Decisions to close MI prisons not backed up with paperwork, officials say

LANSING, MI (AP)--   State auditors say they struck out when they asked the Corrections Department to provide documents backing up decisions to close prisons and camps.

From 2007 through 2011, the state closed eight prisons and eight camps and consolidated other operations. In a report released Thursday, the auditor general says officials haven't maintained records justifying the decisions.

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The audit says it's difficult to judge the decisions without seeing evidence to support them. The Corrections Department says it considered many factors, including the age of the prison, the impact on the community, cost of operations and any need for renovations. 

In response, the Corrections Department says the process was sufficient, despite the lack of documentation.