Procurement Contract Monitoring Division
The department created the Procurement Contract Monitoring Division which is responsible for providing oversight of MDOC contracts. PMCD ensures that vendors deliver services according to contract requirements and compliance guidelines.
EPIC Teams
The department implemented cross-agency EPIC Teams to work together on innovative agency projects and process improvement solutions. The focus of past EPIC Teams include, but are not limited to, Recruitment, Mentoring, Prisoner Funds, Classification, Legal Mail, Technology, and more.
Motivational Interviewing
The Michigan Department of Corrections has fully integrated Motivational Interviewing (MI) into the foundation of its operations. This person-centered communication method is used by MDOC staff to help individuals find internal motivation to change behavior, rather than relying purely on external pressure. All employees are now training in this evidence-based method.
Parole Board Framework
The department has implemented an evidence-based, Structured Decision-Making Framework (SDMF) developed by Dr. Ralph Serin and endorsed by the National Institute of Corrections to guide its Parole Board process. The SDMF focuses on empirically based objective risk factors while balancing public and policy interests with professional judgment.
Mail Policy
The department has implemented new policy requiring all confidential and legal mail sent to incarcerated individuals to be provided to them as a photocopy, with the originals shredded to prevent the introduction of contraband into facilities. In addition, all personal mail is photocopied before being provided to the recipient. The new policies are believed to have significantly reduced the amount of contraband coming into facilities.
Communication and Public Information
The department created a new communications team tasked with telling the MDOC story through social media, video, and traditional media. In addition, the team developed new branding and communication standards for the department, helping to communicate across audiences and stakeholders while maintaining consistency and professionalism.
Operation Safe Neighborhoods
The Operation Safe Neighborhoods programs sees MDOC parole and probation agents team up with local law enforcement across the state and conduct enhanced compliance checks on probationers and parolees who are legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. Since its inception, Operation Safe Neighborhoods has removed almost 1,000 illegal firearms off the street. The program has also apprehended a variety of illegal drugs and other weapons such as knives and pipe bombs.
