MPRI eNews
Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Update
January 2010: Caruso Says MPRI Commitment Stronger Than Ever
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| Data Points |
Total MPRI Releases through 9/2009: 19,105
Expected number of returns: 6,491
Actual number of returns: 4,408
Improvement: 2,083
Note: While these results for MPRI parolees are precisely what was hoped for, it is still too early to say that MPRI activities alone caused the changes. For much more information, click here. |
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| Welcome to the January 2010 MPRI eNews! |
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It's a new year with new leadership for the MPRI at the Michigan Department of Corrections. But as you'll see (read on), MDOC Director Patricia Caruso's commitment to smart, effective reentry is stronger than ever.
MPRI activitists are doing great work all across the state, and local communities as well as national researchers are taking note. Below, you'll find evidence of that.
As always, we're eager to spread the word about the MPRI. Please send an e-mail to your list of colleagues, friends, or family who might have an interest in the MPRI eNews and suggest they check it out. Cut and paste this link into your e-mail, so they can subscribe:
Thanks for your help. And, as always, we thank you for reading! Please send us your comments and suggestions.
Jeff Padden and Paul Elam
Public Policy Associates, Inc. |
Director Caruso: MPRI Commitment Stronger Than Ever
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 Change was inevitable with the recent departures of MDOC Deputy Director Dennis Schrantz and Office of Offender ReEntry Manager Le'Ann Duran, whose efforts were vital in making the MPRI the success that it is. But MDOC Director Patricia Caruso said others at the department and in local communities are stepping up to ensure MPRI continues to grow and improve. While some might fear the departure of two key MPRI stalwarts might weaken the MPRI, Director Caruso is fully committed to strengthening it -- and ensuring that it is sustained in future state administrations. Steve DeBor is serving as Acting Deputy Director. Chris Trudell is Acting Director of the Office of Offender Re-Entry. To read about Director Caruso's remarks to MPRI community coordinators, click here. |
Muskegon Chronicle Highlights MPRI Success
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Kudos to the Muskegon Chronicle and reporter Teresa Taylor Williams for an outstanding series of stories illustrating the importance of the MPRI and the role the community plays in helping parolees succeed and making neighborhoods safer. After the MPRI was the subject of some public criticism, the Chronicle took an in-depth look at the MPRI, talking with MDOC and MPRI officials, parolees and mentors. The story points out that 88 percent of parolees released since 2006 have been able to stay crime-free since 2006. That's thanks in large part to the great work of MPRI partners. To see the stories in the Muskegon Chronicle series, click here for the first story, here for the second, here for the third, and here for last. | |
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| Effort Continues to Set Record Straight |
The pattern of misinformation about the MPRI continues, making it especially important for supporters of the MPRI to step up and set the record straight.
It has been disappointing to see some prosecutors misrepresent the facts about the MPRI and about parole policies in Michigan. Supporters will continue to respond swiftly and accurately to get the truth out. It is vital for local law enforcement to be a public partner in the effort to communicate the effectiveneess of the MPRI and how the community benefits from the programs that help parolees transition into law-abiding citizens.
To see the response to criticism by a prosecutor in the Lansing State Journal, click here. To see some of the most common myths being spread about the MPRI, as well as the facts, click here. |
ACLU Cites the MPRI as National Model
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A new report by the American Civil Liberties Union concludes that Michigan's success in reducing prison population and improving public safety at the same time provides a national model for other states "seeking smarter, more affordable criminal justice policies." The report is called "Michigan Breaks the Political Logjam: A New Model for Reducing Prison Populations." Elizabeth Alexander, the report's author, says, "Michigan provides a compelling example of how we can save money, reduce our prison populations and make our communities safer by abandoning our rush to incarcerate." To see the ACLU Press release, click here. To see the full report, click here. |
Benton Harbor Gears Up for MPRI Jobs Program
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It's clear that parolees have a much better chance of success when they are able to land jobs. A new project in Benton Harbor will be working with 15 former prisoners to boost the odds.
The Inner City Neighborhood Project was developed by the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency. It will place returning prisoners in a 12-week program doing jobs such as cleaning parks, demolishing and refurbishing buildings, and urban gardening.
To see the Herald-Palladium article on the program, click here.
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MPRI Participant Honored in Gladwin County
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Across Michigan, thousands of MPRI participants are quietly undergoing successful transitions to law-abiding citizenship. But it was a nice touch when the Region 7B Michigan Works! Agency honored a Gladwin County MPRI participant for his perseverence and success. Wayne Shumway was referred to the Gladwin County Michigan Works! Agency through the MPRI in May. He took advantage of the opportunities to get help in writing resumes and cover letters and applying for jobs. Michigan Works! also helped out with clothing and transit tickets. Mr. Shumway was hired at Custom Log Products under the MPRI Transition Employment Wage Subsidy Program and now works at least 30 hours a week earning $8 an hour. Congratulations, Mr. Shumway. To see a photo of Rep. Joel Sheltrown presenting the award to Mr. Shumway, click here. | |
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