Community Residential Programs (CRP) provide structured settings where support, guidance and supervision are given to selected, eligible prisoners nearing parole release. Prisoners placed in CRP are placed on electronic monitoring in their home community.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Michigan was a pioneer in fully developing the successful use of community placement for prisoners. The primary intent of the community program is to ensure that a prisoner is steadily employed and financially and socially self-sufficient prior to being paroled.  In January 2008, the last Corrections Center was closed which now allows for prisoners placed in CRP to be monitored on electronic monitoring only.

CRP may eventually be phased out of existence because of the state's Truth in Sentencing law which makes those covered by the law not eligible for release from prison prior to completion of their minimum sentence.

Screening is Rigorous

Prisoners are rigorously screened and must meet stringent standards before being eligible for the program. All participants are tested for drug use prior to placement and at regular intervals while in the program. Prisoners must first be classified to minimum security in prison before being considered for placement.

Additionally, a prisoner is disqualified if he or she:

• Is serving for an assaultive crime as identified in AR 791.4410. 
• Is serving for a sex offense.
• Has a criminal history involving a sex offense, patterns of assault, recent serious mental disturbance or other behavior that indicates that the offender would be an unwarranted risk to the public.
• Is serving a life sentence.
• Issued special designation as being involved in organized crime.
• Issued special designation as a "professional" criminal.
• Issued special designation as a drug trafficker.
• Is designated as a very high risk for violence or serving a prison sentence for escape.

Requirements in Community Residential Programs

While in a community program, offenders must find a job, hold it through regular attendance or must attend all classes if in a training or academic program and be self-supporting as soon as possible. Offenders are required to pay the cost of electronic monitoring.

A prisoner may be returned to prison for any major rule violation including use of drugs. Although select non-violent offenders are eligible for CRP placement up to one year before their earliest parole date, most offenders stay in the program for an average of six months before they are paroled.