Currently all maximum level prisons in the State of Michigan patrol the grounds 24/7, 365 days a year. Cutting this operation will save the State of Michigan $13 million.
Officials say those officers performing this task will be working inside the facility. Some say this runs the risk of weapons being tossed over fences.
"You are going to be getting cell phones, which is big for the prisoners to have right now--guns, ammunitions and drugs. That's very dangerous to have inside the prison; it's putting staff at risk for their lives," said Kenna Jones.
Each prison facility has to come up with a plan of action that will increase internal security. Each prison's layout is different--some are hidden away on back roads, others are located in populated cities.
Therefore, each facility is responsible for identifying where and what types of security increases need to be made. They plan to increase external and internal surveillance systems with better technology.
Mike Curly, the Warden at Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility, says this change will not weaken security. "The technology is out there to accomplish the same thing. All of us will look at our staffing charts and our manning and adjust that so we still have the ability to conduct a rapid response when necessary as it relates to our response vehicles/perimeter security vehicles," said Curly.
The changes are set to be implemented April 1.
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