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Committee backs transfer of Detroit detention center to city; takeover planned for Aug. 1
Summary
The House committee reported House Bill 4090 recommending conveyance of the Detroit Detention Center from the Michigan Department of Corrections to the City of Detroit. City and state officials described staffing, training and timing for an August 1 transfer.
The Michigan House Government Operations Committee on Wednesday voted to report House Bill 4090 with a recommendation to transfer ownership of the Detroit Detention Center from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to the City of Detroit.
Representative Farhat, sponsor of the bill, said the transfer would "free up personnel" at MDOC and allow Detroit Police Department (DPD) to streamline local operations. Tim Stark, speaking for the City of Detroit, said city officials and the DPD have been coordinating closely with MDOC and are "working very hard to staff up and ramp up" for a takeover.
Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes of the Detroit Police Department said the department has begun cross-training with MDOC staff and a reverse-shadowing plan in which MDOC will observe DPD operations to ensure a seamless transition. Hayes told the committee DPD currently staffs 24 employees at the location and plans to add about 75 new hires to operate the facility without pulling officers from street assignments: "We will plus up to 75, all new hires. We will not be pulling any officers off the street to staff, and operate the facility." He said the department expects to assume operations on Aug. 1, 2025, and that the current lease extension expires on July 30.
Committee members asked for operational details. Witnesses reported an average monthly custody population of about 1,500 and noted the facility contains roughly 50 male and 50 female beds. MDOC representatives said the department supports the conveyance and that while the state does not expect immediate net savings from the transfer, it would reduce the department's property inventory and avoid future maintenance obligations.
MDOC also confirmed it constructed the facility; the department said an appraisal of the property will be conducted after legislation passes. The committee record includes discussion about redeploying MDOC staff across the state and a potential hiring pathway for MDOC employees who wish to join the city during the transition.
On a motion to report House Bill 4090 with recommendation, Vice Chair Harris moved the bill. The roll call recorded: Chair Vergolz, yes; Representative Sarris, yes; Representative VanderWaal, yes; Representative Fitzgerald, yes; Representative Big Volk, yes. The clerk recorded the tally as 5 yays, 0 nays, 0 pass. The motion prevailed and the bill was reported with recommendation.
The bill now proceeds to the next House stage; witnesses and sponsors requested the legislation be timed to allow the city to assume operations on Aug. 1, 2025.
