Detroit City Council approves transfer of detention center management from state

The Government Operations meeting held on May 8, 2025, focused primarily on the proposed transfer of the Detroit Detention Center from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to the city of Detroit. The meeting was chaired by Brian Beagle and included discussions from various officials regarding the implications and logistics of this transfer.

The primary agenda item was House Bill 4090, which seeks to facilitate the ownership transfer of the detention facility to the Detroit Police Department (DPD). This transfer aims to streamline operations and allow the DPD to manage the facility directly, thereby alleviating the state’s responsibility for its maintenance and operation. The DPD expressed confidence in their ability to adequately staff and manage the facility, which is crucial for the city given its size and the volume of inmates processed.

Tim Stark from the DPD highlighted that the department is actively preparing for the transition, including a robust hiring campaign to increase staffing from the current 24 employees to a planned 75. This increase will ensure that operations continue smoothly without pulling officers from street duties. The DPD is also engaged in extensive training, including shadowing MDOC personnel to ensure a seamless transition when the transfer takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes elaborated on the preparations, noting that the DPD is committed to maintaining the quality of care for inmates, including medical and mental health services. He reassured committee members that the facility's current capacity of 100 beds (50 for males and 50 for females) is expected to remain stable, with no anticipated influx of inmates following the transfer.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the current staffing levels at the facility, with 78.5 employees from MDOC expected to be reassigned within the department or retire. The DPD expressed willingness to hire any MDOC staff interested in continuing their employment under the new management structure.

Overall, the discussions underscored the urgency of passing the legislation to ensure a smooth transition by the set deadline. The committee members expressed support for the bill, recognizing its potential to improve operational efficiency and local management of the detention center. The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on the progress of the bill and the preparations for the upcoming transition.