MI DOC - Special Alternative Incarceration Facility (SAI)

You can support your loved ones at Special Alternative Incarceration Facility on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 734-475-1368.

Located at 18901 Waterloo Rd in Chelsea, MI, Special Alternative Incarceration Facility carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Special Alternative Incarceration Facility offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on MI DOC - Special Alternative Incarceration Facility (SAI) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The Special Alternative Incarceration Facility is located in Chelsea Michigan, part of Washtenaw County and has a capacity of about 200 adult male inmates. This state prison facility was originally a 90-day boot camp style program aimed at probationers. For inmates to be eligible for this program they must not be convicted of an assaultive crime. Once inmates complete the program they must work or attend school for a minimum of 30 hours per week. They will be continually monitored and drug tested to ensure compliance with the program.
Under the administrative control of the Cooper Street Correctional Facility, the Special Alternative Incarceration program (SAI) began in 1988 as an alternative to prison for male probationers convicted of certain crimes and selected by courts. In 1992 the program was expanded to include both male and female prisoners and probationers. State law precludes participation if convicted of a number of primarily assault crimes.
Overview - Phase I of the program involves a highly-disciplined regimen of 90 days, consisting of military-style exercise, meaningful work assignments and other programming, including secondary education and substance-abuse treatment. Phase II involves intensive supervision in the community, usually in a residential "halfway house" setting. Phase III of the program involves supervision of offenders similar to the way in which probationers are supervised. Phase I and III are mandatory, and Phase II is determined by assessing a particular offender's need for residential placement. The goal of the program is to keep selected lower-risk probationers from going to prison and to take qualified prisoners out of the traditional prison setting and place them into a more cost-effective management setting.
The program has proven to be cost-effective and successful in keeping graduates out of prison.
The Program - The military discipline portion of the program is designed to break down street-wise attitudes so staff can teach positive values and attitudes. Offenders take classes in job-seeking skills, substance-abuse awareness and anger management. They are also enrolled in General Educational Development preparation and Adult Basic Education. They perform a variety of tasks, including conservation work, recycling, parks maintenance and snow removal near senior housing.

The SAI program includes an intensive post-release program and may include Phase II, which is placed for up to 120 days in a residential setting or on electronic monitoring. For prisoners, Phase III includes parole for 18 months or for the balance of the minimum sentence, whichever is longer. The first four months of parole are under intensive supervision, which can include daily supervision, including nights and weekends if needed.
While in post-release, offenders are expected to work or go to school at least 30 hours per week. They must submit to a drug test when requested and participate in any counseling, treatment programming or training, as directed by the agent.

• Michigan DOC - Special Alternative Incarceration Facility (SAI) - FAQ
• Michigan DOC - Special Alternative Incarceration Facility (SAI) - Family Handbook