The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility (MTU) is a medium-security prison located in Ionia County, Michigan. It was named after the prison’s first warden, Richard A. Handlon, who served from 1959 to 1969. The facility is operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 1,300 inmates.
MTU’s philosophy is centered around the belief that providing prisoners with education and job skills can help them become productive members of society upon release. As such, the facility offers a variety of programs, including GED courses, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates who complete these programs are better equipped to find employment and reintegrate into their communities after their release.
Despite its focus on rehabilitation, the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility has not been without controversy. In 2018, the facility made headlines when a group of prisoners went on a hunger strike to protest the quality of the food they were being served. The strike lasted for several days and drew attention to the conditions faced by inmates in Michigan’s correctional system.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,357 |
| Physical Address | 1728 Bluewater Highway Ionia, MI 48846 |
| Mailing Address | 1728 Bluewater Highway Ionia, MI 48846 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 616-527-3100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, located in Ionia, Michigan, was established in 1958. It was named after the prison’s first warden, Richard A. Handlon. The facility is operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and is a level II, medium-security prison.
Over the years, the facility has undergone several changes and improvements. In 2016, the Vocational Village was established at the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. It is a first-of-its-kind skilled trades training program that provides a positive learning community for prisoners who are serious about completing career and technical education.
In January 2016, the new MDOC motto “Committed to Protect, Dedicated to Success” was announced, reflecting the department’s commitment to ensuring public safety while also helping prisoners succeed in their rehabilitation and reentry into society.
Overall, the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility has a philosophy that a prisoner who has completed the GED and learned a marketable skill has a much better chance of becoming a contributing member of society. The facility houses prisoners who have been placed in various programs, including the Vocational Village, which aims to provide prisoners with the skills and training they need to succeed in the workforce after their release.
Facility
The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Ionia, Michigan. The facility was named after its first warden and aims to provide prisoners with the skills and education necessary to become contributing members of society. The facility houses prisoners who have completed the GED and learned a marketable skill.
Security Level
The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison, which means that it houses prisoners who have committed less serious crimes than those housed in high-security prisons. The facility has an electronic detection system and a metal detector to ensure that contraband does not enter the facility. In addition, the facility has a dress code that prisoners must follow to maintain a sense of dignity.
Perimeter Security
The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility has a double chain-link fence with concertina wire to prevent prisoners from escaping. The facility also has a perimeter patrol to ensure that prisoners do not attempt to escape. The facility’s security measures are designed to ensure the safety of both prisoners and staff.
Overall, the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is a well-maintained medium-security prison that provides prisoners with the skills and education necessary to become contributing members of society. The facility’s security measures are designed to ensure the safety of both prisoners and staff, and the facility’s dress code is designed to maintain a sense of dignity.
Inmate Services
The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility provides a range of services to its inmates. These services are designed to help inmates develop positive thought processes, acquire academic and vocational skills, and prepare for their eventual re-entry into society.
Programming
The facility offers a variety of programming options to inmates, including Adult Basic Education, Job Skills, and State and County programs. Inmates can also participate in Liberal Arts Education, Health Education, and Independent Living Skills programs. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released.
Religious Services
The facility offers religious services to inmates of all faiths. These services are provided by trained chaplains and are designed to meet the spiritual needs of inmates. Inmates can also participate in Bible studies, prayer groups, and other religious activities.
Dental Care
Inmates at the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility have access to dental care services. These services are provided by trained dental professionals and are designed to help inmates maintain good oral health.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, the facility has procedures in place to ensure that inmates receive prompt medical attention. Inmates can use the emergency call system to request medical assistance and trained medical staff are available to respond to emergencies.
Overall, the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility provides a range of services to its inmates. These services are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released. Whether it’s through academic and vocational programs, religious services, dental care, or emergency medical services, the facility is committed to providing inmates with the support they need to make positive changes in their lives.
Visitation
Visiting an inmate at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is possible, but there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed. Visitors must complete a visitation application and be approved before visiting. Additionally, there are designated visiting hours that must be adhered to.
Visiting Hours
Visitation hours at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility vary depending on the housing unit.
- Units A, E, F
- Sunday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Monday, Thursday, and Saturday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Unit B
- Friday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Units C, D
- Sunday and Saturday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Monday and Thursday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Visitation Application
To visit an inmate at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, visitors must complete a visitation application. The application can be found on the Michigan Department of Corrections website and must be submitted at least 30 days before the desired visit. The application requires personal information, such as the visitor’s name and address, and information about the inmate they wish to visit. Visitors will also need to provide identification to be approved for visitation.
Male inmates at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility are allowed up to three visits per week, with a maximum of two hours per visit. Visitors are allowed to bring a small amount of money for vending machines, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing any personal items, such as purses or cell phones, into the facility.
Overall, visiting an inmate at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility requires careful planning and adherence to the rules and regulations set forth by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Visitors should be prepared to follow all guidelines to ensure a successful and safe visit.
Rehabilitation Programs
Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility offers various rehabilitation programs to help prisoners develop marketable skills and become contributing members of society. These programs are designed to address the different needs of inmates, including those with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and self-destructive behaviors.
Adaptive Skills Residential Program (ASRP)
The Adaptive Skills Residential Program (ASRP) is offered at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility and St. Louis Correctional Facility for male prisoners with limitations in adaptive functioning. The program aims to help these inmates develop adaptive skills through a structured environment and behavioral interventions.
Inmates are required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation prior to referral to rule out the need for treatment in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The program also includes symptom management and medication management.
Residential Treatment Program (RTP)
The Residential Treatment Program (RTP) is designed for inmates with mental illness and self-destructive behaviors. The program is offered at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility and Duane L. Waters Health Center.
Inmates receive individual and group therapy, as well as medication management. The program also includes a focus on symptom management and developing coping skills.
Vocational Village Program
The Vocational Village Program is a first-of-its-kind skilled trades training program that provides a positive learning community for prisoners who are serious about completing career and technical education.
The program is offered at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility and aims to help inmates develop employment goals and become successful in-demand-driven trades. Inmates receive training in various trades, including welding, carpentry, and automotive technology.
Skilled Trades Training Program
The Skilled Trades Training Program is offered at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility and aims to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the trades. The program focuses on developing technical skills and providing hands-on training in various trades. Inmates also receive assistance with job placement upon release.
These rehabilitation programs are part of the Michigan Department of Corrections’ efforts to reduce recidivism and promote justice. They are also supported by the Calvin Prison Initiative Program, which provides ministry leadership and education to inmates. Through these programs, inmates are given the opportunity to develop marketable skills and become productive members of society.
Contact Information
If you need to contact the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, there are several ways to do so. This section provides information on the physical and mailing addresses, phone number, and inmate search.
Physical Address
The Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is located at 1728 Bluewater Highway in Ionia, Michigan. Visitors can use this address to navigate to the facility.
Mailing Address
If you need to mail something to an inmate at the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, you should use the following address:
Inmate Name and MDOC Number
Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility
1728 Bluewater Highway
Ionia, MI 48846It is important to include the inmate’s name and MDOC number to ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct person.
Phone Number
The phone number for the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is 616-527-3100. This number can be used to contact the facility for general information or to speak with an inmate.
Inmate Search
If you are looking for information on an inmate at the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, you can use the Michigan Department of Corrections online inmate search tool. This tool allows you to search for inmates by name or MDOC number and provides information on their location, sentence, and release date.
Overall, contacting the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility is a straightforward process. Whether you need to mail something to an inmate or speak with someone at the facility, the information provided in this section should help you get in touch with the right people.