WI DOC - Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS)

State Prison Administration

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
3099 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53707-7969
Beds
282
County
Dane
Phone
608-240-5310
Fax
608-240-3335

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Wisconsin Correctional Center System is for State Prison Administration offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Administration - no inmates housed facility.

The phone carrier is Inmate Calling Solutions (ICSolutions), to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of WI DOC - Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS)

You can support your loved ones at Wisconsin Correctional Center System on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 608-240-5310.

WI DOC - Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS), located at 3099 E Washington Ave Madison, WI, serves as the key facility with oversight of the correctional system. They operate under the guidance of the State Prison Administration, which ensures that it meet strict security standards, provide access to essential rehabilitation services, and adhere to legal and ethical correctional practices. In addition to housing inmates, the facility is integral to the state’s correctional strategy, incorporating inmate classification, workforce training, medical and mental health care, and reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

WI DOC - Wisconsin Correctional Center System - Visitation

The purpose of the Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS) is to prepare inmates for safe and successful reintegration into the community by providing the resources necessary to make positive life changes.

Institution Information

WCCS, one of 20 DOC adult institutions, is a decentralized network of 14 minimum-security facilities located across the state with the Warden's, Business, and Records Office functions located at Department headquarters in Madison. Each center is overseen locally by a superintendent. Additional information about WCCS can be found in their annual report.

Center Setting

Each of the correctional centers is unique because of its historic development and geographic location. Correctional centers are similar in that each is small in size (fewer than 300 inmates) and all are operationally self-contained. Inmates are housed in single, double, or multiple occupant rooms. Inmates generally have more freedom to move about the facility's building and grounds during designated hours of the day than do inmates housed in an institution. Some correctional centers serve a specific program or population need; such as drug and alcohol treatment, education, or “boot camp” type programming. Others primarily focus on work release and work crew participation.

Most inmates at a correctional center are beginning the transition process back to society. Inmates are offered the opportunity of increased responsibility and begin making more decisions for themselves while at a correctional center.

Inmate Population

All inmates housed in correctional centers are convicted felons who are under the care and custody of the DOC. All inmates are classified minimum-security based upon criteria that includes factors such as offense and sentence structure, prison adjustment, risk of escape, and/or outstanding warrants/detainers. Felony probationers/parolees are sometimes placed in the centers as an alternative to revocation when found to have violated their conditions of supervision in the community.

Job Assignments and Work Release

Programming at the correctional centers is directed toward release and living in the community. Some inmates have center work assignments that assist with facility operations and maintenance. Many inmates are also placed on supervised community work crews, while others earn the privilege of a work release placement. All inmates on work release pay income taxes; room, board and transportation; child support; and restitution owed to victims. Work release pay also provides inmates with the opportunity to save money for release. Inmates at correctional centers continue treatment programs; education; family reintegration; religious and leisure activities.

Options and Opportunities During Incarceration

When an inmate arrives at his or her assigned facility, they are provided with information about programs available to them while incarcerated. For more information on programs offered at specific institutions, visit the Office of Program Services page. Additional information is available in facility Annual Reports and on each of the Adult Facilities pages.

Aside from primary education, treatment and skills training programs, many other activities are available to inmates during incarceration. These vary by facility and may include:

​ ​Community Service ​Parenting ​Vermaculture ​ ​Dog Training ​Recovery Support Groups ​Veterans Assistance ​ ​Gardening ​Recreation ​Visiting ​ ​Hobby/Craft Activities ​Religious Study & Services ​Work Assignments ​ ​Music ​Restorative Justice ​

Preparing for Release

The overall goal of pre-release planning is to assist inmates in their preparation for returning to their communities by:

  • Providing individualized release planning with an assigned social worker, in connection with an assigned DCC probation and parole agent.
  • Encouraging and establishing positive contact with family and/or other support systems to initiate, maintain, and finalize release planning.
  • Establishing appropriate post-release residency and treatment plans, as needed.
  • Offering options for post-release employment and/or educational opportunities.
  • Providing referrals and resources for assistance throughout the pre-release process.
  • Encouraging participants to take personal responsibility for his/her actions now and in the future.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Wisconsin. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at WI DOC - Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS).

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

WI DOC - Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS) FAQs

  • What is the role of a state Department of Corrections (DOC)?
      The state DOC is responsible for managing prison facilities, supervising parole and probation, developing rehabilitation programs, and ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff within the state correctional system.

  • How does the state DOC differ from the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)?
      The state DOC oversees correctional facilities and inmates convicted under state law, while the BOP manages federal prisons and individuals convicted of federal crimes.

  • How can I contact the state DOC about an inmate?
      Each state DOC provides a public website with contact details, an inmate search tool, and resources for families. Most DOCs have dedicated helplines for inmate-related inquiries, including visitation, medical concerns, and legal matters.

  • What services do state DOC offices provide for inmate rehabilitation?
      State DOCs offer educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and reentry programs to prepare inmates for life after incarceration.

  • How does the state classify and assign inmates to different prisons?
      Classification officers assess factors such as criminal history, security risk, medical needs, and behavior to determine an inmate’s placement in minimum, medium, or maximum-security facilities.

  • What is the parole process, and how does the state DOC oversee it?
      Parole boards review eligible inmates’ records and behavior to determine if they can be conditionally released under supervision. The DOC monitors parole compliance and may enforce sanctions for violations.

  • Are inmate records publicly accessible through the state DOC?
      Most state DOCs allow public access to inmate records through online lookup tools. However, sensitive details such as medical records or disciplinary reports may be restricted due to privacy laws.

  • How do state DOCs handle inmate grievances and complaints?
      Inmates can file grievances regarding mistreatment, safety concerns, or facility conditions through an internal review process. If unresolved, external oversight agencies may investigate complaints.

  • What role do state correctional officers play in DOC operations?
      Correctional officers are responsible for inmate supervision, facility security, rule enforcement, and assisting with rehabilitation programs. They receive extensive training in safety protocols and crisis management.

  • Does the state DOC operate probation and parole services?
      Yes, most state DOCs have a division dedicated to probation and parole, ensuring that individuals on supervised release comply with court-ordered conditions and participate in reentry programs.

  • How are correctional policies created and enforced by the state DOC?
      The state DOC follows legislation and legal guidelines when establishing policies for inmate management, facility operations, rehabilitation, and public safety. These policies are regularly updated to comply with state and federal regulations.

  • Do state DOCs manage private prisons?
      Some states contract private prison companies to house inmates, but the DOC remains responsible for oversight, ensuring that privately operated facilities comply with state laws and inmate welfare standards.

  • What is the state’s role in funding and budgeting for correctional facilities?
      State governments allocate funding to the DOC for staffing, inmate healthcare, facility maintenance, rehabilitation programs, and security enhancements. Budget decisions impact the quality of inmate services and operational efficiency.

  • Can the public tour state correctional facilities or observe DOC operations?
      Some state DOCs allow scheduled tours for educational or legal purposes. However, general public access is restricted for security reasons. Media and advocacy groups may request special access under specific conditions.

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