The Integrity Center
.png)
Why Milwaukee?
In Wisconsin, about 2,000 men and women remain incarcerated under the "Old Law," despite being legally eligible for parole. These individuals were sentenced before the enactment of the Truth In Sentencing (TIS) legislation, which means they were expected to be released after serving 25% of their sentence if all conditions were met. However, many have served well beyond this period, completed required programs, and have solid release plans. The continued incarceration of these individuals costs the state over $96 million annually (Wisconsin Department of Corrections) (Home).
Under the "Old Law," judges often imposed longer sentences with the understanding that inmates could be paroled after serving a portion of their time. Despite this, many who have demonstrated low risk of re-offending and good behavior remain incarcerated, and treated under the same stringent rules as those sentenced under TIS. This results in unfairly extended sentences, causing them to serve double the time compared to individuals sentenced under the newer law (Wisconsin Department of Corrections) (Home).
The WI DOC, The WI BOCM (Bureau of Classification & Movement), and The WI Parole Commission have been deviating from Wisconsin's State Legislature 304, the legal process for parole grants. Without accountability, transparency, and proper supervision the WI DOC & Parole Commission has been denying parole grants when the incarcerated person has met the legal requirements to receive a parole grant. People sentenced under the WI Old Laws have no appeal rights or grievance procedures when it comes to Parole denials, Program Review Committee (P.R.C) decisions, B.O.C.M decisions (only if a notable error was made), conduct reports, social worker decisions, and all other issues related to the Old Law of Parole.
Why Milwaukee? Because our youth need guidance to realize their potential, break the cycle of generational incarceration, and manage stress. We must foster relationships, reconnect them with loved ones, and help formerly incarcerated individuals adjust successfully. By empowering these individuals to become positive influences, we can restore integrity within families and strengthen our community as a whole. It's time to stop giving our lives to the prison system and reignite the strength, support, and unity within our families and communities.
Mass Incarceration
The New Yorker
Wisconsin faces significant challenges with mass incarceration, particularly affecting its Black population. As of recent statistics, Wisconsin has the highest incarceration rate for Black individuals in the United States, with one in 36 Black adults incarcerated. This disparity is stark compared to the national average and is particularly concentrated in Milwaukee’s predominantly African-American 53206 ZIP code, where a large percentage of Black men have been imprisoned or are currently serving time.
Efforts to address this crisis include calls for the decriminalization of low-level offenses, the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences, and increased funding for reentry programs that support formerly incarcerated individuals in their transition back into society. Reform advocates stress the need for systemic changes across all stages of the criminal justice process, from policing to sentencing and post-release supervision.
Sources:
WI Broken Parole System
The state of Wisconsin incarcerates a total of 615 per 100,000 people, (including jails, immigration detentions, and juvenile justice facilities). WI locks up a higher percentage of its people than than almost any democratic country on earth. In Wisconsin, approximately 2,000 men and women remain incarcerated under the “Old Law,” despite being legally eligible for parole based on their original sentences. This continued incarceration costs the state over $96 million annually. All these individuals were sentenced before the enactment of the Truth in Sentencing (TIS) legislation.
jGirl Magazine
Milwaukee 53206
The United States holds the highest number of prisoners globally, both in absolute numbers and per capita. This issue is particularly pronounced in Milwaukee’s 53206 ZIP code, where 62% of adult Black men are currently in prison or have served time. This area experiences extremely high incarceration rates, contributing to significant social and economic challenges for its residents. During the study period, the 53206 ZIP code was identified as having the highest incarceration rate in the world. High crime rates in other areas of Milwaukee further exacerbate these issues, leading to children growing up without their parents and spouses left to raise families alone. This separation causes deep emotional and psychological distress for children as they struggle to cope with the absence of their loved ones.
Sources:
-
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's research on high incarceration rates in Milwaukee's 53206 ZIP code (UW-Milwaukee) (The New Republic).
-
The New Republic article on incarceration in Milwaukee’s 53206 ZIP code (The New Republic).
Youth Incarceration Rate Increases
The age at which Milwaukee youth commit serious crimes is decreasing, with many affected by family incarceration, single-parent households, or being raised by grandparents. Limited resources and lack of educational opportunities make them vulnerable to peer pressure. Despite research on child brain development, Wisconsin tries younger children as adults, leading to excessively harsh prison sentences.
Milwaukee 10 year old charged as an adult
Juvenile Courts Detailing Rehabilitation
