The Wisconsin Department of Corrections manages the state prison system, which comprises various institutions, including maximum, medium, and minimum-security prisons. The system is designed to rehabilitate and secure individuals convicted of serious offenses, providing them with various programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
Incarceration Rate
Wisconsin has an incarceration rate of approximately 377 inmates per 100,000 people in the state. This rate reflects both the number of people held in state prisons and local jails. The state has faced criticism for high incarceration rates, particularly among minority populations.
Wisconsin State Prison System – Pros and Cons
PROS
- Educational and Vocational Training: Many facilities offer GED programs, college courses, and vocational training which can be beneficial for post-release employment opportunities.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Programs such as substance abuse treatment, anger management, and mental health services are available to help inmates address personal issues.
CONS
- Overcrowding: Some facilities experience overcrowding, which can lead to inadequate living conditions and limited access to programs.
- Limited Contact with Family: Depending on the location and security level of the facility, visiting hours can be restrictive, affecting family ties.
- Safety Concerns: Incidents of violence and abuse among inmates and sometimes staff can be a significant concern.
Most Violent Wisconsin Prisons
Determining the “most violent” prisons involves various factors such as the number of violent incidents reported, the severity of incidents, the criminal history of the inmate population, the types of inmates housed, and whether it’s a maximum-security prison.
The following three Wisconsin state facilities where violence is more prevalent:
Wisconsin Secure Program Facility – Boscobel
Security Level: Maximum
Often referred to as “Supermax,” this facility houses some of the state’s most difficult and dangerous offenders. Designed for solitary confinement, the intense restrictions and conditions can contribute to a tense environment. The facility is known for housing inmates in maximum security and solitary confinement conditions. It has been the subject of criticism and legal challenges due to its harsh conditions and the psychological impact on inmates.
Video: “The Torturous Supermax Prison – Wisconsin Secure Program Facility”
Waupun Correctional Institution – Waupun
Security Level: Maximum
One of the oldest and most well-known prisons in Wisconsin, Waupun has a history of housing violent offenders and has been the site of various reports of assaults and other serious incidents among inmates and sometimes involving staff.
Green Bay Correctional Institution – Green Bay
Security Level: Maximum
This facility is known for its strict security measures and houses a significant number of inmates serving long sentences for serious crimes. The prison has faced issues with overcrowding and violence.
Recent Fox6 News Milwaukee Prison Story
Video: “Wisconsin prison inmate describes ongoing nightmare”
Factors That Contribute to Violence In Wisconsin State Prisons
Overcrowding: Many prisons struggle with space, leading to tension and aggression among inmates.
Gang Activity: Gang affiliations can lead to violent clashes within the inmate population.
Mental Health Issues: Limited access to adequate mental health care can exacerbate conditions that lead to violence.
Staffing Issues: Understaffing can lead to less control and slower responses to incidents, potentially increasing violence.
Wisconsin State Prison Reforms
The Wisconsin state prison system has implemented various reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the correctional system. Some of these reforms include:
Alternatives to Incarceration: Wisconsin has expanded alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs, drug courts, and community-based supervision. These programs aim to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and reduce recidivism rates.
Sentencing Reform: The state has made efforts to reform sentencing policies to ensure proportionality and fairness. This includes revising mandatory minimum sentences and offering sentence adjustments based on an individual’s risk level and needs.
Treatment and Rehabilitation: Wisconsin has focused on providing evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation programs to address substance abuse, mental health issues, and educational/vocational training. These programs aim to support successful reintegration into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Solitary Confinement Reduction: There have been efforts to reduce the use of long-term solitary confinement in Wisconsin prisons, recognizing its potential negative effects on mental health and recidivism rates.
How To Locate A Wisconsin State Prisoner
To locate a prisoner within the Wisconsin state prison system, you can use the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ Offender Locator tool, which is available on their official website.
The tool allows you to search for an inmate by their Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) number, their first and last name, or their date of birth. By entering the relevant information, you can obtain information about the inmate’s current location within the prison system.
Sources and Reports on Prison Violence
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
The DOC’s website often includes annual reports, safety, and incident statistics, and press releases that can provide insights into occurrences of violence, measures being taken to address them, and overall safety conditions within state-operated facilities.
BJS provides a wealth of data on incarceration and prison conditions across the United States, including statistics on violence within prison systems.
BJS collects and analyzes data on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. Their reports include statistics on prison violence both at the state and national levels.
The Office of Justice Programs includes data on incidents within prisons, including violence.
Local News Articles On Prison Violence
Articles on Wisconsin’s criminal justice system, including specific incidents of violence, legislative changes, and interviews with key stakeholders.
Coverage of state prison issues, including editorials and investigative reports on violence within Wisconsin prisons.
WISCONSIN STATE PRISONS
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
2909 E. Park Ave.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Telephone:
(715)-720-2850
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
2909 E. Park Ave.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Columbia Correctional Institution
2925 Columbia Drive
Portage, WI 53901
Telephone:
(608)-742-9100
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Columbia Correctional Institution
2925 Columbia Drive
P.O. Box 900
Portage, WI 53901
When sending a money order to an inmate use the following address:
Columbia Correctional Institution
Inmate’s Name, ID Number
P.O. Box 999
Portage, WI 53901
Dodge Correctional Institution
1 W. Lincoln St.
Waupun, WI 53963
Telephone:
(920)-324-5577
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Dodge Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 700
Waupun, WI 53963-0700
When sending money orders or a cashier’s check to an inmate’s account use the following address:
Dodge Correctional Institution
Inmate’s Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 800
Waupun, WI 53963
Fox Lake Correctional Institution
W10237 Lake Emily Road
Fox Lake, WI 53933
Telephone:
(920)-928-3151
Inmate Mailing Address:
Fox Lake Correctional Institution
Inmate Name, DOC Number (Housing Unit)
P.O. Box 200
Fox Lake, WI 53933-0200
When sending a money order to an inmate use the following address:
Fox Lake Correctional Institution
Inmate Name, DOC Number (Housing if known)
P.O. Box 600
Fox Lake, WI 53933-0600
Green Bay Correctional Institution
2833 Riverside Drive
Green Bay, WI 54307
Telephone:
(920)-432-4877
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Green Bay Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 19033
Green Bay, WI 54307-9033
When sending a money order to an inmate’s account use:
Green Bay Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 10044
Green Bay, WI 54307-0044
Jackson Correctional Institution
N6500 Haipek Road
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Telephone: (715)-284-4550
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Jackson Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 233
Black River Falls, WI 54615-0233
When sending packages use the physical address with the inmate’s name and ID number.
When sending money orders to an inmate’s trust fund use the following address:
Inmate’s Name, ID Number
Jackson Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 116
Black River Falls, WI 54615-0116
Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution
W9071 Forest Drive
Plymouth, WI 53073
Telephone:
(920)-526-3244
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 282
Plymouth, WI 53073-0282
When sending money to an inmate use the following address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 444
Plymouth, WI 53073-0444
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility
1015 N. 10th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Telephone:
(414)-212-3535
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility
P.O. Box 05911
Milwaukee, WI 53205-0911
Use the following address when sending money orders to an offender:
MSDF
Inmate Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 05229
Milwaukee, WI 53205-0229
New Lisbon Correctional Institution
2000 Progress Road
New Lisbon, WI 53950
Telephone:
(608)-562-6400
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
New Lisbon Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 4000
New Lisbon, WI 53950
When sending funds to an inmate at New Lisbon Correctional Institution use the following address:
New Lisbon Correctional Institution
Inmate Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 6000
New Lisbon, WI 53950
Oakhill Correctional Institution
5212 County Hwy. M
Oregon, WI 53575
Telephone:
(608)-835-3101
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Oakhill Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 140
Oregon, WI 53575-0140
Oshkosh Correctional Institution
1730 W. Snell Road
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Telephone:
(920)-231-4010
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Oshkosh Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 3310
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3310
When sending money order to an inmate’s account use the following address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Oshkosh Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 3367
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3367
Praire du Chien Correctional Institution
500 E. Parrish St.
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Telephone:
(608)-326-7828
Inmate Mailing Address:
Praire du Chien Correctional Institution
Inmate Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 9900
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
When sending a money order to an offender’s account mail it to:
Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution
Attn: Inmate Accounts
Inmate Name and DOC Number
P.O. Box 6000
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Racine Correctional Institution
2019 Wisconsin St.
Sturtevant, WI 53177
Telephone:
(262)-886-3214
Inmate Mailing Address:
Racine Correctional Institution
Inmate name, DOC Number, Housing Unit
P.O. Box 900
Sturtevant, WI 53177-0900
When sending a money order to an inmate’s account use the following address:
Racine Correctional Institution
Inmate name, DOC Number, Housing Unit
P.O. Box 909
Sturtevant, WI 53177-0909
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
1501 Albert St.
Racine, WI 53404
Telephone:
(262)-638-1999
Inmate Mailing Address:
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
Inmate’s Name and DOC Number
(Housing Unit)
P.O. Box 2500
Racine, WI 53404-0002
When sending a money order to the inmate’s trust account use the following address:
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
Inmate’s Name and DOC Number
(Housing Unit & Cell Number)
P.O. Box 44398
Racine, WI 53404-7007
Redgranite Correctional Institution
1006 County Road EE
Redgranite, WI 54970
Telephone:
(920)-566-2600
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Redgranite Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 925
Redgranite, WI 54970-0925
When sending a money order to an inmate use the following address:
Redgranite Correctional Institution
Inmate Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 1000
Redgranite, WI 54970-1000
Stanley Correctional Institution
100 Corrections Drive
Stanley, WI 54768-6500
Telephone: (715)-644-2960
Inmate Mailing Address:
Stanley Correctional Institution
Inmate’s Name, DOC Number
100 Corrections Drive
Stanley, WI 54768-6500
When sending a money order to an inmate’s account use the following address:
Stanley Correctional Institution
Inmate’s Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 235
Stanley, WI 54768-0235
Sturtevant Transitional Facility
9351 Rayne Road
Sturtevant, WI 53177
Telephone:
(262)-884-2410
Inmate Mailing Address:
Sturtevant Transitional Facility
Inmate’s name, DOC Number, Housing Unit
P.O. Box 903
Sturtevant, WI 53177-0903
To deposit funds to an inmate’s account you can mail a money order to:
Sturtevant Transitional Facility
Inmate name, DOC Number, Housing Unit
P.O. Box 909
Sturtevant, WI 53177-0909
Taycheedah Correctional Institution
751 County Road K
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1947
Telephone:
(920)-929-3800
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Taycheedah Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 3100
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-3100
When sending funds to an inmate at Taycheedah Correctional use the following address:
Inmate Accounts
Taycheedah Correctional Institution
Inmate Name, DOC Number
P.O. Box 3000
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-3000
Waupun Correctional Institution
200 S. Madison St.
Waupun, WI 53963-0351
Telephone:
(920)-324-5571
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate’s Name, DOC Number
Waupun Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 351
Waupun, WI 53963-0351
When sending funds to an inmate use the following address:
Inmate’s Name, DOC Number
WCI Business Office
P.O. Box 247
Waupun, WI 53963-0247
Wisconsin Secure Program Facility
1101 Morrison Drive
Boscobel, WI 53805
Telephone:
(608)-375-5656
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Wisconsin Secure Program Facility
P.O. Box 9900
Boscobel, WI 53805-9900
