Wisconsin was the first state to let some incarcerated people work in the community, allowing them to save money and pay for room and board. Today, prisoners say there aren’t nearly enough of these jobs to go around, and prison officials say they don’t keep count.
Prison Problems
Posted inCriminal justice, Government
Wisconsin Republicans mum on prison plans heading into key vote on moving projects forward
The GOP rejected Gov. Tony Evers’ $325 million budget proposal, but Republicans have yet to detail their own vision for fixing a broken system.
Posted inCriminal justice
Wisconsin rarely grants compassionate release as aging, ailing prisoners stress systems
Increased use of compassionate release could ease costs and crowding with minimal risks to public safety, experts say. But it remains off limits to many prisoners.
Posted inCriminal justice
‘Band-Aid on the problem’: Past raises haven’t fully solved Wisconsin prison staffing problems
Following initial progress, staffing vacancies are again rising in Wisconsin prisons. Improving training, safety and workplace culture would help retain officers, some say.
Posted inAsk Wisconsin Watch, Criminal justice
Why is Wisconsin’s prison system such a ‘mess,’ and what can be done to fix it?
Deteriorating prisons, truth-in-sentencing, Act 10: Reasons for problems abound, while solutions remain elusive.