Gus Harrison Correctional Facility: Security and Training

Gus Harrison Correctional Facility is a multi-security prison located on the eastern border of Adrian, Michigan. It is named after the first director of the Michigan Department of Corrections and can house up to 1,060 prisoners. The facility consists of six housing units and operates a dog program with The Ability Center’s Assistance Dogs Program.

The facility offers in-person visiting schedules by housing unit, and visitors must complete the necessary form for scheduling a visit. Each facility page also has a link to additional information pertaining to authorized items, identification requirements, property searches, and the approved dress code. The Michigan Department of Corrections also offers video visitation for some of its facilities, including Gus Harrison Correctional Facility.

While the facility has faced criticism for issues such as overcrowding and the treatment of prisoners, it remains an important part of Michigan’s correctional system. As such, it is important to understand the facility’s history, operations, and policies in order to better understand the state’s criminal justice system.

SecurityMixed
Capacity1,060
Physical Address2727 East Beecher St.
Adrian, MI 49221
Mailing Address2727 East Beecher St.
Adrian, MI 49221
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursDepends on the Unit
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number517-265-3900
JurisdictionState

History and Overview

Founding and First Director

Gus Harrison Correctional Facility (GHCF) is a multi-security prison located on the eastern border of the city of Adrian, Michigan. It was named after the first director of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Gus Harrison. The facility was opened in 1991 and has been operational ever since. The prison was built to address the growing need for additional correctional facilities in the state.

Gus Harrison was appointed as the first director of the MDOC in 1954. He served in this position for 16 years, during which he initiated many reforms in the Michigan prison system. He was instrumental in implementing vocational training programs and expanding the use of parole in the state. He was a strong advocate for rehabilitation and believed that prisoners should be given the opportunity to reform and reintegrate into society.

Capacity and Gender

GHCF has a capacity of 1,060 prisoners and consists of six housing units. The prison facility operates as a multi-security prison, housing prisoners with various security levels. It has a mix of minimum, medium, and high-security units. The facility also operates a dog program in collaboration with The Ability Center’s Assistance Dogs Program.

GHCF is a male-only facility, and it houses prisoners who have been convicted of various crimes, including violent offenses, drug-related offenses, and property crimes. The facility provides various programs and services to help prisoners with rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.

Facilities and Security

The Gus Harrison Correctional Facility is a multi-security prison located on the eastern border of the city of Adrian. The facility has been designed to ensure that all prisoners are held securely and safely. The prison has six housing units that can house up to 1,060 prisoners.

Housing Units

Each housing unit at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility is equipped with a range of features that ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. The units have double chain-link fences, buffer fences, and razor-ribbon wire to prevent escape attempts. The fencing is monitored by video surveillance cameras that are positioned throughout the facility.

Electronic Detection Systems

The facility is equipped with an electronic detection system that is designed to detect any attempts to breach the perimeter fence. The system includes motion detectors, infrared cameras, and other sensors that are strategically placed around the facility. The system is monitored 24/7 by the security staff to ensure that any breaches are detected quickly.

Gun Towers and Patrol Vehicles

The prison has gun towers that are manned by trained security staff. The towers are strategically located around the perimeter of the facility and provide an additional layer of security. The facility also has patrol vehicles that are used to monitor the perimeter fence and respond to any security breaches.

Fencing and Video Surveillance

The facility’s perimeter fence is made up of double chain-link fences, buffer fences, and razor-ribbon wire. The fencing is designed to prevent escape attempts and is monitored by video surveillance cameras that are positioned throughout the facility. The cameras provide 24/7 monitoring of the perimeter fence and other areas of the facility.

In conclusion, the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility has been designed to ensure the safety and security of all inmates and staff. The facility’s housing units, electronic detection systems, gun towers, patrol vehicles, fencing, and video surveillance work together to provide a secure environment for all.

Programs and Services

Gus Harrison Correctional Facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society. These programs and services are designed to address the various needs of inmates, including educational opportunities, substance abuse and mental health treatment, religious services, employment readiness and vocational training, and law library services.

Educational Opportunities

The facility provides a range of educational opportunities for inmates, including general education development (GED) courses, special education courses, and college courses. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs, such as culinary arts and license plate production, to acquire skills that can help them find employment upon release.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment

Gus Harrison Correctional Facility offers a range of substance abuse and mental health treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction and mental health problems. These programs include group counseling, telephone support, and outpatient mental health treatment. The facility also has a violence prevention program and a domestic violence prevention program to help inmates address issues related to violence and abuse.

Religious Services

Inmates at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility have access to religious services and programs. The facility has chaplains who provide religious counseling and support, and inmates can attend religious services and participate in religious study groups.

Employment Readiness and Vocational Training

The facility offers employment readiness programs to help inmates prepare for the job market. Inmates can participate in vocational training programs, such as culinary arts and license plate production, to acquire skills that can help them find employment upon release. The facility also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to help non-native English speakers improve their language skills.

Law Library Services

Gus Harrison Correctional Facility has a law library that provides inmates with access to legal resources and materials. Inmates can use the law library to research legal issues and prepare legal documents. The facility also has legal aid services to help inmates with their legal needs.

In conclusion, Gus Harrison Correctional Facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society. These programs and services are designed to address the various needs of inmates, including educational opportunities, substance abuse and mental health treatment, religious services, employment readiness and vocational training, and law library services.

Inmate Information

Visitation and Contact

Inmates at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility are allowed visitation with friends and family. Visitation hours are dependent on the housing unit the inmate is assigned to, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.

To be added to an inmate’s visitation list, visitors must complete a visitation application and send it to the facility. Visitors must also provide a valid photo ID and submit to a search before entering the facility. Contact with inmates can also be made through the mail, but all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection.

Visitation Hours

  • North Visiting
    • One, Two, Three
      • Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
      • Monday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
      • Friday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
      • Saturday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
    • Four, Five
      • Thursday and Saturday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Segregation
      • Saturday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • 6 Block Visiting
    • Unit 6
      • Sunday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
      • Monday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
      • Thursday and Friday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Inmate Locator and Information

The Michigan Department of Corrections provides an online inmate locator service that can be used to search for inmates housed at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility. The search can be conducted using an inmate’s first and last name or their MDOC number. Inmate information available through the search includes their physical address, ID number, booking date, bond, release date, and more. Mugshots, arrests, bookings, and other information may also be available.

Sending Money

Friends and family of inmates can send money to their loved ones through the Lock Box system operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections. To send money, individuals must first create an account with JPay, the service provider for the Lock Box system. There is a service fee for using this service. Money can be sent via money order, personal check, or electronic funds transfer.

Overall, the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility has various systems in place to allow for contact and support for inmates. These systems include visitation, mail, and the Lock Box system for sending money. The Michigan Department of Corrections also provides an online inmate locator service for those looking to find information about inmates housed at the facility.

Leave a Comment