Michigan Prisons are divided into several different levels. Level five is the most restrictive and is usually referred to as "Maximum security" or "Max" for short. Other than the few prisoners assigned jobs, prisoners are locked down 23 hours a day. Meals are brought to your cell, yard time is alone in a cage outside, showers are in a cage or in cuffs, and you must request legal research material to be brought to your cell (for appeals).
In a level five you have your own cell and socialization is restricted to who can hear you through your locked door. Although nationwide the tide is turning against long-term use of such isolated and restrictive custody due to mental health issues, Michigan still espouses the use of maximum security as a long-term custody solution.
Level four prisons have between one and three yard times depending on the prison. More prisoners have jobs, which range from working in the kitchen, yard crew, maintenance, various clerks and house unit porters (janitors). Those without jobs are either waiting to be assigned one, or are attending school to get their GED. A large percentage of prisoners do not have a high school diploma.
Level four prisons often have more violence than lower levels because those that catch fighting and assault tickets (i.e., those with higher assault risk) are sent to a level four as part of their custody management. The ratio of corrections officers to prisoners is much higher in level four prisons as well. Shake-downs are common as are lock-downs due to fights. Level four prisons have limited programming available, basically restricted to some required classes. Housing is generally limited to two man cells, but single cells are available in select prisons.
Level one and level two prisons generally have open yard except during count times or meal times. Housing is two man, or four man cells (level two only), or six, or eight man (sometimes more) cubicles. The ratio of officers to inmates is lower and movement is less controlled.
The programming available in level one and two prisons often includes non-mandatory classes designed to help prisoners gain additional skills or education. In the prison I'm currently at, this include classes such as "Business Plan Writing", "CDL training" (written test only), "Ethics", "Food Tech", "Business Education Technology" (Microsoft Certified), and others. Other prisons also offer things like auto mechanics, welding, horticulture, and other skills, but recent cutbacks have severely limited the availability of these programs, and are threatening others. All non-mandatory classes are based on first-come, first-serve basis.
Lower levels often include additional options for recreation, and hobbycraft, and sometimes other privileges such as a personal garden (must be misconduct free).
Next time, Misconducts and Tasers.
