Supervisor David Bowen Says Sheriff Clarke “Destabilizing” House of Correction, Applauds County Board Action

(MILWAUKEE) – Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen today expressed concern over reports of under-staffing, forced officer overtime and needless transport of prisoners between the Milwaukee County Jail and the House of Correction.

Bowen said Sheriff David A. Clarke, Jr. appeared to be using the tactics to undermine the administration of the House of Correction due to a recent Circuit Court ruling transferring control of the House from the Sheriff’s office to a superintendent appointed by County Executive Chris Abele. The appointed superintendent, Michael Hafemann, has been working out of the Courthouse instead of the House of Correction.

“The Sheriff is setting up the County’s new superintendent for failure,” Bowen said. “I am deeply concerned about reports of under-staffing and forced overtime. Under-staffing creates dangerous conditions, and forced overtime needlessly costs the taxpayers thousands.”

Sheriff Clarke has said that the ruling is being appealed, but Bowen said such a move would only cost taxpayers more money in litigation.

“The Sheriff is destabilizing the House of Correction to suit his own purposes,” Bowen said. “He needs to stop playing political games with both taxpayers and prisoners and allow the new superintendent to get on with the business of running the House of Correction effectively and efficiently.

“I thank the County Board for moving forward to ratify this transfer today. Milwaukee County is no longer in the practice of warehousing inmates, but instead effectively using programs to prevent recidivism and save taxpayers money.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by State Rep. David Bowen

Rep. Bowen Announces Bid for 1st District Common Council

Dec 21st, 2022 by State Rep. David Bowen

Bowen offers experienced leadership to work towards necessary solutions for Milwaukee

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

Aug 10th, 2022 by State Rep. David Bowen

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

Rep. Bowen Statement on SCOTUS Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

Jun 24th, 2022 by State Rep. David Bowen

Decision in Dobbs Goes Against the Will of the People and Will Hurt Marginalized Communities Most