The Detroit Free Press published the second part in a series on post-incarceration supervision this week—this one on the housing situations of many people released from prison and back on to Detroit streets. What they found, is that despite being told otherwise, many felons are living together. But, just how does this affect their chances of reoffending and is it something the state really should have a say in? [Read more…]
Four-Strikes Bill Gets Closer to Passing
Lawmakers in Michigan are putting the finishing touches on a four-strikes bill that would mandate a harsh mandatory minimum sentence for repeat offenders. The bill was passed by the Senate, and then slightly changed by the House. Now, the Senate is reviewing the changes and expected to pass it. [Read more…]
Detroit Crime Commission to “Fill In Gaps” of Police
The Detroit Crime Commission, a nonprofit organization that was put together less than a year ago, is coming together to reportedly assist law enforcement, without having the same power as the police. According to the Free Press, the Commission, headed by former FBI agent Ron Reddy and former Michigan State Police inspector Ellis Stafford, is there to assist, to do things that the police might not be able to, whether due to lack of funding or otherwise. [Read more…]
Michigan Crime Labs Struggle for Accreditation
The Michigan State Police have seven different crime labs. They have been given three extensions to correct problems within those labs in order to gain accreditation. They are on their last extension, according to the Detroit News. [Read more…]
Michigan State Police Forensics Academy to Standardize Cop Evidence Training
Police sergeants from across the state will be the first ones to gain access to a new Forensic Evidence Academy from the Michigan State Police. The academy is designed to teach cops about evidence collection and forensic procedures in an effort to streamline the evidence process and speed up the state’s labs. They hope to send officers through the academy beginning in 2013, after the initial “test drive.” [Read more…]
Michigan’s Crack-Down on Parole Violators Fills Prison Beds
Since January, corrections officials in Michigan have been cracking down on parole violators, sending them back to prison by the busload. But this sweep has contributed to filling prisons to capacity and now officials are looking for somewhere to put new inmates. [Read more…]