Alger Correctional Facility, located in Munising, Michigan, is a state prison operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections. It is a Level IV facility that houses male inmates. The facility has a total of six housing units, with three units designated for General Population Level IV, one for General Population Level II, and two for Segregation. The two Segregation Units run an Incentives In Segregation Program, which aims to encourage positive behavior among the inmates.
Alger Correctional Facility offers various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also provides religious services, recreational activities, and visitation opportunities for the family and friends of inmates. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation rules and schedules may be subject to change.
As with any prison or correctional facility, Alger Correctional Facility has its own set of rules and regulations that inmates must follow. Violations of these rules can result in disciplinary action, such as loss of privileges or solitary confinement. The facility also has a strict security protocol to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 844 |
| Physical Address | N6141 Industrial Park Drive Munising, MI 49862 |
| Mailing Address | N6141 Industrial Park Drive Munising, MI 49862 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 906-628-7100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Alger Correctional Facility is a state prison located in Munising Township, Alger County, Michigan. The facility was opened in 1990 and has been operating since then. The prison was built to house male inmates, 18 years and older, with a capacity to hold 896 level IV and level II prisoners.
The construction of Alger Correctional Facility was part of a prison-building spree that began in the 1980s in Michigan. The state had a growing prison population, and new facilities were built to address the issue of overcrowding. The facility was constructed at a cost of $50 million, and it was designed to be a maximum-security prison.
Over the years, Alger Correctional Facility has undergone several changes and renovations. In 2014, the facility underwent a $9.5 million renovation project that included the construction of a new perimeter fence, upgrades to the security system, and improvements to the housing units.
One of the notable incidents that occurred at Alger Correctional Facility was in 2016 when a prisoner died in custody. The prisoner was found unresponsive in his cell, and an internal investigation was launched to determine the cause of death. The incident highlighted the challenges that prisons face in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates.
Today, Alger Correctional Facility continues to operate as a maximum-security prison, providing housing and rehabilitation services for male inmates. The facility is managed by the Michigan Department of Corrections and is overseen by Warden Catherine S. Bauman.
Facilities
Alger Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Munising, Michigan. The facility has a total of six housing units, with five identical units and a sixth unit with additional beds. Three of the units are General Population Level IV, one is General Population Level II, and two are used for Segregation. The two Segregation Units run an Incentives In Segregation Program.
Housing Units
The housing units at Alger Correctional Facility are designed to provide a secure and safe environment for inmates. Each unit has its own dining hall, recreation area, and outdoor exercise yard. The cells are designed to hold one or two inmates, and they are equipped with a bed, toilet, sink, and storage space for personal belongings. Inmates are allowed to have a limited number of personal items in their cells, including books, magazines, and photographs.
Security
Alger Correctional Facility has several layers of security to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. The perimeter of the facility is surrounded by a double chain-link fence with razor-ribbon wire and a buffer fence. There are also gun towers and armed patrol vehicles to monitor the perimeter. Electronic detection systems are in place to detect any attempts to breach the perimeter.
Medical
Alger Correctional Facility has a medical unit that provides healthcare services to inmates. The medical staff includes physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Inmates receive routine medical care, including physical exams, immunizations, and medication management. The medical unit also provides specialty care, such as dental and mental health services.
In summary, Alger Correctional Facility provides secure and safe housing units, multiple layers of perimeter security, and medical care to inmates.
Programs
Alger Correctional Facility offers a variety of programs to help inmates improve their lives and prepare for their eventual release. These programs include education, psychotherapy, substance abuse treatment, and religious activities.
Education
Education is an important part of rehabilitation at Alger Correctional Facility. The facility offers Adult Basic Education and General Education Development classes to help inmates improve their literacy skills and earn their high school equivalency diplomas.
In addition, the facility offers Violence Prevention Programs, Thinking for a Change, and Employment Readiness programs to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Psychotherapy
Alger Correctional Facility provides psychotherapy services to inmates who need help coping with mental health issues. The facility offers individual and group therapy sessions, as well as medication management services. In addition, the facility provides specialized therapy services for inmates who have experienced trauma or who are struggling with addiction.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Alger Correctional Facility offers a range of substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain sobriety. The facility offers Substance-Abuse Education Treatment (SAET) to help inmates understand the nature of addiction and the effects of substance abuse on their lives.
In addition, the facility provides Outpatient Substance Abuse Programming (OSAP) to help inmates develop coping skills and strategies for managing their addiction.
Religious Activities
Alger Correctional Facility recognizes the importance of religious activities in the lives of many inmates. The facility offers a range of religious activities, including prayer services, Bible study groups, and religious counseling. In addition, the facility provides access to religious literature and materials to help inmates deepen their spiritual practice.
Overall, Alger Correctional Facility’s programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the outside world and to support their ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.
Inmates
General Population
Alger Correctional Facility houses male inmates who are 18 years of age or older. The facility has a General Population Level II that provides a structured environment for inmates to learn and grow. Inmates in the General Population have access to educational programs, vocational training, and various other programs that promote rehabilitation and personal growth.
Segregation
Inmates who violate prison rules or pose a threat to the safety and security of others may be placed in Segregation Units. These units are designed to provide a secure environment for inmates who require additional supervision. Inmates in Segregation Units are isolated from the General Population and have limited access to programs and services.
Incentives in Segregation Program
The Incentives in Segregation Program is designed to encourage positive behavior and promote rehabilitation among inmates in Segregation Units. Inmates who participate in the program can earn privileges such as increased phone time, access to television, and additional visits. The program also provides inmates with access to educational programs and vocational training.
Rescue Dog Training Program
Alger Correctional Facility has a Rescue Dog Training Program that allows inmates to train and care for dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered. The program provides inmates with an opportunity to learn new skills and develop a sense of responsibility. In addition to providing companionship, the dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities and provide emotional support.
Overall, Alger Correctional Facility provides inmates with a structured environment that promotes rehabilitation and personal growth. The facility offers a variety of programs and services that are designed to help inmates prepare for successful reentry into society.
Administration
The Alger Correctional Facility is operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections. The facility is managed by an Administrative Management Team and overseen by the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The facility has several departments that handle the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Food Service
The Alger Correctional Facility has a food service department that is responsible for providing meals to the inmates. The food service department is staffed by trained professionals who prepare and serve meals that meet the nutritional needs of the inmates. The food service department provides three meals a day to all inmates and special diets are available for inmates with medical conditions.
Administrative Offices
The Alger Correctional Facility has administrative offices that are responsible for managing the facility. The administrative offices are staffed by trained professionals who handle the day-to-day operations of the facility. The administrative offices are responsible for maintaining the facility, managing the staff, and overseeing the programs that are offered to the inmates.
Prisoner Programs
The Alger Correctional Facility offers a variety of prisoner programs to help inmates prepare for their release. The programs are designed to help inmates develop new skills, improve their education, and learn how to live a productive life outside of prison. Some of the programs offered by the facility include vocational training, educational programs, and drug and alcohol treatment programs.
General Library
The Alger Correctional Facility has a general library that is available to all inmates. The library has a wide variety of books, magazines, and newspapers that inmates can read. The library also has computers that inmates can use to access the internet and work on their education.
Law Library
The Alger Correctional Facility has a law library that is available to all prison inmates. The law library has a wide variety of legal resources that inmates can use to research their cases and prepare legal documents. The law library also has computers that inmates can use to access legal databases and work on their legal cases.
Visiting
Alger Correctional Facility allows visitors to see their loved ones who are incarcerated. It’s important to follow the rules and guidelines set by the facility to ensure a smooth visit.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Alger Correctional Facility vary depending on the housing unit. Visitors can check the in-person visiting schedule by housing unit to find out the specific visiting days and times.
It’s important to note that visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting period to allow for processing and security checks. Visitors who arrive late may not be allowed to visit.
Catherine S. Bauman
Catherine S. Bauman is the Visitation Coordinator at Alger Correctional Facility. She is responsible for managing the visiting program and ensuring that all visitors follow the rules and regulations. Visitors can contact her with any questions or concerns about visiting at Alger Correctional Facility.
Rules and Regulations
Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by Alger Correctional Facility to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. Some of the rules include:
- Visitors must be on the prisoner’s approved visitor list.
- Visitors must provide a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and follow the dress code.
- Visitors must not bring any contraband into the facility.
- Visitors must not engage in any inappropriate behavior.
Visitors who do not follow the rules and regulations may be denied entry or asked to leave. It’s important to review the rules and regulations before visiting to avoid any issues.
Overall, visiting Alger Correctional Facility can be a positive experience for both visitors and prisoners. By following the rules and regulations, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable visit with their loved ones.
Release and Records
Alger Correctional Facility is responsible for the release of inmates once their sentences have been served. Release dates are determined by the Michigan Department of Corrections and are based on a variety of factors, including the length of the sentence, good behavior, and participation in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Inmates can find out their release dates by contacting the Parole Release Unit.
Arrest records and jail rosters are public information and can be obtained by contacting the Alger County Sheriff’s Office. These records include information such as the inmate’s name, arrest date, criminal charges, and bond amount. The jail roster is updated regularly and can be accessed online.
Alger Correctional Facility offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for their release. These programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and educational and vocational training. Inmates can also use JPAY, a secure online platform, to communicate with friends and family members.
If you need to call an inmate at Alger Correctional Facility, you can do so by contacting the facility’s main number and asking to be transferred to the inmate’s housing unit. Keep in mind that all calls are monitored and recorded.
Overall, Alger Correctional Facility takes the release and records of its inmates seriously and strives to provide them with the resources they need to successfully re-enter society.
Controversies
Alger Correctional Facility has faced several controversies over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Boycott: In 2018, the Michigan Department of Corrections faced a boycott from several advocacy groups over the conditions at Alger Correctional Facility. The groups alleged that the facility was overcrowded, understaffed, and lacked adequate medical care for inmates. The boycott was aimed at pressuring the department to improve conditions at the facility.
- Communications Partner: In 2020, the Michigan Department of Corrections faced criticism for its partnership with a communications company that charged exorbitant rates for phone calls made by inmates. The company, GTL, charged as much as $22 for a 15-minute call, leading to allegations of price gouging. The department eventually terminated its contract with GTL.
- Use of Force: In 2016, the Michigan Department of Corrections settled a lawsuit over the use of force at Alger Correctional Facility. The lawsuit alleged that prison staff had used excessive force against inmates, resulting in serious injuries. The settlement required the department to implement new policies and training programs to reduce the use of force.
- Suicide Prevention: In 2019, the Michigan Department of Corrections faced criticism over its handling of suicide prevention at Alger Correctional Facility. A report by the state auditor found that the facility had failed to properly screen inmates for suicide risk and had not adequately trained staff to identify and respond to suicidal behavior. The department pledged to improve its suicide prevention policies and procedures.
Despite these controversies, Alger Correctional Facility remains operational and continues to house inmates. The Michigan Department of Corrections has taken steps to address the issues raised by advocacy groups and lawsuits, but some critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.