(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/15/2024) Corrections officer recruits would no longer need to complete 15 college credit hours as an employment requirement under HB 5912 that Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) introduced Thursday. 

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) said in a statement that it fully supports HB 5912 for its “immediate, positive impact on the department’s efforts to address staffing challenges.” 

MDOC Director Heidi Washington said removing prerequisite limitations will help improve staffing levels and reduce mandatory overtime. 

Michigan’s corrections officer recruit training consists of an eight-week academy and an eight-week on-the-job-training period after completing 15 college credit hours in any major, which the release said artificially restricts the number of eligible candidates. 

Even as a waiver allowed recruits to earn the 15 college credits within 24 months of gaining employment, several recruits have lost their employment for not meeting the requirements of the waiver, the statement said.  

Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp.) and Reps. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) and Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) announced Thursday that they’ll be attending informational pickets next week to support the Michigan Corrections Officers Union. The events will take place at the Chippewa Correctional Facility, the Baraga Correctional Facility and the Marquette Branch Prison. 

A press release stated that the meetings are due to the failure of MDOC leadership to solve the shortages and in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “lack of response to the crisis.” 

Hill also visited the Baraga Correctional Facility recently to participate in staffing discussions. 

“As I walked through the halls of the Baraga Correctional Facility, I was reminded of the tremendous challenges our corrections officers face every day. The staff at these facilities are an essential part of our criminal justice system, and they deserve our support,” Hill said in a statement.