With criminal justice reform a part of the national dialog, preparing prisoners with meaningful employment skills is a growing priority within the corrections environment. Among the many initiatives to address this issue in Michigan, Michigan State Industries (MSI) is a manufacturer operating within the Michigan Department of Corrections that has been providing work opportunities to prisoners since 1943, one of fifty such programs in the nation.
The lowest rate on state record, Michigan currently has a recidivism rate of 21.0%. The rate measures those who are three years from their parole date and records how many individuals have reoffended and returned to prison within that timeframe. The latest report shows a 79.0% success rate of those paroled in 2021 not returning to prison.
MDOC has undertaken numerous evidence-based programs to continue reducing the state’s recidivism rate including supporting access to vital documents, housing, and recovery resources; job placement assistance; and effective supervision and care while individuals are incarcerated and on parole. Prison educational programs have been seeing significant success with thousands of graduates since their inception. There are now 14 skilled trades programs and 12 post-secondary education programs operating in correctional facilities across the state, with additional programs expected to be added next year.
Michigan State Industries (MSI) plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates across the state. With 550 inmates participating in various programs at 12 facility operations situated in 9 state correctional institutions, MSI offers a unique opportunity for skill acquisition and personal development.
The primary aim of MSI is to equip inmates with valuable skills that will significantly aid them upon release. By engaging in these programs, inmates can work on improving their employability, which is a critical factor in reducing recidivism rates. The skills taught range from practical trades to advanced manufacturing, providing a diverse array of opportunities.
Several of MSI’s operations offer inmates the chance to earn certifications that are recognized in the broader job market. Notably, inmates can earn the following certifications:
The certifications and skills acquired through MSI programs significantly ease the transition from incarceration to society. By providing inmates with tangible, marketable skills, MSI helps to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. The ability to secure employment post-release not only fosters independence but also boosts self-esteem and promotes a positive societal contribution.
Michigan State Industries is more than just a work skills training program; it is a transformative initiative that empowers inmates, reduces recidivism, and contributes to safer communities. By focusing on skill development and providing recognized certifications, MSI ensures that inmates are better prepared for a successful reintegration into society.
In 1922, the state began to operate its own factories but continued to sell the products on the open market. Over the years Michigan prisoners have mined coal, manufactured bricks and tile, cigars, tombstones and binder twine. In 1935, Congress passed the Hawes-Cooper Bill, prohibiting the shipment of prison-made goods in interstate commerce. In 1937, the Michigan Legislature adopted a bill which limited the sale of prison products to state institutions and Departments and other wholly tax-supported agencies. One industry long associated with prisons has been the production of license plates. The first plates, produced before 1910, were made of leather and used metal house numbers. It was in 1918 that the prison near Jackson first began producing automobile license plates along with street and road signs.
Correctional Industries Act:
In 1980, the state Correctional Industries Act was amended to allow MSI to sell its products to nonprofit organizations, to governmental institutions in other states and to the federal government. It allows Michigan agencies, offices and departments to buy goods from Industries if they are comparable in price and quality to those produced elsewhere and can be supplied in a reasonable time period.
The amendment let MSI set prices which provide for a margin in direct and indirect costs. It set up a five-year phase-in that gradually increased the amount of self-sufficiency. MSI became self-supporting in 1985. Self-sufficiency saves the state the cost of civilian wages, salaries and other costs which were paid out of the Department's budget in the past, and it allows Industries to expand its operations in order to employ more prisoners.
Photo: Jackson Historic Prison Tours is courtesy of TripAdvisor
