Submitted by Miya Williamson, Local 6000 Legislative Work Group

Recently, Judge Daniel Ryan from the Third Circuit Court of Wayne County testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee blasting MDOC officials. Judge Ryan testified to the tremendous amount of recidivism in non-violent offenders that is on the increase. He reported that his docket is "exploding" with as many as 600 new cases, many due to recidivism. In his testimony Judge Ryan stated that MPRI does not eliminate but increases societal and MDOC costs. Judge Ryan states that in recent months after sentencing individuals to prison he has received letters from MDOC officials requesting that he rescind his order and places the offender on alternative supervision.

Judge Ryan reported the impact of early release is a couple of months of housing for the offender, new victims of crimes, a habitual offender is back on the street and then back in the system for a new crime. He pointed out that the Department is only saving a few dollars for housing, etc. but in the process creating new victims of crimes, and the costs temporarily shifted to the county. Judge Ryan testified to what many Parole/Probation Agents already know is that housing upon release of MPRI participants in Wayne County is 14 days and then the offender is back on the street. Judge Ryan reported that the word is out on the street that the Department is not sending offenders back to prison which has resulted in increased recidivism. By doing this he stated the Department is sending a message to continue committing crimes and an offender will be processed and let go.

Judge Ryan cautioned members of the Senate to be careful what the Department’s definition of non-violent and non assaultive offenses. Judge Ryan ran down a list of crimes that by the DOC’s definition are not considered assaultive or violent. Among them are Aiding a Prisoner in Escape, Impersonating a Police Officer, Fire Fighter, or Emergency Responder, Wearing Body Armor During Commission of a Crime, Prisoner Possessing a Weapon in Prison or Jail. Senator Cropsey also blasted the Department for their definition of successful parole. Senator Cropsey was informed by the Department that an absconder is not considered a failed parole, but an offender that is in a status that cannot unaccount for.

The Legislative Work Group continues to follow and address issues that affect members of our bargaining unit. If you wish to provide information or comments on issues please contact the Legislative Work Group at 1-800-243-1985.