Running Michigan’s prison system is a costly operation. It’s not just about housing prisoners but also providing healthcare, managing security, and meeting other essential needs. As taxpayers foot the bill, it’s important to understand just how much it costs to keep each prisoner in the system. In this article, we’ll break down the costs and explain why running a prison isn’t cheap.
Breakdown of Prison Costs in Michigan
The cost to house a prisoner in Michigan varies based on their security level. For example, prisoners who are in minimum security cost less to house than those in maximum security. According to the Michigan House Fiscal Agency’s 2023 budget briefing, here’s a closer look at the costs per prisoner based on security levels:
- Level I (Minimum Security): $38,851 per year
- Level II (Medium Security): $45,026 per year
- Level IV (Maximum Security): $54,845 per year
- Multi-Level Prisons: $53,159 per year
- Reception (for new prisoners who stay in intake facilities): $62,871 per year
- Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI, like boot camp or rehabilitation programs): $77,391 per year
When we consider the average cost across the entire Michigan prison population, the per capita cost in 2023 was $49,191. This is the amount it costs on average to house and care for one prisoner every year.
Healthcare Costs and Aging Prisoners
One of the major contributors to rising prison costs is healthcare. As of December 2023, Michigan’s Department of Corrections (MDOC) was spending an average of $9,939 per prisoner on healthcare each year. This is a significant increase in costs, especially since the pandemic has raised the need for medical attention in prisons.
Moreover, Michigan’s prison population is aging. Nearly 28% of the prisoners are over 50 years old. Older prisoners often have more medical issues, and this has led to higher healthcare and maintenance costs. This trend is expected to continue as the prison population grows older.
Total Costs and Budget Overview
In 2023, Michigan’s Department of Corrections had an annual budget of $2.1 billion. A large portion of this money comes from the state’s general fund, meaning it is directly funded by taxpayer dollars. The high cost of maintaining the prison system raises questions about efficiency and what can be done to reduce costs while ensuring that prisoners are treated fairly and humanely.
While many people may focus on the high cost of crime prevention, the financial burden of incarceration is often overlooked. The cost of keeping prisoners in the system is a growing concern for taxpayers, who must bear the expenses associated with maintaining the prison infrastructure, healthcare, and safety measures.
Prison Breaks and Fugitives
Despite the high costs associated with running Michigan’s prison system, there are still issues with escapes and fugitive prisoners. The Michigan Department of Corrections has had a history of prison breaks, some of which were successful. In fact, there are still some Michigan fugitives on the run, and their cases remain unsolved.
To learn more about the most wanted fugitives in Michigan, the MDOC keeps a list of absconders, and they continue to track individuals who have escaped or failed to meet the terms of their parole.
Conclusion
The cost of maintaining prisons in Michigan is undeniably high, and it is something that directly affects taxpayers. With a prison population of over 32,000 people, Michigan spends a considerable amount each year on housing and healthcare. The rising costs of healthcare, along with an aging prison population, are major factors driving these expenses. It’s important for the state to consider how they can balance the need for security, rehabilitation, and medical care while also being mindful of the financial burden on taxpayers.
(Source : us103.com)
