Overcrowding is particularly extreme in Wisconsin’s women’s prisons, two of which hold more than twice as many people as they were designed for. A new Wisconsin Watch tool, updated weekly, shows the population approaching the 2019 record.
prisons
Posted inOpinion: Community Voices
Opinion: After decades in prison, who deserves a chance at clemency?
Wisconsin leaders are debating who in prison should qualify for clemency. A one-size-fits-all approach risks ignoring rehabilitation and growth with age.
Posted inCriminal justice
Tony Evers revived commutations, but what will Wisconsin’s next governor do?
Mandela Barnes was the only Democrat who, when initially asked, split from the governor’s executive order allowing commutations for murder convictions.
Posted inCommunity, Criminal justice
Commutations are back. Here’s what incarcerated people and their loved ones should know.
For the first time in decades, Wisconsin prisoners will be able to apply to have their sentences commuted, Gov. Tony Evers announced. Wisconsin Watch talked to three experts about how prisoners and their families can learn more and prepare.
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
Camp Reunite helps kids connect with their incarcerated parents
A unique camp offers welcoming space for Wisconsin prisoners to spend time with their children, but stigma and other barriers limit its reach.
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 inCommunity, Neighborhoods
‘He shouldn’t have had to die’: COVID-19 infects half of Wisconsin inmates, five times the overall state rate
Prisoners lack space and some say rules to curb COVID-19 are unevenly enforced.
Posted inCommunity, Neighborhoods, Public Safety
Catching up on Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake: Three things you need to know about Wisconsin’s troubled youth prisons
As local and state leaders get closer to figuring out what will replace the state’s troubled youth prisons, here are the three things you need to know on the contentious issue.