Prisons plan to restore inmate movement in Waupun, Green Bay

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Corrections officials released a sweeping plan late this afternoon, with the goal to improve safety and conditions at state prisons. It’s an issue that Action 2 news has covered extensively in the last few weeks.

Within the plan is a call for Waupun and Green Bay Correctional Institutions to restore regular movement for inmates. Both have been restricting inmate movement for months.

Officials have also set a goal of making Waupun a single-cell housing facility by March, which includes transferring 220 inmates elsewhere to relief staffing pressures.

The administration is also updating policy which includes enhancements in emergency response procedures, new standards for security rounds, especially in restrictive housing units, and policy revisions to reduce the use of restrictive housing.

The Village of Allouez released a statement Tuesday night about the plans. Village President Jim Rafter commended Governor Evers to taking steps, but also stating:

Action 2 News also spoke with Sara Williams of Joshua - the group has been part of a network of former prisoners and human rights advocates speaking out for change.

“We just really want to bring attention to the atrocities that are going on inside Green Bay right now,” said Williams. “Governor Evers went to out to Waupun finally which is great and we are excited for that; we would like him to come out here and see what is going on here and maybe something will be shaking inside of him that says ‘I’m not ok with this. When I go to bed at night, I am not okay with this.’”

Action 2 News contacted Department of Corrections Deputy of Communications - Kevin Hoffman for response to the plan from the governor’s office and have yet to hear back.

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