Closure of the “Alcatraz” prisons in Waupun and Green Bay in Wisconsin

Alcatraz, the notoriously bleak prison in San Francisco Bay, was closed in 1963 due to high costs and deterioration after incarcerating military offenders and violent criminals for more than a century.

Waupun, Wisconsin's oldest and most troubled prison, is also on its last legs. Built in 1853, the prison's poor construction, lack of security, chronic understaffing have resulted in long prison sentences, inmate deaths, inadequate medical care, and even the arrest of the prison warden and staff for alleged misconduct and abuse.

The governor and state legislature should finally close this outdated facility – a measure that state leaders have been debating for half a century.

The same goes for the Green Bay prison, which dates back to 1898.

Both buildings are gloomy and inefficient compared to modern prisons, which require fewer guards to operate safely. Modern prisons also offer more space and opportunities for programs and rehabilitation.

Waupun has been in chaos for years. In a recent report by Anna Hansen in the Wisconsin State Journal, prison guards and family members expressed grave concerns about inadequate staffing and training. Both guards and inmates are put at risk. Waupun has seen the highest number of inmate-on-staff assaults in the past five years – 436 assaults in a prison with just over 700 inmates.

A 2020 study of Wisconsin's prison system recommended replacing the state's two oldest prisons. “Both have reached or are nearing the end of their useful life,” the Department of Corrections noted.

This would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. But not building a modern prison is also costly – including through harm to staff and the cruel treatment of inmates, most of whom will eventually be released.

We understand Gov. Tony Evers' opposition to increased prison spending, as Wisconsin incarcerates twice as many people as neighboring Minnesota and has the highest black incarceration rate in the U.S. The Democratic governor wants to reduce the prison population, in part by ensuring criminals don't reoffend after they're released.

That's an important goal. But allowing Waupun and Green Bay to continue to deteriorate is irresponsible. The endless bad news of suicides, assaults and terrible conditions should serve as a constant reminder to state leaders that these worn-out 19th-century prisons are no longer sustainable. A new facility can save money over time by providing better lives for offenders.

Dane County also debated the need for a new prison for decades before finally deciding in January to build a humane and modern facility.

The Green Bay prison sits on valuable land along the Fox River, so the state could make money by selling the land and moving prisoners elsewhere. The Waupun site is less valuable, and city leaders say they want to keep a prison. Building a new facility there should be serious consideration.

In 2017, the state estimated that a new 1,300-bed prison would cost $309 million. And the longer the state delays, the higher the costs will be.

And the consequences of doing nothing are not to be underestimated. At Waupun, 44 percent of correctional officer and sergeant positions were vacant last week, despite big pay increases. It's difficult to hire staff when they're forced to work long hours without adequate support. The many vacancies force guards to restrict inmates' movements and activities, increasing tensions and potential violence.

The governor should meet Republican demands for a new prison, and Republicans should commit to providing more resources to help inmates find jobs and housing after their release.

The terrible conditions in Wisconsin's two oldest prisons must end.