Fond du Lac County jail overcrowding prompts discussion

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WBAY) - County leaders discussed overcrowding concerns at the Fond du Lac County Jail during a Tuesday night meeting, as the aging facility continues to exceed its capacity of 335 people.

The jail is falling short of certain safety standards according to the Department of Corrections. As a years-long effort to begin construction of a new jail remains unresolved, officials are making do with what they have.

“I’m at my wit’s end with this jail, and what we’ve got for options. We just do not have good options to manage the population,” Sheriff Waldschmidt said.

Nearly three quarters of inmates are being held on a bail jumping charge or a probation-parole hold, meaning they failed to follow the rules of their probation from a prior sentence.

Current solutions and future options

Many inmates either have to be moved to the Green Lake County Jail or be placed in one of several diversion programs. Many of the programs bring lower-risk inmates out of the crowded jail and on the road to recovery.

“I think there is interest in some of what those other programs could be if the resources are there to support it, and can help make a difference, for the county and for our jail population in a way that compromises public safety,” District Attorney Eric Toney said.

More diversion programs could be added in the near future, but they would require more funding. County board member Scott Rodman is sharing his support.

“Some of the diversionary programs will cost more and require more staffing, yes, but it might reduce the number of beds we need in our new jail,” Rodman said.

County supervisors are expected to meet to review bids for a new facility later this month, which could bring them one step closer to breaking ground.