Michigan Reformatory Explained

Prison Name:Michigan Reformatory (RMI)
Location:1342 W Main Street
Ionia, Michigan
Status:Closed
Classification:mixed
Capacity:1149
Opened:reopened Nov 2007
Closed:Nov 2022
Managed By:Michigan Department of Corrections

The Michigan Reformatory was a state prison for men located in Ionia, Ionia County, Michigan, owned and operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections.[1] The facility has 352 beds at Level II security and 797 beds at Level IV security.

The Reformatory was first opened in 1877 and housed "high-risk offenders". It closed in 2000 with the opening of the nearby Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility, then was reopened in 2007. A Michigan House Appropriation Subcommittee recommended its closure again in 2012. The Michigan Reformatory closed in November 2022 as inmate numbers continue to decline. Inmates were spread around the area and relocated.[2]

1981 Riot

On the night of May 22, 1981 a riot broke out at a cellblock housing about 500 inmates. 100 corrections officers and state police contained the inmates with tear gas. Three or four corrections officers were reported slightly injured in the disturbance, which began about 8:10 P.M. Arson, looting and vandalism, began shortly after damaging 30 buildings.[3]

References

42.2949°N -84.3983°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Michigan Reformatory. Michigan Department of Corrections. 24 August 2016.
  2. News: Ellison. Garrett. State House panel recommends closing Michigan Reformatory prison in Ionia during budget talks. 26 August 2016. Michigan Live. 29 March 2012.
  3. Web site: Michigan prisons: Riot causes are still there.