Prisons Archives - Wisconsin Watch

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Government, Justice & Safety

Republican Tom Tiffany backs expanding Wisconsin prisons as population hits record high

by Brittany Carloni / Wisconsin Watch September 4, 2026September 4, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

The Republican gubernatorial candidate’s position on prison issues contrasts sharply with Democratic candidate David Crowley’s.

A building sign reading "WAUPUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION 1852 A.D. STATE OF WISCONSIN" is visible through a metal fence.

Forward, Justice & Safety

Wisconsin prisons hit record population as crowding strains staffing and programs

by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch August 28, 2026August 31, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A rusted chain and padlock secure a metal gate, with a brick building, towers and coils of razor wire visible behind it.

Guest opinion: Wisconsin’s commutation debate should look beyond the toughest cases

by Tonia Thornhill August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A sign reading "Taycheedah Correctional Institution" stands beside a parking lot filled with vehicles, with fencing and trees behind it.

Government, Justice & Safety

Wisconsin to hold commutations hearing Friday

by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch August 18, 2026August 24, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Do more than a quarter of Wisconsin state employees work for the Corrections Department?

by Tom Kertscher / Wisconsin Watch July 9, 2026July 7, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A view through doors shows chain-link fencing topped with razor wire next to a grassy yard, with a building visible in the distance.

Guest opinion: open letters on justice and public safety as Wisconsin weighs commutations

by Shannon Ross July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

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Justice & Safety

Gov. Tony Evers’ commutation process draws support, criticism as applicants seek release

by Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service June 3, 2026June 1, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

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

A stone building with “Wisconsin State Reformatory” above the entrance stands behind tall trees and a grassy lawn.

Guest opinion: After decades in prison, who deserves a chance at clemency?

by Sherry Reames, Mark Rice, Joyce Ellwanger and Harlan Richards May 16, 2026May 21, 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

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

Justice & Safety

Review details problems with solitary confinement, overcrowding in Wisconsin prisons

by Sarah Lehr / WPR November 18, 2025November 18, 2025 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

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