Michigan Department of Corrections

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Michigan Department of Corrections The official page of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Most convicted offenders are not, however, sent to prison.

All adults and juveniles sentenced as adults convicted of offenses for which the statutory maximum is more than one year can be sentenced to the state's prison system which is under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Instead, most are supervised locally through probation while others are given a sentence of up to one year in a county jail. Probation supervision is provided by the department and by various Circuit Courts. Qualified offenders may be sentenced to Specialized Alternative Incarceration - a re-entry program that enhances their chances of success in the community - as a condition of their probation. Convicted offenders who have served time in prison can be, if eligible, paroled. Parole is a period of supervision in the community.

When she began at MDOC, a more senior agent told her she would soon 'lose her fire'. 15 years later, her flame is burnin...
10/22/2026

When she began at MDOC, a more senior agent told her she would soon 'lose her fire'. 15 years later, her flame is burning brighter now than ever - and she even carries a literal torch on occasion.

Jessica Farr is known department-wide for her leadership in the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run, but as a probation agent in Ingham County, she is making an impact on the lives of her clients every day.

Working with a s*x offender and GPS tether caseload, the job is not a walk in the park. She focuses on a deep understanding of mental health, works to reconnect offenders with their family members when appropriate, and takes time to listen.

Jessica remembers several occasions when someone on her caseload has called, telling her they were planning to injure themselves. Because of the rapport she builds, she has their trust to keep them safe and get them back on their feet.

Redemption is personal to her. Agent Farr had extensive neck and back surgery several years ago. The Law Enforcement Torch Run helped give her motivation to get back on her feet, ready to take on the hundreds-of-miles-long relay run. Becoming more involved with the Michigan Special Olympics, she is committed to never stop bettering herself and giving her best to both athletes and those on her caseload.

Agent Farr has a passion for life and for people. Her fire will continue burning to inspire others.

Joe got into the building trades program at Marquette Branch Prison but wasn't sure it was something he was really passi...
10/21/2026

Joe got into the building trades program at Marquette Branch Prison but wasn't sure it was something he was really passionate about. Then he walked into the workshop and smelled woodwork and sawdust; it brought him right back to some of his best memories.

He began the program in the classroom, learning foundational construction principles, and soon earned nationally recognized certification. The next step was working in the shop - building cabinets, interior walls, and other products for Habitat for Humanity.

The smell of sawdust reminded him of his dad who had recently passed away - he had been a carpenter. Since then, Joe has not missed a day in the shop. He plans to make carpentry his career after his upcoming release.

His instructors, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Sego, agree that Joe's determination is evident. Today, he's a tutor to other students who are starting out with tools. Joe has now had a hand in producing items for dozens of Habitat for Humanity homes, giving back to the community.

Not only does he have applicable skills and certifications to find a good paying job after reentry, but he has also found a purpose.

MDOC ALERT: Updates in progress to department's information systemsThe Michigan Department of Corrections is launching a...
10/21/2026

MDOC ALERT: Updates in progress to department's information systems

The Michigan Department of Corrections is launching a new Corrections Offender Management System (COMS) from Wednesday, October 21 at 5:00 P.M. - Monday, October 26 at 8:00 A.M. During this time, access to commonly requested information (movements, supervision history, etc.) will be unavailable to MDOC staff and response times to public inquires may be slowed as the system comes into operation. We appreciate your patience.

The Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) will also be updated. Members of the public will still be able to access the system on the department’s website, but please note that the link to the page will be changing. If you currently have the page bookmarked, you will need to update the bookmark to the new link when it is launched after Monday, October 26 at 2:30 P.M.

For questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

We're gearing up for November hiring events starting now. Are you looking for a new career? Then check out these events ...
10/20/2026

We're gearing up for November hiring events starting now. Are you looking for a new career? Then check out these events around the state!

Hiring he next academy for corrections officers has just begun. There are plenty of other roles you can learn about too!

Is Blaze the dog for you?He has been training at one of our shelter-partnership programs and is officially ready for his...
10/19/2026

Is Blaze the dog for you?

He has been training at one of our shelter-partnership programs and is officially ready for his new home!

Programs like this one at Central Michigan Correctional Facility give second chances 'at both ends of the leash' - offering loving homes for dogs in need and a purpose and connection for their handlers.

Here's the answer to our inaugural ....It's the entryway arch to the Marquette Branch Prison! Built in the 1880s, the a...
10/17/2026

Here's the answer to our inaugural ....

It's the entryway arch to the Marquette Branch Prison! Built in the 1880s, the administration building has beautiful craftsmanship using local elements from the U.P.

The building is still where most staff and visitors enter the facility today.

is a tradition from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources where they ask their followers to identify a zoomed-i...
10/16/2026

is a tradition from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources where they ask their followers to identify a zoomed-in photo.

Here’s our version: who knows where this ornate stonework is located on MDOC grounds?

Good luck! We’ll post the answer tonight.

As Agent Sirenna Barba took the oath to become a probation agent, Agent Maria Guerrero watched with pride. That's becaus...
10/15/2026

As Agent Sirenna Barba took the oath to become a probation agent, Agent Maria Guerrero watched with pride. That's because Sirenna is Maria's daughter, entering the field that her mom began in more than 30 years ago.

Sirenna shared, "My mother has always had this impact on people that makes you want to do right and help others.” Joining MDOC was an opportunity to put into practice the values she watched her mother demonstrate while growing up.

Since joining the department, Agent Barba has had the opportunity to work in the Macomb County Probation Office, the same as her mom. The experience has given them a new way to connect while allowing Sirenna to see firsthand the work that shaped Maria's career.

Sirenna is "proud to be creating her own place within MDOC while still carrying the lessons her mom passed on to her.”

10/14/2026

“I not only use all the brains that I have, but all I can borrow.” - Woodrow Wilson

That's a quote that guides the leadership of Warden Terry Wilkins from the Baraga Correctional Facility (AMF). He began as a corrections officer 26 years ago, and rising through the ranks, was promoted to warden in Baraga two years ago.

Born and raised in the U.P., he worked at a gas station in Chippewa County and saw the new trucks that officers drove to work and heard about the benefits they got. His stepdad was also an officer and Wilkins wanted that for himself.

Spending much of his career at Chippewa Correctional Facility, the warden saw the opportunity at AMF, more than 200 miles away, as a way to affect positive change. One of the first things he did was buy a home in the community, intentionally showing his commitment to leading the facility through some challenging times.

As the facility has faced staffing challenges, Wilkins has come back to the Woodrow Wilson quote. He has worked closely with his team to create a hybrid 12-hour shift pilot, employ new recruitment tactics, welcome staffing missions, and modify operations in innovative ways while staying within policy.

Warden Wilkins is a leader set on making the most impact he can for the benefit of his staff. He and his team are now hiring corrections officers, food service staff, and more to join their efforts.

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Lansing, MI

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+15173351426

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