Parnall Correctional Facility: Reform and Personal Growth

Parnall Correctional Facility (SMT) is a state prison located in Jackson, Michigan. It was established in 1926 and houses nearly 1,700 Level I adult male prisoners aged 18 years old and above. The facility is on approximately 45 acres of land and has five housing units, as well as an additional 21 buildings.

Parnall Correctional Facility is a Secure Level I prison, which is the minimum-security section of the former State Prison of Southern Michigan. The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while they serve their sentences. The prison offers various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including vocational training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment.

The prison is managed by the Michigan Department of Corrections, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the inmates, staff, and the public. The department has implemented various measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the facility, including regular testing of staff and inmates, providing personal protective equipment, and limiting visitation. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the facility continues to provide essential services to its inmates while maintaining a safe and secure environment.

SecurityMinimum
Capacity1,696
Physical Address1780 East Parnall Road
Jackson, MI 49201
Mailing Address1780 East Parnall Road
Jackson, MI 49201
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursDepends on the Unit
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number517-780-6004
JurisdictionState

History and Overview

Parnall Correctional Facility is a Secure Level I prison located in Jackson, Michigan. It was opened in 1926 and was originally part of the State Prison of Southern Michigan. The facility is situated on approximately 45 acres of land and has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years.

Location and Physical Address

The physical address of Parnall Correctional Facility is 1780 East Parnall Road, Jackson, Michigan, 49201. It is located in the southern part of the state, approximately 35 miles south of Lansing, the state capital. The facility is easily accessible by car and is located near major highways and roads.

Capacity and Housing Units

Parnall Correctional Facility has a capacity of nearly 1,700 level one adult male prisoners ranging from 18 years and older. The facility has five housing units, each with its own dining hall, recreation yard, and program space. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for prisoners while also allowing them to participate in educational and vocational programs.

Security Measures

Parnall Correctional Facility employs a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, prisoners, and the public. These measures include sensor alarms, security cameras, perimeter fencing with concertina wire, and a response vehicle. The facility also has an electronic detection system that alerts staff to any attempts to breach the perimeter.

In conclusion, Parnall Correctional Facility is an important part of the Michigan Department of Corrections secure-facilities network. It has a long history of providing a safe and secure environment for prisoners while also offering educational and vocational programs to help them successfully reintegrate into society.

Inmate Services and Programs

Parnall Correctional Facility offers a variety of services and programs to inmates to help them prepare for successful reentry into society. These services and programs are designed to help inmates develop skills, knowledge, and positive habits that will help them succeed once they are released.

Education Department

The Education Department at Parnall offers a range of classes and programs to help inmates improve their education and job skills. These classes include Adult Basic Education, General Education Diploma (GED) preparation, and Special Education classes.

Vocational Village

The Vocational Village is a program that provides inmates with job training and education in various vocational fields, such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair. This program is designed to help inmates develop skills and knowledge that will help them find employment upon release.

Self-Help Programs

Parnall offers a variety of self-help programs to inmates, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. These programs are designed to help inmates overcome addiction and develop positive habits and behaviors.

Faith and Chapel Services

The facility offers chaplaincy services and various faith-based programs for inmates. These programs include religious services, Bible studies, and spiritual counseling.

Health Care and Mental Health Services

Inmates at Parnall have access to comprehensive health care and mental health services. The facility has a medical unit staffed by licensed medical professionals, including doctors and nurses. Mental health services are also available, including counseling and therapy.

Food Service

The food service department at Parnall provides inmates with three meals a day. The facility offers a variety of meal options, including vegetarian and special dietary needs.

Recreation and Leisure Time Activities

Recreation and leisure time activities are important for inmates’ mental and physical health. Parnall offers a variety of recreational programs, such as yard crews, leisure time activities, hobby crafts, music, writing, poetry, and art programs.

Law Library

The facility has a law library that provides inmates with access to legal resources and assistance. Inmates can use the law library to research legal issues, prepare legal documents, and receive legal advice.

In conclusion, Parnall Correctional Facility provides a range of services and programs to inmates to help them develop skills, knowledge, and positive habits that will help them succeed upon release. These programs are designed to help inmates prepare for successful reentry into society and reduce recidivism rates.

Visiting Hours and Rules

Parnall Correctional Facility allows visitors to visit their incarcerated loved ones during specific visiting hours. Visiting hours are determined by the housing unit or block that the inmate is assigned to. Visitors are advised to contact the facility or check the official website to confirm the visiting hours for the specific housing unit or block they plan to visit.

Visitation Hours

  • A Unit
    • Tuesday and Thursday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Saturday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • B Unit
    • Sunday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Tuesday and Friday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Nine Block
    • Monday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    • Wednesday and Saturday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Nine Block
    • Saturday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Ten Block
    • Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Wednesday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    • Friday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Sixteen Block
    • Sunday and Thursday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    • Monday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Visitors are expected to follow the visiting rules set by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility. Visitors who violate the rules may be prosecuted and/or lose visiting privileges. Some of the visiting rules at Parnall Correctional Facility include:

  • Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
  • Visitors must present a valid photo identification card before entering the facility.
  • Visitors must dress appropriately and modestly. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or gang-related is not allowed.
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, cameras, food, and drinks.
  • Visitors are subject to search before entering the facility.
  • Visitors must follow all instructions from the correctional staff.

Male inmates at Parnall Correctional Facility are allowed to receive visits from friends and family members. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a positive attitude and behavior during their visit to make the experience positive for both the inmate and themselves. Regular visits from friends and family have been shown to have a positive impact on the mental health of incarcerated individuals.

In conclusion, visitors should always check the official website or contact the facility to confirm the visiting hours and rules before visiting Parnall Correctional Facility. By following the visiting rules, visitors can help ensure the safety of everyone in the facility and have a positive visiting experience.

Release and Parole

Parnall Correctional Facility provides various release and parole programs for inmates who are eligible for early release. The facility offers several programs, including parole, probation, and felony release.

Inmates who have served their minimum sentence and have met the eligibility criteria can apply for parole. The parole board reviews each application and decides whether to grant parole or not. Inmates who are granted parole are released from the facility but are still under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The facility also offers probation programs that allow inmates to serve their sentences outside of the facility under strict supervision. Inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and have met the eligibility criteria can apply for probation. The probation program allows inmates to serve their sentences in the community while under the supervision of a probation officer.

Felony release is another program offered by Parnall Correctional Facility. Inmates who have served their minimum sentence and have demonstrated good behavior can apply for felony release. The program allows inmates to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of the facility, under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for each program varies and not all inmates are eligible for early release. Inmates who are not eligible for early release must serve their full sentence until their release date.

Overall, Parnall Correctional Facility offers various release and parole programs that allow eligible inmates to serve their sentence outside of the facility under strict supervision. These programs aim to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.

Contact Information

If you need to contact Parnall Correctional Facility, there are several ways to do so. This section will provide you with all the necessary information to contact them.

Physical Address

Parnall Correctional Facility is located at 1780 E Parnall Rd, Jackson, MI 49201. The facility is situated on approximately 45 acres of land and has five housing units, as well as an additional 21 buildings. If you need to visit the facility in person, you can use this address to find your way there.

Telephone

If you need to contact Parnall Correctional Facility via telephone, you can call (517) 780-5600. This number will connect you to the facility’s main office, where you can ask for information or be directed to the appropriate department.

Inmate Mailing Address

If you need to send mail to an inmate at Parnall Correctional Facility, you will need to use the following address:

Inmate Name and MDOC Number
Parnall Correctional Facility
1780 E Parnall Rd
Jackson, MI 49201

Make sure to include the inmate’s name and MDOC number to ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct person.

Careers

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Michigan Department of Corrections, including working at Parnall Correctional Facility, you can visit the Michigan Civil Service Commission website at this link. On this website, you can find job postings, apply for positions, and learn more about the hiring process.

Overall, contacting Parnall Correctional Facility is straightforward, with various options available for different needs. Whether you need to visit the facility in person, speak to someone over the phone, or send mail to an inmate, the information provided in this section should help you get in touch with the appropriate department.

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