Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin has voiced significant concerns following reports from the Michigan Office of the Auditor General revealing substantial security failures in three correctional facilities. The audits focused on the Ionia Correctional Facility, Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, and Baraga Correctional Facility.

Key issues highlighted in the reports included falsified records of cell searches, inadequate searches of prisoners, and lapses in screening individuals and items entering the facilities. Bollin expressed that, "These findings are deeply troubling and highlight a dangerous lack of oversight in our corrections system."

At the Ionia facility, the audit discovered that staff likely falsified cell search logs 38% of the time, and over 20% of necessary cell searches were not completed. Moreover, surveillance footage indicated that about one-third of prisoners were inadequately screened by metal detectors, and 64% of items entering the facility were not thoroughly searched. At Handlon, audits revealed the ability to pass metal items through detectors without triggering alarms.

Bollin linked these security failures to the presence of drugs, weapons, and other contraband in prisons, potentially fueling violence and the ongoing overdose crisis. She stated, "We’ve seen the tragic consequences of drugs making their way into our prisons. Overdose deaths among inmates are a problem, and we cannot turn a blind eye to the connection between these security failures and the circulation of illegal substances behind bars."

Additionally, the audits noted that officers were frequently skipping required security rounds and failing to ensure prisoner presence and well-being, intensifying safety and accountability concerns. Bollin has called upon the Michigan Department of Corrections to reinforce oversight and ensure staff adhere to security protocols.

"I know our corrections officers have incredibly difficult jobs, and critical staffing shortages are making their work even harder," Bollin acknowledged. "However, failing to follow proper security protocols only puts both officers and inmates in greater danger. We must prioritize improving staffing levels while also ensuring that all security measures are enforced consistently."