Department of Corrections

Sen. Craig Authors Bills in “Tougher on Crime” Initiative

Crime must not pay and courts must enforce current laws

Jefferson County Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud and Theft

Attempt to Cover Up Firearms Offense Leads to Incarceration for Man and Woman from Menominee Indian Reservation

Building Commission Approves Projects

Will Lincoln Hills Ever Be Closed?

Republicans refuse to meet and vote on amount of funding for replacement facilities.

How to Get a Criminal Record Expunged

It’s complicated, but can be done under certain circumstances within Wisconsin law.

Seeking an RX for Rising Drug Prices

Governor’s task force brings business, consumers, Republicans and Democrats to the table

Gov. Evers Signs Assembly Bill 52 Relating to Youth Homelessness

"No kid should have to worry about where they are going to sleep at night, but the reality is that there are thousands of homeless and unaccompanied kids across our state."

AG Kaul Announces 3 Counties and 1 Tribe to Establish Treatment Courts; 7 Counties to Expand Current Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Programs

Jail Fees Can Leave Inmates in Debt

Counties' 'Pay-to-Stay' fees can leave people with thousands of dollars of debt after prison.

Program Offers Formerly Incarcerated People a Career

UMOS TechHire program provides training in technology fields and skilled trades.

We are and must remain a nation of laws

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 2, 2019

Suspect in Reckless Driving Fatality Sentenced to 25 Years

He was sentenced to 25 years in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections with 15 years initial confinement and 10 years extended supervision.

New York’s After Care Program Helps Youth

Mentors youth offenders after they finish placement in community facilities. Last in a series.

How New York Handles Juvenile Justice

"Close to Home" program could provide model for Wisconsin. First in a series.

Seven Stops Not on Tom Tiffany’s Congressional Announcement Tour

One Wisconsin Now Offers Suggestions Highlighting the Real Tom Tiffany

Man charged in senseless road rage murder

Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey September 4, 2019

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #43 Recreating the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Commission

"I am excited to recreate the Juvenile Justice Commission as a space for discussing innovations and best practices that Wisconsin should adopt across the entire spectrum of the juvenile justice system."

MCSO Arrests Subject in Reckless Driving Incident

This is an ongoing investigation.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #41 Recreating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Portrait Society Show Packs Emotional Punch

“Inside/Out” is about art, music, life, by three very different artists.

Sawyer County Man Receives Maximum Sentence for Threatening Local Criminal Justice Officials and Family

“This case sends a clear message that people who threaten the safety of others face severe consequences.”

Gov. Evers Requests Federal Disaster Aid for July’s Severe Storms

"Damage assessments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) verified more than $19.5 million in eligible damages."

State Agencies Give Zero Days for Comment

Evers Administration uses lame duck law to make policy changes with no chance for public comments.

MCSO Arrest Man for OWI – 4th

The driver, Dorian Hudson, displayed obvious signs of impairment and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) – 4th Offense, Operating After Revocation (OWI related) and Failing to Install an Ignition Interlock.

How Parole Rules Help Fill State’s Prisons

Average parole time far longer in Wisconsin; system returns many parolees to prison.

The Myth of Easy Prison Reform

It’s caused by misinformation about “non-violent offenders” and “crimeless revocations.”

MCSO Arrest of Driver for Reckless Endangering Safety

The driver of the fleeing vehicle, James L. Jackson, suffered minor injuries and was conveyed to a local hospital for treatment.

Pot Arrests 4 Times Higher for Blacks

Statewide racial disparity in arrests for pot possession cited in Gov. Evers’ decriminalization proposal.

Drunk Driving On Rise for Corrections Staff?

State Corrections Secretary concerned about stress causing workers to abuse alcohol.

Rules Violations Cause 40% of Prison Admissions

State figures show supervision violations, not new crimes, drive prison admissions.

Evers Uses 78 Partial Vetoes on Budget

Vetoes will help pay for $65 million more in education funding in revised budget.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and The Department of Health and Human Services Announce New Approach for Youth Justice Reform

Milwaukee County’s submission for State funding proposes a transformative approach to youth justice by developing a continuum of responsive services, including residential setting development

Evers Faces Hurdles to Cutting Prisons

Governor promised to cut prison population by 50%, but has so far made no progress.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointment of Linda A. Hall as Director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health

Ms. Hall will begin as director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health on July 8, 2019.

Evers Brings Back Pardon Review Board

Walker disbanded it, wouldn’t pardon anyone in his eight years as governor.

Gov. Evers Announces Pardon Advisory Board, Establishes Pardon Process

The Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board will review eligible applications and make recommendations to Gov. Evers on who to grant a pardon to.

State Has 22,000 OWI Convictions Per Year

Still high, but way down from 10 years ago when it was 40,000.

A One-Stop Shop for Ex-Prisoners

New program Home to Stay offers array of services to help ex-cons rebuild their lives.

How Walker Wrecked State’s Prisons

Overworked staff, high turnover, rising overtime costs and violence plague the prisons.

Carr Promises Criminal Justice Reform

“Just wait and see,” Corrections secretary says. But advocates are impatient for reform.

Evers Too Slow on Prison Reform?

His budget expands prisons, doesn’t offer much reform, critics charge.

Legislators Resist Many Evers Proposals

GOP push back on minimum wage, water quality, corrections worker wages, unemployment compensation and more.

City’s Violent Crime Down in 2019

First quarter of year shows murders, non-fatal shootings, carjackings down.

County Submits Youth Prison Proposal

Asks state for $41.4 million to build secure residential center for youth now at Lincoln Hills.

Asked for Help,“Nobody Would Listen”

Death of an inmate in Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility raises grave safety concerns.

6 Things to Know About Lincoln Hills

A primer on how state’s youth prisons will be changed. Or not.

Youth Correctional Center Planned for North Side

State facility at 6600 N. Teutonia would replace troubled Lincoln Hills center.

Evers Announces Youth Prison for City

To be located on Teutonia Ave. and Mill Rd. Research shows facility near home enhances outcomes.

Evers Funds Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility

Budget has $8.1 million for upgrades, so he won’t close facility as critics have demanded.

Gov. Evers Moves Forward on Plans to Close Lincoln Hills

"We are committed to getting kids out of Lincoln Hills and closer to home as soon as we safely and responsibly can."

Report Shows How to Handle Youth Offenders

As county looks for local approach to replace Lincoln Hills, could learn from New York’s success.

Governor Evers Makes Historic Investments in Health Care Coverage and Access

“Governor Evers’ budget makes historic investments in the health and well-being of every Wisconsinite,” said Secretary Designee Palm.

Misery Index Persists in 53206

New report finds "enduring ecosystem of disadvantage” in north side ZIP Code.

Alma Center Battles Recidivism

North Side community group’s program aims to help ex-offenders, curb crime.

Evers Wants Pay Hike for Corrections Officers

Aims to reduce staff shortage with more competitive pay.

County Officials Offer Antidote to Youth Prisons

Won’t be “a prison,” they say, promising humane alternative to Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake.

Delay in Closing Youth Prisons Criticized

Advocates oppose Evers’ projection of two years to close Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake.

Cities Changing Sex Offender Residency Rules

Milwaukee, Brookfield, West Allis, others expanding areas where offenders can live.

County Picks Location for Youth Offender Facility

Northwest side facility planned as part of model program to reduce recidivism.

County Prepares for Lincoln Hills Closing

Seeks to build secured residential center for youth in Milwaukee.

Trip Down the Aisle Is Very Lo-o-o-ng

Fox Lake inmate has tried for nearly a year to get prison officials to approve his marriage.

Ex-Inmates Group Pushes Criminal Justice Reform

Asks Evers for increased accountability, mental health resources and re-entry support.

State Rep. David Bowen Applauds New Governor Evers Visit to Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake

Highlights the contrast with leadership of the past

1.8 Million Hours of State Prison Overtime

Cost $51 million in 2018, system badly short staffed, Evers seeks reform.

Evers Embraces Expertise

Hiring talented people, appointing expert advisors, who knew you could govern that way?

Governor-elect Evers Announces Key Cabinet Appointments

"I’ve said all along that my goal is to build a Wisconsin where people come together to invest in a brighter future for everyone..."

Evers Has Many Advisers

And they are being asked to take on a huge agenda of possible reforms.

Evers Forms Panel On Prison Reform

Includes two former Supreme Court justices, three former prisons administrators.

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Policy Advisory Council

"We have to start prioritizing people, not prisons."

Punished By Probation Agents For 20 Years

Appeals court rules that man repeatedly denied probation and jailed due to gross negligence can sue.

Scott Walker Lacks Ethics

That’s why four of his cabinet secretaries, including me, have condemned him.

Secrecy Hides State Legislators’ Actions

Anonymous budget amendments and "Body Snatcher” bills reward special interests, limit public input.

ACLU Justice Tour Targets Racism

Mass incarceration and police stop-and-frisk program discussed at weekend event.

Growing Our Workforce: Governor Walker Announces Plan to Expand Worker Training within Wisconsin’s Correctional Institutions

"Our plan will give inmates concrete skills they can use to become productive members of society once they are released."

How Thompson Grew State Prisons

Number of prisoners rose from 4,867 to 20,536 under Gov. Thompson. Now he wants reform.

Milwaukee Reentry Council Helps Ex-Cons

Its new program for ex-offenders seeks to reduce recidivism by 50 percent.

Youth Justice Milwaukee Calls for More Community Input at Department of Corrections Community Meeting on Plans for Lincoln Hills Closure

YJM continued to advocate for alternatives to locked-door facilities while investing in close-to-home programs like mentoring and job training.

Tommy Could Help Create Prison Reform

Thompson, former Republican governor, regrets increase in incarceration, could team with Democratic reformers.

Youth Justice Milwaukee Statement on Judge’s OK to Lincoln Hills Settlement

"For years, children suffered trauma and neglect at the hands of Wisconsin’s Department of Corrections, and this settlement only begins to make things right."

Please Rescind Walker’s Open Records Award

Letter to state Freedom of Information Council cites governor’s poor record on “Openess."

Second Walker Official Opposes Him

Ex-Director of Financial Institutions say he was pushed to meet with lobbyists, avoid public records.

Wall Blasts Walker, Schimel on Youth Prison

Former corrections secretary says governor, AG ignored Lincoln Hills abuses for political reasons.

‘The Only Thing Scott Walker Cares About Keeping Safe is His Own Job’

Bombshell Book From Former Head of State Corrections Department Reveals Walker Put Political Ambitions Before Protecting Public Safety

Democrats Make Closing Arguments

Lively gubernatorial debate covered topics from Gov. Walker's worst action to cutting the state's prison population.

Youth Justice Milwaukee: Department of Corrections Should Meet with Stakeholders in Milwaukee on Lincoln Hills

"It is essential that the Department of Corrections visit Milwaukee to discuss the next steps after closing Lincoln Hills..."

Mitchell Slams Walker on Desperate Press Conference

"Walker continues to pay us lip service with hollow political stunts instead of actually governing."

Mayor Tom Barrett Announces Willie Wade as President and CEO of Employ Milwaukee

"Willie Wade’s passionate leadership and commitment to connecting people to lifelong employment is unparalleled."

Walker a Coward on Trump Border Policy

His silence on interning immigrant children echoes his inaction on Lincoln Hills youth.

Walker’s Former Prisons Chief Blasts Governor

Ed Wall endorses Democrat Evers for governor, does ad charging Walker mismanaged Lincoln Hills.

Former Scott Walker Corrections Secretary Ed Wall Blasts Walker in New Ad Released by the Tony Evers Campaign

Former Walker Appointee Says Walker Badly Mismanaged Lincoln Hills Situation

Governor Walker Appoints Cathy Jess to Serve as Secretary of the Department of Corrections, Thanks Jon Litscher for His Many Years of Service to Wisconsin

Cathy Jess’ first day as DOC secretary will be Monday, June 11.

City-County Plan Targets Opioid Epidemic

300 opioid overdoses in county last year. Task force proposes eight focus areas.

International Institute of Wisconsin Names Marina Garza Croft Immigration Attorney

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State Incarcerations Surpass National Average

Wisconsin now imprisons a higher percent of people than national average and neighboring states.

Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance

93 bills signed into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

Governor Walker Signs Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Bill into Law

"We are committed to improving long-term outcomes for juveniles and staff in our correctional facilities."

Why Legislators Matter

And why Walker and Republicans should allow special elections for districts lacking them.

Vukmir’s Prison Bill Dies in State Senate

Would have jailed 1,800 more people per year at annual cost of $57 million.

State GPS Monitoring Has Huge Problems

Malfunctions, unnecessary jailings plague growing offender monitoring program.