Security is issue in prison food service changes

LANSING (AP) -- The director of the Michigan Department of Corrections says maintaining security is an issue in privatization of services such as feeding prisoners. Daniel Heyns told The Detroit News for a recent interview that he wants to meet the state's target for food service savings of $7 million, along with other savings for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. But he says he hopes there's flexibility on meeting those targets. Heyns says "meals are extremely important to the stability of institutions." Corrections department spokesman Russ Marlan says it costs the state $2.07 a day to provide prisoners with three meals, down from about $2.60 a year ago. Mel Grieshaber, executive director of the Michigan Corrections Organization union, says privatizing food services would mean extra security costs for the state. Published: Tue, Jul 26, 2011