Union Calls for National Guard Presence in Michigan’s Prisons

Violence, fires, understaffing, and guard burnout cited by union head, who says five of 26 state prisons are understaffed by 30 percent or more.

Marquette Branch Prison near Marquette, Mich. Courtesy of Byron Osborn

Fueled by chronic short-staffing and the hot, humid weather in July, violence has exploded in some of Michigan’s largest prisons.

A surge of inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-guard attacks, the setting of fires, and the destruction of property has prompted calls for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to send in the National Guard to help restore order.