MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A hearing in Madison Tuesday highlighted alleged ongoing problems within the Department of Corrections, with lawmakers indicating they are in search of solutions.
A state assembly committee on corrections spent the day listening to those with complaints about the state’s prison system.
Former correctional officers and family members of those incarcerated urged lawmakers to address what they outlined as systemic problems of abuse, sexual harassment by supervisors and retaliation against guards and inmates who speak out at prisons across the state.
“My father’s death could have been prevented,” Megan Kolb said.
On Tuesday, Kolb told the legislative panel about her father’s short stay at Waupun Correctional last year. She says his documented medical and mental health issues were ignored after being transferred to Waupun. Kolb’s father, Dean Hoffmann, killed himself in solitary confinement in June 2023.
“After I received the medical records I found they had missed his medication more often than they gave them to him. He had no pysch exam and he was ignored when he asked for help.”
Other inmates’ family members shared similar stories. Molly Hayden says after filing complaints about her son’s treatment in prison, he was placed in segregation, and his medical issues ignored. She says speaking out was faced with retaliation.
“Clearly it’s not a Waupun issue, it’s an entire issue amongst the Wisconsin prison system.”
Prison guards say they too can face retaliation for speaking out.
“It’s never safe legally to be alone in a room with a superior. Everyone should be allowed a witness,” said former correctional sergeant Cindy Sherwin.
Sherwin, who now represents some current prison staffers, says when guards try to advocate for inmates, they too can face retaliation from higher ups including the Dept. of Correction’s Internal Affairs.
“All of these people are involved in this corruption and covering this stuff up. When there’s a report it should be formally investigated.”
Rebecca Aubart with Ladies of SCI said, “Retaliation is a real thing and we have all experienced it personally, and so it’s like trying to pull teeth to get people to talk to you guys.”
The legislative panel is meeting to come up with solutions to documented problems within the prison system.
State Rep. Michael Schraa, Committee Chair (R) of Oshkosh, said, “Are there things that could be done by the legislature? That’s the kind of ideas we’re looking for right now.”
Department of Corrections officials were not invited to testify at this hearing. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy sent a letter to the committee stating the department was listening and “will continue to take action for the betterment of our institutions, safety of our staff and the wellbeing of those who are in our care.”
Comments