At most state prisons, no visitors allowed

Posted at 9:45 AM on July 4, 2011 by Catharine Richert (0 Comments)

MPR's Laura Yuen has this report about how the shutdown is affecting the state's correctional facilities:

A Ramsey County judge ruled last week that the incarceration of inmates is critical. But not all the services within the correctional facilities will continue.

Corrections officials say Judge Kathleen Gearin authorized the department to keep 85 percent of its workforce on the job during the shutdown. The department says the shutdown won't compromise public safety. Most of the workers who were let go provide support services for guards and other front-line staff.

Only correctional facilities in Togo and Red Wing will continue to allow visitors. Volunteer-run programs have also been halted. That includes religious services and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Officials say visits at the other facilities will resume once the government is up and running. Families and the public should visit the D-O-C's website for updates.