Maryland to Close Jessup Correctional Facility, Redirecting Millions to Programs and Staffing

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced plans to close the Maryland Correctional Institution at Jessup (MCI-J) by June 30, 2026. This decision is projected to save Maryland taxpayers approximately $21 million annually in operational costs. The closure will also facilitate the expansion of educational, vocational training, and re-entry programs for incarcerated individuals across the state, according to information released by the Governor’s office.

The Maryland Correctional Institution at Jessup, a medium-security facility that opened in 1981, currently houses 709 individuals and is authorized for 308 staff positions. The state cites significant underinvestment in the facility’s upkeep over many years, leading to substantial degradation of its buildings and infrastructure. Issues include problems with the foundation, drainage concerns that have led to the closure of several housing units, and a need for extensive repairs to the physical plant, including plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing, which are reported to be past their expected lifespan. The cost of necessary capital improvements has been estimated at around $200 million, a project that would span several years.

By closing MCI-J, state officials anticipate not only significant long-term cost savings for taxpayers but also a reallocation of resources towards more sustainable correctional solutions. The Department of General Services has indicated that this move is a fiscally responsible step forward for Maryland.

In the coming months, efforts will be made to transition all MCI-J staff to other correctional facilities within the state, including the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women and the Dorsey Run Correctional Facility, both also located in Jessup. This staff reassignment is expected to improve staffing levels at these facilities and reduce the reliance on mandatory overtime. This measure aims to enhance security by ensuring adequate staffing, which is described as a proactive approach to safety, while also improving staff morale and reducing burnout.

The incarcerated population at MCI-J will also be transferred in phases. The initial transfers will prioritize aging individuals serving life sentences and those requiring housing accommodations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Over several months, all individuals will be relocated to appropriate facilities statewide, based on their individual security needs. These destinations may include the Maryland Correctional Institution at Hagerstown, the Roxbury Correctional Institution, and the North Branch Correctional Institution.

Programming that was previously offered at MCI-J will be moved to other locations, thereby increasing access to a range of services. These services include Adult Basic Education, high school equivalency programs, special education, vocational trade programs, job readiness training, work release opportunities, public safety initiatives, apprenticeship programs, and post-secondary education courses from various universities and colleges.

Following its official closure, MCI-J will be secured and prepared for colder weather at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. The state will continue to explore future uses for the property.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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