Are they “Corrections Officers?” Who needs the correcting?

So, I take a break from my duties on behalf of HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS, grab Wednesday’s edition of the Detroit News, open the newspaper and I’m greeted by two repulsive headlines. Across the top of the page I read: Eight prison workers charged in inmate’s death. Right below it, in the right-hand column, I read: Officer charged in assault of prisoner. What the? Is it open season on inmates? 

The second story is actually a report of a city cop in Warren who, while booking a 19-year-old prisoner, let his anger get the best of him. Witnesses said, and a video cam proved, that he punched the kid in the face, then slammed him to the ground. Just for the record, the police officer was charged with two misdemeanors. Guess what the kid might have been charged with, had he displayed such behavior? 

The lead story, however,  is of particular importance to everyone in the State of Michigan. 

Jonathan Lancaster had mental issues, and he stopped eating and drinking while incarcerated at the Alger Correctional Facility in Munising. Alger has its own reputation, but that’s another story for another time. Records show that Lancaster lost more than 50 pounds in just two weeks. According to the Michigan Attorney General’s office, this troubled man was placed in an observation cell, wearing restraints, where he remained until he died. According to the AG, he received NO emergency medical attention until after he died! This happened in 2019. 

The AG’s office isn’t messing around. No misdemeanor charges for these MDOC employees. The Acting Warden at that time, and his Assistant Deputy Warden, are both charged with involuntary manslaughter. The same for four registered nurses working at the Munising facility. Each one could receive up to 15 years in prison! 

Lesser charges were leveled against a Corrections Officer and his Sergeant: Misconduct in office. That, too, is a felony, and could result in up to 5 years in prison. 

It was just one month ago that we paid tribute to those officers in our prisons who do their job, and do it well. Sadly, stories like this damage the reputation of all. 

It’s easy to complain about this. 

It’s easy to express hope that, when these 8 people wind up behind bars, they receive similar ugly treatment. We must not do that…that’s stooping to their level. HUMANITY is the name of our game, and that’s what we seek. For every inmate. 

It’s easy to opine that the state MUST hire better people. The simple fact is, though, that just like with your neighborhood grocery store, restaurant and hardware store, good help is hard to find!

There are those in the Michigan Department of Corrections who would love to hire people with excellent credentials, and would love to give them more specialized training. But, with the salaries offered, that cannot happen. The MDOC is woefully short of manpower. 

Boys and girls, this is a problem. A serious one, and non-political. It demands the attention of our Governor and our state legislators. 

Our advice: Speak your piece!