An informational picket by local corrections officers was held this afternoon in Kincheloe in response to what they say is a staffing shortage along with a lack of response to the crisis from state officials.
Local dignitaries along with concerned citizens joined the picket line to show support.
The Michigan Corrections Organization, or MCO, says that at the Kinross Correctional Facility and the Chippewa East Correctional Facility the vacancy rate is 27% with officers clocking in 2,000 overtime shifts in July alone.
At that same time, some officers worked up to 16-hour shifts, three to five days in a row.
MCO union president Byron Osborn said officer safety is a huge concern under the current conditions inside the prisons. He said crime has become more rampant due to the staffing shortages.
Osborn feels Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Dept. of Corrections director Heidi Washington has failed them and want, and need, action from Lansing.
"We are trying to get our elected officials to come together, make a group effort to identify what the main issues are, and take steps legislatively to correct those, if that's what's needed. It needs to be bi-partisan...even legislatures that don't have prisons in their district, we need them to pay attention," Osborn said.
Osborn noted that the MOC first expressed their concerns in 2018.
"The problems have been getting progressively worse. We can't keep asking the current staff to work the hours they are currently working. Many of them are mandated to work double shifts. It's not a pleasant place to work because many of the prisoners are dangerous. However, the job is rewarding if the facilities are staffed correctly," Osborn said.
Osborn wanted to emphasize that they are not saying the local facilities are run poorly.
"They are an example of them being short-staffed with the officers being worked to a point where resignations are happening because people can't get home to see their spouses and children. They are physically exhausted. This is a state-wide issue. Yes, there are a handful of facilities of the 26 in the state that are not in a staffing crisis, but the majority are," Osborn said.
Safety of the correction officers is a huge concern while being understaffed.
"It's a non-stop atmosphere. There are some prisoners in here that are trying to get back on their feet. But there is another element in here. Some prisoners are not leaving. They are very dangerous. They are a danger to society. That's why they are in there. The prisoners pick up when there are not a lot of officers in there," Osborn added.
There will be an informational picket Tuesday in Baraga and one on Wednesday in Marquette.
