Department of Corrections

Audit Report Finds State Lags in Monitoring Parolees

But Wisconsin Department of Corrections disputes the findings.

Activists Want Answers For Deaths At County Jail

Four people have died at the Milwaukee County Jail in less than 12 months.

Gov. Evers Takes Action on Two Bills

MATC Played Role In Ending Federal Ban On Grants For Incarcerated Students

A 30-year Pell Grant ban will come to an end in July.

One Third of State Prison Jobs Are Vacant

Legislative hearing discusses state corrections budget, pay hikes proposed by Gov. Evers.

Can Ex-Offenders Vote in Wisconsin?

The state's 65,000 convicted felons face tougher rules than in three neighboring states.

GOP Building Commission Members Reject Gov. Evers’ $3.8 Billion Plan, Setting Up Budget Showdown

State building commission deadlocks on every funding proposal.

Gov. Evers Reacts to Republican Rejection of Historic Investment in State Infrastructure

Republicans again obstruct state infrastructure investments estimated to provide 45,000 family-supporting jobs, $6.8 billion in economic impact

Advocates Push for Evidence-Based Bail Laws

Calling for risk assessment tools, opposing Republican bail ballot referendum.

‘Election Integrity’ Bills Don’t Address Main Infraction

Few cases occur in state, usually involving felony probation status, which proposals ignore.

Bill Would Ban Shackling of Pregnant Inmates, Create Doula Program

An estimated 58,000 pregnant people are incarcerated every year, and thousands give birth while in custody.

New Milwaukee Office Building Would Be Public-Private Partnership

State pivots from original plan to build its own facility at 27th and Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Youth Prison Costs Grow 71%

Gov. Evers proposes additional $33 million for Lincoln Hills replacement.

Gov. Evers Announces Historic Proposed Long-Term Investments in State’s Infrastructure

Governor’s historic capital budget investments saves taxpayers nearly $1 billion, supports estimated nearly $7 billion in economic activity and 45,000 jobs

Federal Sweep Nets 114 Fugitives in Milwaukee

30-day U.S. Marshals operation clears 213 warrants, including 11 for homicide.

Council Approves New Youth Prison in Milwaukee

Replacement for troubled Lincoln HIlls facility doesn't come without objections.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Banning TikTok, Other Technologies from State-Issued Devices

Order directs technology division to prohibit use of certain technologies that could pose potential cybersecurity risks, threats to state

New Youth Prison Wins Key Endorsement

Despite objections from neighbors, zoning committee supports new facility on northwest side.

Juvenile Justice Facility rezoning hearing at ZND committee set for Tuesday

New Youth Prison Gains Plan Commission Approval

But some nearby residents oppose project, cite lack of area council member.

Committee Okays Racine Detention for Youthful Offenders

Board will reconsider agreement it opposed in September to pay for Racine facility.

Problems, Staffing Shortages Still Plague Lincoln Hills

Despite efforts to improve conditions at state youth prison, not all is well.

State Surplus Projected to Hit $6.5 Billion!

Wisconsin's fiscal condition the 'strongest in state history,' says DOA report.

Youth Correctional Facility Faces Obstacles

May be years before $42 million, northwest-side facility gets built, state Sen. Taylor says

State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races

Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.

National Commission on Correctional Health Care Names Wisconsin Resource Center 2022 Facility of the Year

Award recognizes quality and innovation in resident care

Eight Checks The State Uses to Prevent Voter Fraud

Such fraud is very rare, yet Wisconsin still takes many steps to prevent it.

Gov. Evers Announces Additional $2.7 Million Investment in Domestic Violence Programs and Emergency and Homelessness Shelter Services

Investment will help make additional services available for families and individuals at risk

State Ramps Up Suicide Prevention Effort

Wisconsin surpasses national rate. DHS using federal grant for expanded program.

Vote Could Send More Youth to Lincoln Hills

Board votes down deal with Racine County to hold youth in its detention center.

Lincoln Hills Faces Rising Population, Staff Shortage

State Department of Corrections looking to hire more staff at juvenile facility.

More Members of Law Enforcement Endorse Mandela Barnes for U.S. Senate

WATCH: Mandela Barnes’ Plans on Public Safety

State Finance Committee Approves Funding For County Youth Justice Center

State Legislature follows through on juvenile justice plan passed back in 2018.

Council Gives First Approval to New Youth Prison Site

But promises substantial time remains for formal public comment.

Rep. Bowen Statement on New Type 1 Youth Facility Site Selection in Milwaukee

With Site Selection, Evers Administration and DOC Take First Major Step to Finally Close Lincoln Hills

Evers Announces Milwaukee Site For Lincoln Hills Replacement

Replacement for troubled youth justice facility would be on city's northwest side.

State’s Largest HIV Clinic Relocating, Expanding

Vivent Health moving from Plankinton Ave. to former MATC building on 6th and McKinley.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves $71 Million Projects Across Wisconsin

Projects include funding for the design of a new Wisconsin Historical Society Museum, new UW Madison Engineering Building, expansion of critical health care resources, and building improvements to improve safety, reduce energy usage and carbon emissions

Cost of Youth Offenders Keeps Rising

Number sent to costly state prisons nearly doubled since March, imperiling county's alternative youth justice programs.

How Wisconsin’s Parole System Works

Critiques of an ‘ancient’ system shake up the parole commission and the governor’s race.

Lincoln Hills ‘Staffing Crisis’ Causing Confinement, Deteriorating Behaviors

New report finds worsening attitudes at troubled facility.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of former State Rep. Sheryl K. Albers-Anders

Problems Persist at Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake

Juvenile prisons have lower population but still badly understaffed, with safety concerns.

Did Act 10 Fuel Prison Staffing Crisis?

Union officer says staff turnover began rising after collective bargaining rights were curtailed.

State Prisons Face Staffing Crisis

State prisons have staff attrition rates as high as 40%.

Gov. Evers Takes Action on 43 Bills

Evers Signs Legislation Funding Lincoln Hills Replacement

New state-run facility is first step in neglected juvenile corrections reform.

State 11th Worst in Disenfranchising Black Felons

One in nine Black adults in Wisconsin can’t vote. Unique parole policies a key reason.

State Youth Corrections Failures Hit Home

County detention center overcrowded. Judges have few options. Less money for prevention.

Gov. Evers Signs 10 Bills to Promote Public Safety, Support Crime Victims and Survivors

Gov. Evers Announces Additional Security Pay Program for State Employees

Gov. Evers Takes Action on 15 Bills

New Youth Detention Facility Clears State Budget Committee

$42 million for a state facility to replace Lincoln Hills passes Joint Finance Committee.

Fessahaye Leaving For Chief Human Resources Job At UWM

With the city since Jan. 2021, HR director will become associate vice chancellor at UWM.

Republicans Restrict Right To Vote

Ramming through 5 bills making it harder to vote and hog tying nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.

State Prisons Will Resume In-Person Visits

Beginning March 1, due to declining COVID-19 rate, state DOC announces.

Assembly Approves Funds for Lincoln Hills Replacement

Troubled youth prison was supposed to be closed by now.

Senate Votes 33-0 To Fund Youth Prison

Also passes bills to restrict teaching race, limit safety net, allow higher bail.

Will Lincoln Hills Youth Prison Finally Close?

And at what cost? Legislature debates the issue anew.

UW Prison Education Program Growing

Initiative created in December 2020 has gotten nearly $6 million in public and private grants.

Building careers while incarcerated

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant will bring new educational opportunities, workforce support to incarcerated individuals

Legislature Passes Raft of Law Enforcement Bills

14 bills increase funding, restrict local control; some directly target Milwaukee.

Bill Reforms Sentencing for Youth Offenders

Bill would ban life sentences without parole or extended supervision, codify new factors for sentencing.

COVID-19 Cases In State Prisons Tripled in One Week

Department of Corrections suspends in-person visits, suspected of causing surge.

400 Inmates Have COVID-19 in Milwaukee County Jail

Highly transmissible variant is also affecting jail staff, worsening shortages.

Bill Limits Phone Charges in Jails

Some Wisconsin counties charge $14 for a 15-minute phone call.

Warning Lights Flashing on Youth Justice?

Former county official warns that state's youth justice system is unsustainable, could lead to abuses.

Gov. Evers Announces Nearly $60 Million in Projects Aimed at Developing Long-Term Solutions to State’s Workforce Challenges

12 regional projects through Workforce Innovation Grants will help bolster Wisconsin workforce in counties across the state

Ascendium awards UW System’s Prison Education Initiative $150,000 grant

Gov. Evers Appoints Ronald Skallerud as Forest County Sheriff

Project Return Has Helped Thousands After Incarceration

For 40 years the organization has helped people leave prison behind them.

Sherman Phoenix Foundation Searching For Executive Director

Director will guide marketplace, carry out vision of creating inclusive, entrepreneurial hub.

Still No Facility To Replace State’s Youth Prisons

Two deadlines to close the prisons have been missed, and plans for new facility have stalled.

Wisconsin Imprisons 1 in 36 Black Adults

State has the highest incarceration rate of Black residents in the country.

Mentoring Program Helps House of Correction Inmates

Reentry program pairs those leaving jail with community members with similar experiences.

Gov. Evers Announces Vaccine Clinics, Encourages State Workers and Families to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccination is key to protecting employees and their families from Delta variant

What Have Conservative-Backed Lawsuits Cost Taxpayers?

Non-profit law firm WILL has sued over ballot drop boxes, public health orders and building codes.

High Vaccination, Low COVID-19 in State Prisons

70% of people incarcerated in Wisconsin are vaccinated.

The Pandemic Changed Ideas About Incarceration

COVID-19 forced jails to deal with overcrowding.

COVID-19 Numbers at Zero in State Prisons

More than 96% of inmates agreed to vaccines, DOC statistics show.

Gov. Evers Takes Action on Bipartisan Policing Changes Legislation

High Court Ruling Restricts Expungements

Decision puts expungement of criminal records “further out of the reach," dissent charges.

Court Orders State to Allow Milwaukee Archdiocese Ability to Conduct Services in Correctional Facilities

WILL sued in May after state agency refused to permit religious volunteers from visiting inmates

State Prison Population Expected To Surge

Report projects a rise to pre-pandemic levels, rising from 19,377 inmates to 23,471 by 2023.

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Democratic legislators plead with Republicans, who cut off any attempt to discuss reforms.

Conversion therapy executive order in the best interest of Wisconsin youth

Joint statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa

GOP Bill Jails More, Costs $1 Billion

Measure would re-imprison anyone who commits a crime while on extended supervision, parole, or probation.

Gov. Evers Announces Rainbow Pride Flag to be Flown Statewide in Celebration of Pride Month

Governor signs executive orders directing state agencies to use gender-neutral language, prohibiting use of state and federal funds for conversion therapy

Nearly Half of State’s Prison Population Vaccinated

Despite incarcerated people becoming eligible early on, vaccinations lagged in prisons.

Elections Commission to Discuss Suspected Voter Fraud Reports for 2020 and 2021 Elections

Bill Allows Billboard Ads To Hire Corrections Workers

State law currently doesn’t allows this, but legislators cite need for more staff.

State Bolsters Apprenticeship Program

DWD using federal grant to grow program, help address state’s shortage of skilled workers.

DWD Announces a New Resource for Wisconsinites: Apprenticeship Navigators

WILL, Milwaukee Archdiocese Sue WI Department of Corrections Over Unconstitutional Visitor Policy

DOC ignored WILL demand letter to revise policy that bars volunteer clergy from visiting inmates

Wisconsin Elections Commission Approves Biennial Mailing to Inactive Voters

Bill Would Expand Law Enforcement Drone Use

Bill covers corrections facilities, but one sheriff said it would help protest surveillance.

Rep. Hintz Appoints Awais Khaleel to Wisconsin Ethics Commission

Report Finds Improvements in Youth Prisons

Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake School report finds 36% reduction in use of force.

New Therapy Used at Lincoln Hills

Officials cite progress at youth prison, but reformers say it should be closed.