Diversity Issues

Michigan lags in solitary confinement reform

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By RAY WILBUR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Prison reform advocates worry that the lack of policies for solitary confinement in Michigan prisons has exacerbated violence and mental health problems among inmates. Michigan has no age or time limits for putting inmates in administrative segregation,  commonly known as solitary confinement. And while almost half the states ban solitary confinement for juveniles, Michigan does not. “We need to have some sort of blanket reform here,” said Kristen Staley, deputy director of the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency. “This is a big fight, but it has to happen.”
Some prisons have tried to reduce the use of solitary, said Staley.

Government

Michigan tops country in cutting crime by ex-prisoners

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By SILU GUO
Capital News Service
LANSING – Michigan is the nation’s leader in reducing the rate of new crime by ex-offenders, according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center’s National Reentry Resource Center. Its 2012 policy brief highlights states that show significant declines in their three-year recidivism rates. It is based on data that tracks individuals released from prison between 2005 and 2007. Michigan’s rate dropped by 18 percent. The Kansas rate fell by 15 percent, while Texas and Ohio reported reductions of 11 percent.