LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It’s been more than one month since Michigan Corrections Organization (MCO) President Byron Osborn requested National Guard assistance from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to cover the gaps in staffing shortages at Michigan prisons. Whitmer has ignored these requests.

Osborn called Whitmer’s dismissal of the MCO’s request “disappointing.” He mentioned to numerous media outlets, “While her state corrections officers and forensic security assistants are getting crushed beneath mandatory overtime, she’s been traveling the country promoting her new book and doing late night talk shows.”

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Instead of waiting around for Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is hosting numerous hiring events statewide this month.

In addition, lawmakers are calling on colleagues to step in. Representative Neil Friske (R-Cheboygan) wants Gov. Whitmer to declare a state of emergency to combat the recent uptick of violence against officers in his district. “These men and women are understaffed, overworked, and outgunned,” Friske said. “We need to come to their aid before disaster strikes.”

Another lawmaker is asking the Michigan Senate to pass Senate Bills 165-167 so corrections officers can participate in the state police pension fund.

“We do not need any lip service paid to the challenges faced by our corrections officers,” said State Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “We need action.”

The Upper Peninsula houses five of Michigan’s 26 prisons. The MCO reports maximum-security facilities in Marquette and Baraga are operating with more than 30% fewer staff members than needed.

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“Corrections officers cannot continue at this pace,” said Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock).

In addition, there have been calls in the last month for MDOC director Heidi Washington to step down.