Pontiac Correctional Center is currently a maximum-security facility that principally houses inmates who are in disciplinary segregation status. The maximum unit also contains a protective custody unit, condemned unit and orientation unit. A medium-security unit houses male inmates who have been assigned a security level of medium or minimum.

In FY 1999, under the reorganization of the agency, Pontiac Correctional Center was assigned to District 3. This change provides the facility with direct accessibility to the deputy director of this region, enhancing accountability regarding staff supervision and the behavior and security issues of inmates. Focus has centered around security, safety, sanitation and services. System checks and audits play an integral part in continuing efforts to monitor and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, practice and departmental rules. The administration supports an open-door policy to encourage input from staff and inmates, noting the accountability of all.

Initiatives were taken to enhance security. Inmate personal property storage boxes have been issued to all inmates in both the maximum- and medium-security units. Inmates are only allowed items that are listed per institutional directives and guidelines are strictly enforced. This uniform procedure continues to decrease the areas in which inmates can conceal contraband, enhancing the overall security of the facility.

Every 30 minutes, checks also are performed on segregation inmates by all shifts. Implemented July 15, 1998, the monitoring provides accurate accountability of the location of all inmates. In addition, an armed outer perimeter post was implemented March 1, 1999. A perimeter emergency response team procedure was implemented July 15, 1998, and was comprised of specially trained staff. Controlled movement of inmates also was assigned to the medium-security unit.

Safety and sanitation initiatives were conducted. The painting of all cell houses, towers and buildings with standardized colors (gray and white) was completed and provides a brighter, more appealing and consistent appearance.

Segregation unit floors were completely stripped of old residue and refinished with a new floor-care system in June 1999. A diamond-headed floor grinder was brought into the facility for about two weeks. Staff and MSU inmates worked diligently to remove and refinish all galleries and floors in all cellhouses and the facility. Floors were sealed and waxed to a high-gloss finish and are rigorously maintained.

All toxic materials continue to be located at a central location in the program building.

Continuation of a zero shank environment is addressed through a shank-reduction committee that meets once a month. This committee reviews selected assignments, conducts a tour and completes a report of items which could be made into a shank and which can be removed if appropriate. Any weapons discovered are given to internal affairs for identification. Efforts are made to reduce the likelihood of this type of weapon being made again. This has resulted in a major decrease of weapons in the facility.

Each cellhouse now has a food prep area, medical technician station and barber cells, providing inmates with quality services and addressing their needs on a daily and as needed basis. Pontiac also has facility-wide shakedowns on a regular basis.

Pontiac is also building suicide-watch cells with 24-hour VCR recorders, so the actions of inmates can be properly monitored and diagnosed.

A number of service initiatives have been implemented or enhanced. As part of the phase II, stage II reconstruction, the center will be implementing a mental health unit, with an additional psychiatrist and two evening counselors.

ABE and GED level instruction is also provided by using a combination of classrooms, cell visits and the institutionally designed system for segregation status inmates.

Paralegal and library technical assistant staff members monitor and fill the legal requests made by the inmates. In addition, each segregation cellhouse has at least two law cells for inmate use. The legal material contained in these cells serve as a starting point for the inmate�s legal research.

Conventional classes for ABE and GED classes are provided for protective custody and MSU inmates. Vocational classes are offered to MSU and PCU inmates. The MSU students are offered building trades as a vocational program. The class skills are exhibited by the numerous furniture items made and used throughout the institution. A culinary arts program is provided for the protective custody inmates and staff can sample the results of their instruction and culinary expertise on Wednesday and Thursday of most weeks.

Inmates not in segregation status are allowed to greet their visitors prior to their visits with a brief embrace as of Nov. 1, 1998.

The following descriptions of services provided by departments delineate the institution�s effort to attain its goal.

In regard to the security department, the security staff of about 585 is responsible for the custody and control of the inmate population. Inmate services provided by this department include mail, visiting, personal property, safety and security. The bureau of identification is responsible for identification, pictures and records of inmate fingerprints.

The maintenance department is responsible for providing utilities and maintenance of all aspects comprising the physical plant. Inmate workers participate in realistic work programs under the supervision of civilian craftsmen. This activity not only assists with the upkeep of the physical plant, but also provides inmates with relevant job training.

The medical department provides full ambulatory medical coverage 24 hours a day, using professional staff. Contractual arrangements with a medical provider, community hospital(s) and specialists round out the medical services available.

In addition to performing fiscal and budgetary functions, the business department delivers direct services to inmates and staff. These services include commissaries, clothing, trust funds, inmate and staff payroll processing, inmate and employee benefit funds, procurement of all commodities, monitoring of contractual services, and institutional property control.

The clinical services department provides interrelated services for inmates, including casework management, individual counseling and certified substance abuse staff providing group counseling. The record office maintains a master file on each inmate and computes sentences.

The personnel in the dietary department provide three nutritious, palatable meals to the inmates on a daily basis. The dietary manager and food supervisors supervise inmate workers in the preparation of meals for inmates and staff. A progressive job classification enables inmates to acquire specialized jobs with an attendant pay increase.

Through the chaplaincy department, staff chaplains provide direct religious services and coordinate non-institutional based programs. Services include counseling, performing marriage ceremonies, making residential and hospital visits, conducting worship services and Bible study.

Correctional Industries currently manufactures highway and information signs and vehicle decals which are sold to other states, and local governmental agencies as well as not-for-profit organizations. The program provides a realistic work experience, including work habits and an incentive pay scale.

Library services are available and conducted through School District 428. The library offers a wide variety of recreational, educational and legal resources and is staffed with a librarian, technical assistants and paralegal assistants. An inmate law clerk training program is available to medium-security unit inmates.

Education programs at Pontiac are provided by Corrections School District 428 staff. The Education Department offers ABE and GED instruction in a classroom climate for those inmates in approved protective custody and those housed at the MSU. Life skills are taught at all levels. The Education Department will attempt to provide learning materials, when requested, to those inmates in segregation status. Inmates in Protective custody or on the MSU can have a vocational program available for them.

The Leisure Time Services Department provides a comprehensive leisure time program offering varsity and intramural participation in a wide range of sports, group and individual teams games, involves an arts and crafts program as well as weekly movies and special programs during the holidays for medium- security unit inmates.

Pontiac Correctional Center received reaccreditation by the American Correctional Association in January 1999. The institutional audit process has been streamlined and staff is assigned to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure findings are corrected. Members of the audit team tour the facility on a regular basis to identify potential problems.

The center continues to be involved with local communities by participating in the Livingston County Relay for Life, Take Your Child to Work Day and hosting a semi-annual blood drive. Inmate labor assists in cleaning along the highways in the community. Staff also volunteers many hours of services in areas of coaching softball, baseball and basketball and is involved in the Big Brother and Big Sister program. The volunteer efforts cover a wide range of activities and provide a positive outlet for the community youth.

On Aug. 19, 1996, the prisons conversion to a level I disciplinary segregation facility was initiated. Phase I reconstruction started Dec. 1, 1995, and was completed July 3, 1997. Phase II, stage I reconstruction began Sept. 19, 1997, and was completed Oct. 1, 1998. Phase II, stage II reconstruction started July 1, 2000.

Pontiac Correctional Center provides a comprehensive activity and program schedule and emphasizes a safe, sanitary and humane environment for the inmate population and staff and continues to meet the many challenges as it embraces the new millennium.