The MDOC intends to move forward with closing the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility (JMF). The full closure is unlikely to be done before August 1 because the Department's transfer plan is still under review by the District Court. The 7 Block of the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center (RGC) is scheduled to close the weekend of July 28, 2007.

The JMF prisoner population has decreased by about 630 inmates since the closing announcement was made. This has been through attrition and lateral transfers of non-special needs prisoners. Medical staff has assessed the medical needs of the remaining inmates to assure their appropriate placement and properly match their medical and custody needs. Here's where we are in the closure process:

1. The prisoner store will continue to operate until the facility closes, with a somewhat smaller selection.

2. By the weekend of July 14, the last of the pods in 4 Block will have closed. This will complete the closure of the entire cell block.

3. Michigan State Industries (MSI) will remain at JMF until 5 and 6 Block close.

4. JMF's school programs will continue until the facility closes.

5. Temporary air conditioning that is sufficient to keep the open housing units at a less than 90 heat index (HI) was installed for 5 and 6 block and will be operating by July 15. It will run on days when the HI (as measured in the interior of the cell blocks) approaches 90, in order to keep the HI below that level.

6. A "Cool Dome" has been installed in RGC and will also be operational by July 15. It will be a point of court-ordered refuge for certain designated prisoners when the interior of RGC's remaining cell block(s) approach a HI of 90.

Keep checking the F.Y.I. for additional updates on the progress of closing Southern Michigan Correctional Facility and 7 Block of the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center.

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 071207