Prison problems Archives - Wisconsin Watch

Prison tracker static

Justice & Safety

Track Wisconsin’s prison population

by Paul Kiefer / Wisconsin Watch May 28, 2026May 28, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Explore weekly prison population and capacity data for Wisconsin’s correctional system and each facility dating back to 2006.

An American flag and a Wisconsin flag are attached to a pole outside a building labeled “Taycheedah Correctional Institution Gatehouse,” with fencing and trees in the background.

Justice & Safety

Wisconsin’s prison population is heading toward a record high. Track the trend here.

by Paul Kiefer / Wisconsin Watch and Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch May 27, 2026May 26, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Metal fence in foreground with view of a tan brick building topped with guard towers, barred windows and fencing lined with razor wire under an overcast sky

Forward, Justice & Safety

Tony Evers revived commutations, but what will Wisconsin’s next governor do?

by Brittany Carloni / Wisconsin Watch April 27, 2026April 28, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A rusted chain and padlock secure a metal gate, with a brick building and barbed wire visible in the background.

Forward, Government

Commutations are back. Here’s what incarcerated people and their loved ones should know.

by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch April 10, 2026April 13, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

An illustration includes handwritten and printed pages labeled with addresses and dates, an orange background with "THIS LETTER HAS BEEN MAILED FROM THE WISCONSIN PRISON SYSTEM" in red letters, and an aerial image of a facility.

Forward, Justice & Safety, Pathways to success

Wisconsin’s work-release program promises opportunity. Prisoners say jobs are scarce.

by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch December 15, 2025December 22, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Wooden sign with yellow lettering reads "Green Bay Correctional Institution" beside a smaller "No trespassing" sign, surrounded by green shrubs and trees under a blue sky.

Forward, Justice & Safety

Wisconsin Republicans mum on prison plans heading into key vote on moving projects forward

by Brittany Carloni / Wisconsin Watch and Mario Koran / Wisconsin Watch October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Person wearing orange clothes sits in a wheelchair in a prison cell.

Justice & Safety

Wisconsin rarely grants compassionate release as aging, ailing prisoners stress systems

by Mario Koran / Wisconsin Watch and Sreejita Patra / Wisconsin Watch October 7, 2025October 6, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Barbed wire fence

Justice & Safety, News about Wisconsin Watch

How we’re reporting on Wisconsin prisons

by Jim Malewitz / Wisconsin Watch September 10, 2025September 9, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Sign says “NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS” in front of sign that says “GREEN BAY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION” next to highway.

Forward, Justice & Safety

‘Band-Aid on the problem’: Past raises haven’t fully solved Wisconsin prison staffing problems

by Mario Koran / Wisconsin Watch July 11, 2025July 14, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Prison behind bars

Ask Wisconsin Watch

Why is Wisconsin’s prison system such a ‘mess,’ and what can be done to fix it?

by Sreejita Patra / Wisconsin Watch June 23, 2025June 27, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

No trespassing sign outside prison

Justice & Safety

Vendor failure means Wisconsin prisoners can’t buy food or other items

by Addie Costello / Wisconsin Watch May 22, 2025February 5, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Illustration of cellphone with words “No connection…”

Justice & Safety

‘It’s been a living hell’: Wisconsin prison phone failures leave families disconnected

by Addie Costello / Wisconsin Watch May 8, 2025February 5, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch