Department of Corrections

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Orders Restoring Commutations Process in Wisconsin

Evers to become first Wisconsin governor since former Gov. Thompson to issue commutations, announces first Commutation Advisory Board appointments

Relief Delayed Again for Wrongly Convicted Wisconsinites 

Wrongful conviction compensation bill fails despite bipartisan support.

Gov. Evers Keeps Promise to Protect LGBTQ Youth, Again Vetoes Several Anti-LGBTQ BillsTargetingTransand Gender Nonconforming Kids

On International Transgender Day of Visibility, governor vetoes anti-trans bills surrounded by members of the LGBTQ community

Video Release of MPD Officer Involved Shooting

Opioid Treatment In Wisconsin Jails Doubles, Yet Gaps Persist

Most jails now offer at least one addiction medication, but some counties still provide no access.

Ladies of SCI, Representatives Madison and Clancy Introduce Independent Oversight of Wisconsin Corrections System Through Office of Ombuds

Former Waupun Prison Official Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanors 

Jamall Russell charged with neglect after inmate dies of malnutrition.

Gov. Evers Takes Action on Nine Bills

MPD Officer Involved Shooting

Man’s Battle to Stay Out of Prison Raises Questions About Probation System

8,100 people in Wisconsin on probation or parole were sent back to prison in 2025.

Republican Lawmakers Want Death Penalty for Child Sex Crimes

Wisconsin abolished the death penalty in 1853.

ACLU Asks Court to Enforce Program for Incarcerated Mothers 

State law requires program for women inmates with children under 1 years old.

Fixture Pizza is Closed Indefinitely

Company connected to pizzeria has more than $100,000 in unpaid taxes, owner incarcerated.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $205.7 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin

Virginia Hart Special Recognition and Outstanding Leadership Winners Announced

Gov. Evers, Doc Celebrate Completion Of Successful Reforms at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Announce New Blackout and Retro License Plate Designs Now Available for Wisconsin Drivers to Purchase

Much-anticipated plates are estimated to generate more than $25 million for the state’s transportation fund in the first three years

From Solitary To Soap Prices, Lawmakers Probe Wisconsin’s Prisons

A yearlong review and emotional testimony on hygiene, menstruation and supervision power imbalances frame the latest hearing.

Representative Shelia Stubbs Testifies in Support of Affordable Personal Hygiene and Menstrual Products for Incarcerated Wisconsinites

Rep. Ryan Clancy and the Assembly’s Corrections Committee Hear Bills Improving Conditions in Wisconsin’s Jails and Prisons

Bills Require Free Quality Menstrual Products, Cap Hygiene Product Prices, Provide Funds to Purchase Products

Rep. Darrin Madison Applauds Fair Hearing for Legislation Improving Conditions in Jails and Prisons

Bill Gives Up to $999,000 Payout for Those Wrongly Convicted

Around 72 people have been exonerated in Wisconsin since 1990.

2025 Wrap Up: Gov. Evers Highlights 2025 Accomplishments

After 24 Years Without a Commutation, Will Evers Act?

Organizers say the outgoing governor has a rare chance to use unilateral clemency powers.

GOP Bill Requires Homeless Sex Offenders to Wear GPS Monitors

Opponent charges ordinances on where ex-offenders can live causes homelessness.

Oshkosh Sex Offender Indicted on Federal Child Sex Offenses

After Pioneering Work Release for Prisoners, Wisconsin Goes Backwards

Today, corrections officials don't even know how many prisoners have such jobs.

Bill Would Allow Wisconsin Youth Offenders To Appeal Life Sentences

More than 100 people would be eligible.

Report on Wisconsin Prisons Warns of Overcrowding, High Staff Turnover

Raises alarms about solitary confinement of people with mental illness.

Milwaukee Legislators Draft Bills to Improve State Prison Conditions

16 bills range from rights to sunlight to county-control of jails.

Rep. Ryan Clancy Announces Bills Addressing Inhumane Practices in Wisconsin Prisons and Jails

“Conditions of Confinement” Package Would Require Prison and Jail Access, Free Communications, Hot Showers, Access to Sunlight and Outdoors, Among Other Protections

Evers veto a win for violent offenders

Building Commission OKs Planning Funds to Reorganize Wisconsin Prisons

$15 million approved despite Republican objections to parts of the plan.

State Building Commission Releases Funding Gov. Evers Requested to Revamp Corrections Facilities

More than $700 million approved for key state projects across UW System and corrections, among others

Gov. Evers Announces Evers Administration to Move Forward with Comprehensive Plans to Revamp Corrections Facilities

State Building Commission poised to take up key capital budget investments to move forward toward governor’s comprehensive plan announced earlier this year to revamp state’s correctional facilities

Despite Rapidly Aging Prison Population, Wisconsin Rarely Grants Compassionate Release

Individuals with terminal illnesses or declining health find themselves dying in prison.

For The First Time, Wisconsin’s Youth Prisons Are Fully Compliant With Required Reforms

Prison system now fully complying with 2017 court order.

Gov. Evers, DOC Celebrate Successful Reforms at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools

Evers Administration reaches full compliance with consent decree after years of implementing dozens of reforms ordered by courts in the wake of Walker-era child abuse scandals

Man Jailed For Threatening To Blow Up Wisconsin Capitol

Individual, 33, is accused of violating probation, making a terrorist threat

Why Evers’ Prison Overhaul Plan Died

Ambitious plan to modernize state prison system was 'pencil whipped' to death.

When Will Green Bay Prison Be Closed?

Evers and GOP legislators can't agree on when or how or what it will cost.

Prison Officials Deny Violating Rights of Green Bay Inmate Killed By Cellmate

Lawsuit alleges state should have intervened because of cellmate's conduct.

Evers Kills Bill That Would Have Made It More Difficult For Felons To Resume Voting

ACLU called proposed restrictions a 'modern-day poll tax.'

Criminal Justice Reform Advocates Blast ‘Lack of Urgency’ in Closing Green Bay Prison

Budget signed by Evers called for max security facility to close, but governor removed deadline.

Camp Reunite Connects Kids With Their Incarcerated Parents

See how women in Fond du Lac area prison are reconnected with their children.

Inmate Sentenced For Role in Youth Counselor’s Death at Troubled Prison

Ryan Nybolm receives five-year sentence.

Gov. Tony Evers Vetoes Uber Drivers, Parole Violation Bills

Governor vetoed 5 bills Friday afternoon and signed 17 others, including several related to health care and policing.

More Wisconsin Sheriffs Sign-Up To Cooperate With ICE

Participation in controversial 287(g) program nearly doubles.

ACLU Report Shows Growth In Immigration Detentions

More than 1,000 detained this year, sheriffs in 12 counties now helping effort.

Some Progress for Wisconsin Books to Prisoners Group

State corrections officials okay second pilot program to get books to inmates.

Raises Haven’t Solved Wisconsin Prison Staffing Problems

'They put a Band-Aid on the problem," says former Waupun guard.

The Battle Over Books for Wisconsin Prisoners

Advocacy group says Department of Corrections blocking donations of used books.

WI Dept of Corrections Will Hold Hearing on 2014 Law’s Reforms

Act 196 created alternatives to revoking probation and parole, but had little impact.

State Budget Provides Funding For Milwaukee Highway Patrol

New dollars could allow county to switch funding to courthouse project.

Representative Shelia Stubbs Votes Against Proposed State Budget

Bipartisan Budget Deal Gets Mixed Reviews From Wisconsin Legislators

A 'step in the right direction' or a 'little sad' and 'unacceptable'?

Their Budget Closes Green Bay Prison, GOP Leaders Announce

Evers had called for this. Safety concerns have plagued 127-year-old facility

WI Supreme Court Okays Corrections Officers’ Class Action Suit Over Pay

5-2 decision backs workers in wage case against state Department of Corrections.

Budget Committee Funds Corrections Far Below What Evers Wanted

Democrats say budget won't fix, reform state prison system as needed.

WEC Mails Postcards to Inactive Voters

Prison Reform Advocates Push for Corrections Ombudsperson

Seeking a GOP sponsor for bill, but 'nobody’s willing to stick their neck out.'

New Legislators Sponsor ‘Wish List’ Bills

You'd be surprised by the range of ideas and proposals by Capitol newcomers.

Vendor Failure Means Wisconsin Inmates Can’t Buy Food, Other Items

Company part of conglomerate that runs dysfunctional prison phone system.

Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health Seeks Public Input

Council is creating a statewide action plan to improve the mental health of Wisconsinites

Republican Lawmakers Poised to Gut Most Pro-Kid Budget in State History During 2025 the Year of the Kid

Republicans to reject middle-class tax cuts, property tax relief to prevent property tax increases statewide, plans to lower out-of-pocket costs for child care, medication, and household goods, measures to crack down on prescription price gouging and health insurance transparency, investments to improve kids’ reading and literacy outcomes, support for Wisconsin’s farmers and veterans, efforts to get harmful contaminants out of Wisconsinites’ water, statewide plans to improve public safety and keep kids and families safe, and measures to bolster high-need sectors of the workforce, among other key priorities

‘Deliberate Indifference’ Caused Waupun Inmate’s Death, Suit Charges

Donald Maier's family sues WI Department of Corrections for wrongful death.

Illinois Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies

Legislature Could Pass Several Budgets

Uncertainty over federal funds could make usual all-inclusive budget impossible.

GOP Lawmakers Question Budget Requests by UW System, State Prisons

Joint Finance Committee grills leaders of each about requests for increased funding.

As Funding is Being Cut, the State Must Step Up

What Exactly Does The Department of Public Instruction Do?

The Underly-Kinser race has brought great attention to a department few understand.

Michigan Has Turned Prisons Into Vocational Villages

Gov. Evers wants to do the same in Wisconsin. How do they work?

Shredding of Mail by Wisconsin Prisons Worries Legal Advocates

Attorneys concerned about confidentiality, delays and missing documents.

GOP Bill Could Send Thousands of Wisconsin Residents Back To Prison

Sponsors say changes to the revocation process would target repeat offenders.

Should State Corrections Workers Be Paid for Pre- and Post-Shift Tasks?

Workers seek class action status in Wisconsin Supreme Court case.

Two Key Issues Driving County’s Poor Budget Picture

County projects to have $47 million deficit in 2026, but it already faces a 2025 deficit.

Gov. Evers Announces Historic Capital Budget Projected to Generate Over $7 Billion in Economic Activity and 37,000 Jobs Statewide

Judge Orders Wisconsin Prison System to Provide Program for Moms and Babies

1991 law requires this for incarcerated woman who are pregnant or have babies.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves More Than $103 Million in Key Projects Across Wisconsin

Projects approved by Commission include 11 UW System projects, efforts to complete the Milwaukee Crime Lab, and stewardship property development funds

Evers Budget Removes State Senate Power to Block His Political Appointees

His attempt to overturn lame duck laws passed in 2018 criticized by Republicans.

Evers Wants Ombudsperson to Oversee Wisconsin Prison System

19 states have one. If funded, office would investigate complaints involving the prisons.

Prison Reforms Impact Many Legislators

One-third of all districts affected. Evers 'take it or leave it' plan likely to get lots of discussion and review.

Evers’ Prison Plan Receives Mixed Reviews

Lawmakers divided on $500 million plan, but local officials, advocacy groups like it.

Evers Calls for $500 Million Corrections Overhaul

Including closing Green Bay Prison, turning Waupun prison into 'vocational village.'

Gov. Evers Announces Comprehensive Corrections Reform Plan, Proposing Some of the Most Significant Facility and Capital Changes in Department of Corrections History

Governor announces sweeping reforms to improve public safety, reduce costs to taxpayers and recidivism, and support corrections staff

Dane County Will No Longer Send Immigration Data to the Feds

Some 25 Wisconsin counties accept federal funding to send info on immigrants to ICE.

Waupun Prison Employees Fired Amid Federal Smuggling Investigation

FBI launched investigation last year into staff conduct.

Milwaukee Is Losing a Generation of Black Men To Drug Crisis

Older Black men account for a growing share of Milwaukee drug deaths as fentanyl is mixed into cocaine.

Milwaukee County Jail Censorship Enjoined

Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk Calls On Gov. Evers’ To Get Serious About Public Safety

Statement by state Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (R-Hubertus), the Vice Chair of the Assembly’s Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee, on Gov. Evers’ State of the State address:

Wisconsin’s Prisons Receiving Third-Party Review

Six month, $500,000 effort underway. Activists want engagement.

Statement on proposed ICE detention facility in the 9th Aldermanic District

Alderwoman Larresa Taylor January 14, 2025

Rep. Piwowarczyk Slams Gov. Evers for Creating New Wasteful Office of ‘Violence Prevention,’ Rather Than Supporting Cops

 

Coalition Launches Campaign to Make Wisconsin Prison, Jail Phone Calls Free

WISDOM pushes for better communication between families and those incarcerated.

Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approves More Than $81 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin, Republican Members Delay Approval of Funding for Critical UW System Building Projects

Republican legislators delay the reallocation more than $70 million in building projects for UW System, continuing obstruction of critically needed projects

‘First of its Kind in Wisconsin’ Collaboration Will Support Disabled Incarcerated Youth

'Break the cycle' program aims to help youth reentering society.

Wisconsin DOJ Awarded $7 Million for Substance Abuse Treatment 

Program provides services to prevent crisis, overdoses or criminal charges.

Act 10 Ruling Could Be Tough to Overturn

New ruling striking down law is based on argument Republicans have trouble answering.

Many Issues Raised At Evers’ Budget Listening Session

Concerns include housing costs, prison reform and 'humanitarian crisis' for refugees.

Sheriff’s Office Responds to Alarming Jail Audit Report

Board will take report up in December. Chairwoman Nicholson and County Executive Crowley call for collaboration on solutions.