Maryland House Of Corrections at Jessup To Close Next Year

Governor Moore says it has suffered from underinvestment in maintenance over the years.Maryland House of Corrections, Jessup (generic photo)Annapolis, Md (KM) Governor Wes Moore has announced plans to close the Maryland House of Corrections at Jessup by June 30th, 2026.  In a statement, the state’s chief executive says this will result in $21 million annually in cost savings, and help the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to expand   educational, vocational training and re-entry services for incarcerated individuals.”MCI-J {Maryland House of Corrections–Jessup} has long outrun its facility lifespan and we refuse  to kick the can further down the road,” said Governor Moore, in a statement. “Our plan to close this facility will  save taxpayers money, ease the strain on our hardworking and dedicated correctional staff, and honor the state’s commitment to meeting every Marylander with humanity, including incarcerated individuals.”The facility opened in 1981 as a medium security facility and it was an annex to the Maryland House of Corrections which has since been demolished.   It currently houses 709 individuals., and is authorized for 308 staff positions.The Governor’s Office says the facility at Jessup has suffered over the years from underinvestment in routine and preventive maintenance. It also has foundation issues, and the facility’s plumbing, electrical systems and roofing are past their live cycle expectancy. Capital improvements would cost about $200 million and take years to implement.Maryland’s chief executive says the Department of General Services will work the AFSCME to transition all staff to alternative facilities such as the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women, and the Dorsey Run Correctional Facility which are both located in Jessup.  DGS says this move will help improve staffing, and reduce  the need for mandatory overtime in each facility.The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services says it will begin transferring inmates  in phases, starting with those serving life sentences and individuals with disabilities.    Over a period of several months, other inmates will be transferred to other facilities such as the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, the Roxbury Correctional Institution and the North Branch Correctional Institution  depending upon inmates  security needs.With the impending closure of Jessup, the Governor’s Office says its programs will be transferred to other institutions. And that will expand access to services such as Adult Basic Education, high school diploma equivalency , special education, vocational trades program, job readiness, work release, apprenticeship programs and post secondary education programs provided by the University of Baltimore, Georgetown University, Goucher College, Bowie State College and WorWic Community College..After it closes, the Governor’s Office says the current facility at Jessup will be shuttered  and winterized, which is expected to cost $1.5 million,  as the State of Maryland determines its future.By Kevin McManus