The MDOC is moving forward with plans to close the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility (JMF).  A date for full closure has not been determined since our transfer plan remains under review by the United States District Court.

The JMF prisoner population has decreased by about 736 inmates since the closing announcement in February. This has been through administrative transfers for special needs prisoners, lateral transfers of non-special needs prisoners and paroles and discharges.  In addition:

1. JMF's 4 Block is closed. On August 3, the court granted our motion to terminate jurisdiction of 4 Block due to its permanent closure.

2. 7 Block of the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center (RGC) is closed.  On August 6, the court granted our motion to terminate jurisdiction of 7 Block due to its permanent closure.  Keep in mind:

3. JMF's school programs and the prisoner store will operate until the facility closes.
 
4. Michigan State Industries (MSI) will remain at JMF until 5 and 6 Blocks close.

5. Temporary air conditioning sufficient to keep the open housing units at a less than 90 heat index (HI) was installed for 5 and 6 Blocks.

It will run on days when the HI (as measured in the cell blocks) approaches 90, to keep the HI below that level.

6. RGC has a "Cool Dome," a point of court-ordered refuge for certain prisoners when the interior of the remaining cell blocks - 1, 2, and 3 - approach a HI of 90.

Keep checking the F.Y.I. for additional updates on the progress of closing Southern Michigan Correctional Facility.

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 080907