ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wednesday marks one year since lockdown-type restrictions were placed on inmates at Green Bay Correctional Institution.
Limits were put on things like visitation, recreation time, and showers.
While state officials say regular operations have almost completely returned, inmates tell a different story.
“The way they’re being treated, being confined to your cells for 24/7, that’s a little bit ridiculous,” said Vicki Risse, who is the aunt of Michael Lawrenz, an inmate at GBCI.
Risse says she speaks to her nephew twice a week. State records show he’s currently at Green Bay Correctional, serving about 12 years for crimes that include robbery and recklessly endangering safety.
“He’s told me they’re not allowed to go outside,” said Risse. “It’s nice out. Why can’t they do that now?”
Lawrenz is one of 21 inmates from Green Bay Correctional who has written at least one letter to FOX 11 in the past year, complaining about the conditions inside the prison and pleading for help.
The most recent letter came a week ago from Antonio Sheppard, who is serving a 7-year sentence for burglary and kidnapping.
“Nothing has changed but an extra 30 minutes of out of cell exercise, which amounts to only 167 hours of a caged unrehabilitated human being that is confined in hot, humid and a deplorable building,” writes Sheppard. “When temperatures hit 80 degrees, it is really 90 plus due to it being no circulation.”
At the end of his letter, Sheppard writes, “Nothing has changed since Tony Evers signed that executive order to change this corruption. It’s only getting worse. We need your help!”
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections initially told FOX 11 last year a modified movement order was issued for GBCI due to disruptive and assaultive behavior from inmates. Kevn Carr, the former DOC secretary who recently resigned, also blamed a lack of staff in a hearing with state lawmakers.
Governor Evers called for sweeping changes in November. Six months later, the latest progress report from the state claims things are almost back to normal.
The June 3 report from the DOC says “only a state administrative rule regarding the length of recreation time offered remains suspended” at both GBCI and Waupun Correctional.
The report also states inmates at all DOC facilities recently received their own tablet for contacting loved ones, accessing the law library and educational resources.
As for staffing, FOX 11 reported in September about 40% of correctional officer and sergeant positions were vacant at GBCI. The state dashboard shows the vacancy rate currently sits at about 24%
“If things have gotten better, why are they still inside their cells 24/7?” said Risse. “They can’t even get out to have their meals three times a day. They’re served to them right inside their cells.”
In two months, GBCI will turn 126 years old. Governor Evers has rebuffed requests to replace the prison, instead saying lawmakers should focus on prison system reform.
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