WAUPUN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Alarming staffing shortages at Waupun Correctional Institution has state officials looking to pull workers from other prisons across Wisconsin.
“It’s not safe for inmates and it’s definitely not safe for staff,” said State Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) of the staffing levels at WCI. “Something bad is going to happen.”
41.89% of the officer and sergeant jobs at Waupun Correctional are currently open. That compares to 16.24% of those jobs at adult prisons statewide.
“It’s a crisis in the state of Wisconsin and if they don’t fix it, people are going to get hurt or worse,” said a DOC corrections officer, who wanted to remain anonymous.
The officer alerted FOX 11 of the high vacancy rate at WCI, which is the state’s oldest prison at 167 years old. He says he and his peers aren’t happy with a new DOC plan to help cover shifts at Waupun.
“They’re disgusted by it.”
Starting in June, 12 adult prisons with staff vacancies below 20% will take turns sending four of their staff members to Waupun every other two-week pay period. Volunteers will be sought first, but if there aren’t enough, the least senior uniform staff would be sent.
“Pulling them away from their families, that is just another incentive to quit DOC and join the workforce elsewhere in Wisconsin,” said the corrections officer, who didn’t not want his identity revealed.
FOX 11 asked the DOC for an interview, but they said no one would be available. We did receive a statement from DOC Secretary Kevin Carr.
“I believe the safety and security of staff and persons in our care at Waupun Correctional Institution requires us to use all effective means to address high vacancy rates at the institution,” wrote Carr in the statement.
“I understand we’re at crisis levels and I understand why DOC is wanting to implement this, but my gut is telling me a $5 add on would be the better route to go,” said Schraa, whose district covers Waupun.
Schraa, who is the chair of the Assembly committee for corrections, plans to introduce the $5 per hour add on as a budget motion. It would sunset once staffing reaches a certain level.
“It’s a band aid, yes. We have to think outside of the box.”
Starting in April 2019, the DOC had a similar $5 per hour add-on for security staff at WCI and five other institutions to address vacancy issues. Schraa says it helped.
The DOC memo says extra incentives were explored, but couldn’t be authorized. It says lodging will be offered for those traveling more than 40 miles one way and mileage and meals will be reimbursed.
Starting pay for a corrections officer in Wisconsin is $19.03
The DOC is offering a $2,000 sign on bonus for new correctional officers and sergeants who start their careers at Waupun.
