View source for Wisconsin Department of Corrections

{{Short description|Wisconsin state government department}}
{{Third-party|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
|agencyname      = Wisconsin Department of Corrections
|abbreviation    = WIDOC
|patch           = Wisconsin DOC.jpg
|patchcaption    =
|badge           = Seal of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.svg
|badgecaption    = Seal of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections
|flag            =
|flagcaption     =
|imagesize       =
|formed          = January 1, 1990
|preceding1      = Wisconsin Prison Commissioner (1853&ndash;1874)
|preceding2      = Wisconsin Prison Commission (1874&ndash;1881)
|preceding3      = Wisconsin Board of Supervision of Charitable, Reformatory and Penal Institutions (1881&ndash;1891)
|preceding4      = Wisconsin Board of Control of Reformatory, Charitable, and Penal Institutions (1891&ndash;1939)
|preceding5      = Division of Corrections, Wisconsin Department of Public Welfare (1939&ndash;1967)
|preceding6      = Division of Corrections, Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services (1967&ndash;1989)
|employees       = 10,261.52 (2023)<ref name="2023bb">{{cite report|url= https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lrb/blue_book/2023_2024/ |title= Wisconsin Blue Book 2023&ndash;2024 |year= 2023 |publisher= [[Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau]] |chapter-url= https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lrb/blue_book/2023_2024/050_executive.pdf  |chapter= The Executive  |pages= 189-192 |accessdate= December 24, 2023 }}</ref>
|budget          = [[United States dollar|$]]2,838,410,000 (2023)<ref name="2023bb"/>
|country         = United States of America
|countryabbr     = USA
|divtype         = State
|divname         = Wisconsin
|headquarters    = {{nowrap|3099 E. Washington Ave.}} [[Madison, Wisconsin]]
|chief1name      = Jared M. Hoy<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schulte |first1=Laura |title=Deputy Secretary Jared Hoy elevated to lead Wisconsin Department of Corrections |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/24/jared-hoy-appointed-to-lead-the-department-of-corrections/73837293007/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |agency=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]] |date=24 May 2024}}</ref> 
|chief1position  = Secretary
|stationtype     = Institution
|stations        = 41
|website         = {{URL|doc.wi.gov}}
}}

The '''Wisconsin Department of Corrections''' ('''WIDOC''') is an administrative department in the [[Executive (government)|executive branch]] of the state of [[Wisconsin]] responsible for [[corrections]] in Wisconsin, including state [[prison]]s and community supervision. The secretary is a cabinet member appointed by the [[governor of Wisconsin]] and confirmed by the [[Wisconsin Senate]].<ref>[https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/ExecutiveLeadership.aspx WI DOC-Leadership].</ref>

Divisions of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections include: the Division of Juvenile Corrections (DJC), the Division of Adult Institutions (DAI), the Division of Community Corrections (DCC) and Division of Management Services (DMS). WIDOC is headquartered in [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]].<ref>[https://doc.wi.gov/pages/home.aspx Home page]. Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Retrieved on September 12, 2018.</ref>

==History==
The [[Wisconsin Legislature]] first authorized a commission to locate and build a state prison in 1851.  That [[Waupun Correctional Institution|first prison]] was opened in 1852 in [[Waupun, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Department History |url=https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/DepartmentHistory.aspx |website=doc.wi.gov |access-date=4 March 2021}}</ref> In 1853, Wisconsin abolished the [[death penalty]], making it the first state to do so.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wisconsin |url=https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/state-by-state/wisconsin |website=deathpenaltyinfo.org |access-date=4 March 2021}}</ref>  That same year, Wisconsin created the office of state prison commissioner as a state-wide partisan elected office. That office was abolished in 1874 and replaced by a board of commissioners appointed by the governor, which was folded into the state Board of Supervision of Charitable, Reformatory and Penal Institutions in 1881.  That board was transformed into the Board of Control of Reformatory, Charitable, and Penal Institutions in 1891.<ref name="2015bb">{{cite report|url= https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lrb/blue_book/2015_2016/ |title=  State of Wisconsin 2015&ndash;2016 Blue Book |year= 2015 |publisher= [[Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau]] |isbn=978-0-9752820-7-6 |editor-last1= Pohlman |editor-first1= Julie |editor-last2= Lemanski |editor-first2= Lynn |chapter-url= https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lrb/blue_book/2015_2016/600_executive_branch.pdf  |chapter= Executive Branch |pages= 385-394 |accessdate= December 24, 2023 }}</ref> 

In 1909, a law was enacted creating [[parole]] and the state's first [[probation officer|Parole officer]] was appointed. In 1933, [[Taycheedah Correctional Institution]] opened as an all female prison.

In 1939, control of state prisons was transferred to a new "Division of Corrections" established within the new Wisconsin Department of Public Welfare.  There was a major reorganization of Wisconsin's state government agencies in 1967, and the Department of Public Welfare was replaced by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, where the Division of Corrections was relocated.  The modern Wisconsin Department of Corrections was created by a chapter of the executive budget of 1989 (1989 Wisc. Act 31) and began operating January 1, 1990.<ref name="2015bb"/>

In June 2008, over 120 minimum-security supervised inmate workers were used to assist in filling sandbags and flood cleanup during the [[June 2008 Midwest floods|flooding]].

In April 2020, the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] filed a lawsuit asking the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]] to order Governor [[Tony Evers]] and the Department of Corrections to reduce the prison population due to [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lawsuit seeks release of Wisconsin inmates due to virus |url=https://apnews.com/article/b2b8f979fddc67925bad31d564e5b534 |access-date=28 April 2021 |publisher=Associated Press}}</ref>

== Division of Adult Institutions ==
The Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) oversees 19 adult institutions and 16 adult correctional centers, along with the Office of Program Services, the Bureau of Correctional Enterprises, the Bureau of Health Services and the Bureau of Offender Classification and Movement.<ref>[https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/AdultInstitutions.aspx Division of Adult Institutions].</ref> The Wisconsin Correctional Center System consists of 14 adult male facilities statewide that assist inmates in reintegration to the community.<ref>[https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/OffenderInformation/AdultInstitutions/WisconsinCorrectionalCenterSystem.aspx Wisconsin Correctional Center System].</ref> The Wisconsin Women's Correctional System includes Taycheedah Correctional Institution and two adult female correctional centers.

Male inmates entering the prison system first go to [[Dodge Correctional Institution]] before being given permanent assignments, and female inmates to [[Taycheedah Correctional Institution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/OffenderInformation/AdultInstitutions/IncarcerationLifecycle.aspx|title=WI DOC Incarceration Lifecycle}}</ref>

== Division of Juvenile Corrections ==
The Division of Juvenile Corrections operates three juvenile facilities and several regional offices in the Northwest and Southeast.

Secured juvenile correctional facilities include:<ref>"[https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/OffenderInformation/JuvenileCorrections/JuvenileFacilities.aspx Secured Juvenile Correctional Facilities]." Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Retrieved on July 5, 2010.</ref>
*Lincoln Hills School and Copper Lake School are located in Irma, WI.
*The Grow Academy is a residential program offering comprehensive treatment for county and state-supervised youth as an alternative to incarceration, as well as a step down for youth returning to the community.

The state also uses residential care centers and works with the Department of Health Services in relation to the [[Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center]] (MJTC).<ref>"[https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mendota/mjtc.htm Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center (MJTC)]." Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Retrieved on July 30, 2018.</ref>

Facilities that are now closed include:
* [[Ethan Allen School for Boys]] ([[Delafield (town), Wisconsin|Delafield Town]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.townofdelafield.org:443/sites/g/files/vyhlif5546/f/uploads/delafield-aug-2017.pdf|title=Waukesha County Zoning Map Delafield|publisher=Delafield Town|accessdate=2023-06-17|quote=Boys School Road}} - See SW part of the map.</ref>) - Closed on July 1, 2011.<ref name="Ethanallen">Johnson, Mike. "[http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/117500808.html Millions spent on improvements to Ethan Allen School]." ''[[Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]]''. March 6, 2011. Retrieved on September 22, 2011.</ref>
** Facility was converted from the Wisconsin State TB Sanitarium to a juvenile facility in April 1959.
* Southern Oaks Girls School<ref>"[http://www.wi-doc.com/SOGS.htm Southern Oaks Girls School]."  Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Retrieved on July 5, 2010.</ref> - Closed on July 1, 2011.<ref name="Ethanallen"/>

== Division of Community Corrections ==
The function of the Division of Community Corrections (DCC) is to supervise offenders (more than 68,000 as of 2017) on probation, parole or extended supervision,<ref>{{cite web|title=Division of Community Corrections (DCC)|url=https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/CommunityCorrections/Default.aspx|website=State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections|access-date=13 October 2017}}</ref> which includes the operation and maintenance of the Wisconsin sex offender registry program.<ref>[http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/ WI DOC Sex Offender Registry<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>  These offenders are supervised by [[Probation officer|Probation and Parole Agents]] who use evidence based-practices to enhance public safety by addressing their offender's most influential criminogenic needs to lower their level of recidivism and assist them in building skills needed to be successful in the community. Agents provide investigative services to the courts and the Parole Commission to aid in sentencing and community reentry planning.<ref>{{cite web|title=DOC Department Careers|url=https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/Careers/DepartmentCareers.aspx|website=State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections|access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>

On August 24, 2020, a Division of Community Corrections building was burned down during the [[Kenosha unrest]].  This office was responsible for the supervision of [[sexual offenders]] in [[Kenosha]].

==Division of Management Services==
The Division of Management Services (DMS) provides analytical and operational services that support all Department of Corrections' policies, programs, and service delivery initiatives. The Division serves as a resource in the areas of training, risk management and safety, fleet management, budgeting, internal auditing, accounting, fiscal services, food services, purchasing and procurement, facilities management, telecommunications, general support services, information systems, technology management, and records management.<ref>{{cite web|title=DOC Division of Management Services|url=https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/ManagementServices.aspx|website=State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections|access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>

== Facilities ==
{{main|List of Wisconsin state prisons}}

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections operates 20 prisons.

== Fallen officers ==

Since the establishment of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, three officers have died in the line of duty.<ref>[http://www.odmp.org/agency/4288-wisconsin-department-of-corrections-wisconsin Officer Down Memorial Page]</ref>

== Historical leadership==
=== State Prison Commissioners (1853&ndash;1874)===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
! Order
! Commissioner
! Took office
! Left office
! Notes
|-
| 1
| align="left" | {{sortname|John|Taylor|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1853|3|28}}
| {{Date table sorting|1853|4|2}}
| align="left" | Appointed, then removed by [[Leonard J. Farwell]]
|-
| 2
| align="left" | {{sortname|Henry|Brown|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1853|4|2}}
| {{Date table sorting|1854|1|2}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Leonard J. Farwell]]
|-
| 3
| align="left" | {{sortname|Argalus|Starks}}
| {{Date table sorting|1854|1|2}}
| {{Date table sorting|1856|1|7}}
| align="left" | Elected 1853
|-
| 4
| align="left" | {{sortname|Edward|McGarry|Edward McGarry (Wisconsin politician)}}
| {{Date table sorting|1856|1|7}}
| {{Date table sorting|1858|1|4}}
| align="left" | Elected 1855
|-
| 5
| align="left" | {{sortname|Edward M.|McGraw|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1858|1|4}}
| {{Date table sorting|1860|1|2}}
| align="left" | Elected 1857
|-
| 6
| align="left" | {{sortname|Hans Christian|Heg}}
| {{Date table sorting|1860|1|2}}
| {{Date table sorting|1862|1|6}}
| align="left" | Elected 1859
|-
| 7
| align="left" | {{sortname|Alexander P.|Hodges|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1862|1|6}}
| {{Date table sorting|1864|1|4}}
| align="left" | Elected 1861
|-
| 8
| align="left" | {{sortname|Henry|Cordier|nolink=1 }}
| {{Date table sorting|1864|1|4}}
| {{Date table sorting|1870|1|3}}
| align="left" | Elected 1863
|-
| 9
| align="left" | {{sortname|George F.|Wheeler}}
| {{Date table sorting|1870|1|3}}
| {{Date table sorting|1874|1|4}}
| align="left" | Elected 1869
|}

=== Secretaries (1989&ndash;present)===

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
! Order
! Secretary
! Took office
! Left office
! Notes
|-
| 1
| align="left" | {{sortname|Stephen E.|Bablitch|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1990|1|1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1991|1|7}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Tommy Thompson]].
|-
| 2
| align="left" | {{sortname|Patrick J.|Fiedler|Patrick Fiedler}}
| {{Date table sorting|1991|1|7}}
| {{Date table sorting|1993|11|24}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Tommy Thompson]].
|-
| 3
| align="left" | {{sortname|Michael J.|Sullivan|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|1993|11|24}}
| {{Date table sorting|1999|1|8}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Tommy Thompson]].
|-
| 4
| align="left" | {{sortname|Jon|Litscher}}
| {{Date table sorting|1999|1|8}}
| {{Date table sorting|2003|1|3}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Tommy Thompson]].
|-
| 5
| align="left" | {{sortname|Matthew J.|Frank|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2003|1|3}}
| {{Date table sorting|2007|9|4}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Jim Doyle]].
|-
| 6
| align="left" | {{sortname|Rick|Raemisch|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2007|9|4}}
| {{Date table sorting|2011|1|3}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Jim Doyle]].
|-
| 7
| align="left" | {{sortname|Gary|Hamblin|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2011|1|3}}
| {{Date table sorting|2012|10|26}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]].
|-
| 8
| align="left" | {{sortname|Ed|Wall|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2012|10|27}}
| {{Date table sorting|2016|3|15}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]].
|-
| 9
| align="left" | {{sortname|Jon|Litscher}}
| {{Date table sorting|2016|3|15}}
| {{Date table sorting|2018|6|11}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]].
|-
| 10
| align="left" | {{sortname|Cathy|Jess|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2018|6|11}}
| {{Date table sorting|2019|1|7}}
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]].
|-
| 11
| align="left" | {{sortname|Kevin|Carr|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2019|1|7}}
| March 8, 2024
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Tony Evers]].
|-
| 12
| align="left" | {{sortname|Jared|Hoy|nolink=1}}
| {{Date table sorting|2024|5|24}}
| 
| align="left" | Appointed by [[Tony Evers]].
|}

== See also ==
*[[List of United States state correction agencies]]
*[[List of law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin]]
*[[List of Wisconsin state prisons]]
*[[Wisconsin witch hunt]]
{{-}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://doc.wi.gov Wisconsin Department of Corrections] official website

{{-}}
{{State prisons in Wisconsin}}
{{Incarceration in the United States}}
{{Incarceration of Juveniles in the United States}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wisconsin Department Of Corrections}}
[[Category:Prisons in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:State corrections departments of the United States]]
[[Category:Juvenile detention centers in the United States]]
[[Category:1851 establishments in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1851]]