The union representing Michigan corrections officers issues a call to action to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The organization is demanding she mobilize the National Guard to help staff Michigan prisons, which they claim are dangerously understaffed, putting the lives of inmates and staff at risk.
Michigan houses about 33,000 prisoners in 26 state prisons. But roughly 5,500 corrections officers.
“I am formally requesting that you activate the Michigan National Guard to provide immediate custody support to prisons in dire need of it while we work directly with you to find realistic, permanent relief measures.”
Michigan Corrections Organization President Byron Osborn sent the statement above to Whitmer on Wednesday (July 3).
Osborn attributes the rise in violence to many things, including a significant gang problem and policy changes that reduced the use of solitary confinement.
“For example, every year, they target hiring between 700-800 officers per year,” said Osborn. “If they’re able to obtain those numbers at best, that gives us a push because our normal attrition in a year’s time of retirements, resignations, promotions, etc, it’s the same number. So we’re never getting a net gain of officers even though the legislature keeps funding money to hire that number. That number is not big enough.”
In his letter, Osborn writes, “I am formally requesting that you activate the Michigan National Guard to provide immediate custody support to prisons in dire need of it. This support could be a significant step towards finding realistic, permanent relief measures.”
This wouldn’t be the first time members of the Michigan National Guard have helped out in Michigan prisons. In fact, their previous support, such as providing vaccinations inside the prisons near the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been beneficial and reassuring.
If Whitmer approves the request and allows National Guard members to work in the prison, they would not carry their rifles or other guns. That’s because Michigan Corrections Officers are generally not armed, though they can access weapons when needed.