Standish Maximum Correctional Facility

Standish Maximum Correctional Facility
Location Standish, Michigan
Status Closed
Security class Maximum Security (Level V)
Capacity 604
Opened 1990
Closed October 31, 2009
Managed by Michigan Department of Corrections
Director Patricia L. Caruso

Standish Maximum Correctional Facility (SMF) was a Michigan Department of Corrections maximum security prison in Standish, Michigan. The men's prison was located on the south side of M-61 (Michigan highway). It was once a potential site for housing detainees from the prison in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. [1]

History

The prison opened in 1990. Although scheduled to close on October 1, 2009, interest in the prison was shortly raised by the prospects of it housing relocated Guantanamo Bay detention camp prisoners in the continental United States. It consisted of five 88-bed housing units and one 164-bed unit.[2]

In August 2009 it was announced that the Standish facility and the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas were being considered as the sites for the relocation of foreign detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, which was under consideration for closure.[3] Michigan public officials, including both of its senators (Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow) and governor, Jennifer Granholm, objected at the time. [4] However, opinions were mixed in Standish, where the unemployment rate was at 17%, with politicians welcoming the move, but some residents protested at the decision.[5][6]

In September 2009 the Obama administration stated that Standish would no longer be a candidate for possible US sites to replace Guantanamo.[7]

On October 31, 2009, Standish Maximum Correctional Facility closed as a result of Michigan budget cuts.

References

  1. ↑ "Michigan Prison Is Considered for Detainees." The New York Times. August 12, 2009. Retrieved on June 17, 2011.
  2. ↑ http://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,1607,7-119--5268--,00.html,
  3. ↑ Saulny, Susan. "Michigan Prison Is Considered for Detainees." The New York Times. August 12, 2009. Retrieved on June 17, 2011.
  4. ↑ Kansas senators threaten action over moving Guantanamo detainees to Leavenworth - Lawrence Journal-World - August 6, 2009
  5. ↑ Michigan's Standish Maximum Correctional Facility wants prisoners from Guantanamo Bay - Associated Press - New York Daily News - August 4, 2009
  6. ↑ Local Pols Welcome Gitmo Prisoners, Residents Say 'Not So Fast' - ABC News - August 14, 2009
  7. ↑ Lynch-Morin, Kathryn. "Standish prison no longer an option for holding Guantanamo detainees." Bay City News. Monday September 28, 2009. Retrieved on November 19, 2010.

External links

Coordinates: 43°58′47″N 83°59′41″W / 43.97963°N 83.994722°W