Pictured is the Chippewa Correctional Facility in Kincheloe. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Corrections)

KINCHELOE– The Michigan Department of Corrections announced on Wednesday that a level II unit at Chippewa Correctional Facility in Kincheloe will be temporarily closing.

Level II prison units are considered to be medium security. While the unit is closed, the people incarcerated there will be moved to other facilities.

“The closure is a result of reduced demand for these beds and staff vacancies at the facility which have been difficult to fill because of the availability of qualified candidates in the area, competing employment opportunities, housing availability, and other factors,” said a Michigan Department of Corrections press release. “The closure is expected to reduce overtime and increase retention of current employees, while promoting a safer prison and employee well being.”

According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, this closure is part of the larger Safe Prisons Initiative, which seeks to promote safety and security inside prison facilities throughout the state.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.