(Juneau) The Dodge County sheriff is making several recommendations to the state of Wisconsin in the wake of his agency’s investigation into four deaths at Waupun Correctional.
Major concerns highlighted during their probe included a lack of documentation, lack of proper staffing, lack of training staff, lack of accountability, and lack of procedures being followed for proper cell checks. Similar incidences also occurred at Green Bay Correctional, which were investigated in Brown County.
“Seriously consider renovating the housing units or closing and replacing Waupun Correctional and Green Bay Correctional,” says Sheriff Dale Schmidt.
Schmidt says the governor has indicated to legislators, who the sheriff has spoken with, that he will never build a new prison as it would not be politically popular.
“I would ask, why not? One new prison could replace two prisons…or two renovated prisons would be much better than what we have now,” says Schmidt. “It will save lives….it will provide for a more humane treatment of inmates.”
The sheriff also encourages the state’s Department of Corrections to immediately implement the same standards as are required for all Wisconsin jails such as annual inspections. Other recommendations include fixing all cameras to allow for proper monitoring of inmates, train supervisors on standards and accountability, as well as provide training and proper supervision to staff.
