LANSING, Mich. (WOWO) — Michigan corrections officials have launched a “safe prisons initiative” designed to improve safety for staff and inmates amid a rising number of assaults in state facilities. According to Bridge Michigan, the program will use data analysis to identify trends, expand prisoner programming, and review housing for violent inmates.
The initiative also includes enhanced training and technology for corrections officers to support daily operations, while continuing efforts such as stricter mail screening to prevent contraband from entering facilities. Assaults increased in 2025, with 355 reported against staff and 527 against inmates, prompting the department to take additional safety measures.
Officials say the initiative builds on existing policies, including a new mail procedure implemented in January, which involves photocopying legal and standard mail to limit the introduction of dangerous substances. The department is also reviewing prisoner classification and bed space, and plans to increase Level IV security beds at Macomb Correctional Facility, while temporarily closing a Level II unit at Chippewa Correctional Facility due to staff shortages and reduced demand…