The Michigan Corrections Organization is begging the governor for more support.
Earlier this month, MCO President Byron Osborn sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer requesting assistance from the National Guard to address prison staff shortages.
The Corrections Department recently responded and said their focus was on “long-term solutions.” However, Osborn says these officers need help now because they’re being forced to work in unsafe conditions.
“It’s putting a strain on the operation of the facility itself,” Osborn said. “Even though all this overtime is occurring, the facilities are still running with far less corrections officers than are required to be there.”
Osborn has noted that corrections officers are forced to work mandatory overtime and 16 hour shifts, sometimes back to back.
The Department of Corrections says in a statement that the academy will start its October session with 187 new officer recruits. Osborn says the state is not able to keep up with demand, and the problem with Michigan prisons is only getting worse.
