Michigan Dept. of Corrections

A staffing mission to Alger Correctional Facility has just concluded, bringing trained staff to the facility for a multi-week period to alleviate shifts for facility staff. Stopping by the facility late on a Sunday, Officer Keskimaki and Officer Demers were an illustration of a staffing mission in action. Officer Demers, usually stationed at Thumb Correctional Facility, signed up to work his weekly shifts at Alger. This wasn't his first mission, in fact, he's originally from the Upper Peninsula and considers these missions a homecoming. Officer Keskimaki joined the department at Alger two years ago, following a thirty-year career in EMS and firefighting. He heard the call to support corrections officers at the local facility as they experience staffing challenges. Since completing the academy, he has been struck by the team's camaraderie and is proud to serve. For Keskimaki, staffing missions provide a chance to spend additional time at home. An additional plus has been building connections with professionals from across the state and department like he has with Officer Demers, expanding the team he serves with.

Career opportunity of the day: Parole Probation Officer in Delta County! Probation and parole agents are critical in their communities to coach those under supervision and hold them accountable for their sentences. A good agent will address the needs of those under supervision -- helping them learn new skills that lead to a better lifestyle and enhanced public safety. This role in Escanaba is an opportunity to serve your community while earning good pay and benefits. See the full role in the comments and apply today!

MACOMB DAILY: "Crews are finishing work on adding more than 180 beds for high-security male inmates at the Macomb Correctional Facility (MRF) in Lenox Township in an effort to make the prison safer for prisoners to serve their sentences and corrections officer who work there." As part of the Safer Prison Initiative, MRF is converting a Level II unit to Level IV, for 182 additional high-security beds. Plus, two new units will be built at St. Louis and Oaks Correctional Facilities to provide over 400 new Level IV and V high-security beds in the next several years.

Graduating the officer academy on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 holds extra significance for Officer Joseph Garvie. 25 years ago, he was a senior in high school intent begin an MDOC career. Then tragedy struck and he joined the military to honorably serve our country. After a more than two-decade military career, Officer Garvie has officially joined our department. Upon his graduation today, he was chosen from his class to be awarded the Josephine McCallum Award for leadership and commitment. On Monday, he will begin on-the-job training at Saginaw Correctional Facility. Congratulations, Officer Garvie; and thank you for your service.

"Today, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I ask everyone to join together in honoring the victims and reflect on how we persevered—showing great resilience in the face of adversity, how we treated each other with decency and compassion, and how we continue to rise to the occasion—standing, adapting, and overcoming as one nation under God." - MDOC Chaplain Mark Laing Listen to the rest of Chaplain Laing's message on this day of remembrance.

By now you might have seen our "I am MDOC" ads around Michigan. As we grow the MDOC team, we have invited corrections officers, food service staff, healthcare professionals and more to share their authentic reasons of why they are a part of this department. Here's a look at our newest ad, featuring Corrections Officer Cornejo, as he shares about beginning his career in corrections to carry on a family legacy. If you're ready to begin your corrections career, we invite you to apply today - or take a look at our upcoming hiring events. Links to both are in the comments.

A chapter of MDOC history in Ionia has officially closed with demolition of the Michigan Reformatory (RMI). The decision to demolish the Reformatory followed its 2022 closure and an assessment of the aging facility’s deteriorating condition and cost to maintain. First opened in 1877 as the State House of Corrections, RMI looked like much of the prison infrastructure you see in the movies - with stone walls, narrow walkways, and towering guard posts. For generations of MDOC staff, it was also where their careers took place. Renamed Michigan Reformatory in 1901, the facility has a long history. It previously closed in 2001, reopened in 2007 due to rising population needs, and closed for the final time in November 2022. MDOC will continue to utilize parts of the property, with the remainder parceled and sold - opening the door for future redevelopment. The physical buildings may be gone, but nearly 150 years of history - and the stories shared by those who walked those halls - will remain.

The MDOC workforce is vital to keeping Michigan safe. This Labor Day, we're recognizing the hard work, commitment, and expertise our corrections professionals bring to the job every day. Michigan is a national leader in corrections because of the dedication of every man and woman who is a part of this team. You are appreciated. And to each staff member on watch today - an additional thank you for your service to our state

While using our updated package scanning technology, officers saw an anomaly during inspection of an incoming package. During inspection of the box, the inspector found cellular technology, pouches of suspected THC wax, hundreds of strips of suspected opioid suboxone and other illicit substances. Updated technology - and MDOC officers' expertise, attention to detail, and diligence in their job duties - led to the discovery of these contraband items which are commonly used to conduct criminal activity. MDOC is committed to finding and confiscating contraband in every form to make our prisons safer. This incident is currently under investigation.

For parole and probation agent Ashley Butkovich, crossing the Mackinac Bridge brings a shift in feeling that’s hard to explain, but instantly familiar to anyone who knows the UP. As a born and raised Yooper, that sense of connection has shaped both her personal life and her career. Ashley serves as the single agent office for Luce County. “This job is really about people making better decisions for themselves,” she says. “I’m here to encourage them and help identify the barriers getting in their way.” She meets with incarcerated individuals before release, opening the door for early conversations about job readiness, housing, and reentry planning. Agent Butkovich fully embraces this approach. When she meets clients in person after release, she often begins by offering a resource kit. It includes food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, sending the message that someone is ready to support their next steps. For Ashley, the strength of MDOC isn’t just in the work, it’s the people behind it. “Even though I work alone in Luce County, I know I can call any UP office at any time, and they will help me. MDOC is filled with likeminded people who want to ensure the safety of their communities where they work, reside, and raise their families.” Her lifelong familiarity with the community, now 15 years of public service, and unwavering dedication exemplify the best of MDOC