Whistleblower Alleges Violence, Staffing Crisis at St. Louis Correctional Facility as Officers Report Rising Danger

Dept. of Corrections responds to allegations

ST. LOUIS, Mich. — A former corrections officer at the St. Louis Correctional Facility says Michigan’s prison system is facing a growing safety crisis, alleging severe staffing shortages, escalating violence and policy changes have left officers exhausted while increasing risks for staff, prisoners and the surrounding community.

The allegations come after multiple assaults on corrections officers earlier this month at the Level IV prison in Gratiot County and amid ongoing concerns over mandatory overtime and vacancies that have plagued facilities across the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Nicole, a former corrections officer who worked at St. Louis Correctional Facility from 2021 until leaving in December after previously working in prison food service, said she decided to speak publicly because she believes conditions have deteriorated to a dangerous level. She said she remains in regular contact with officers still working inside the prison.

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