay increases. With compressed pay steps, the budget would also see pay for officers who have worked more than 54 months increase to over $73,000 annually.

The FY2026 recommended budget makes key investments across the department. Modernizing prisoner count and assignment processes is one of them.