Wisconsin Department of Corrections

09/08/2026

FSTS Group 4️⃣2️⃣0️⃣

Last week, we celebrated the graduation of our newest uniformed officers during a ceremony at Madison College.

The group learned essential skills like safety and security practices, communication, de-escalation techniques, and more. In addition to classroom training, those completing the Facility Staff Training & Support (FSTS) program also participate in weekly on-the-job training.

As part of this class, we also welcomed 33 youth counselors who will join the Southeast Regional Care Center for Youth opening this fall. Learn more about this group and the project here: https://ow.ly/nyl350ZKKAQ

Please join us in thanking our graduates for their commitment to public service and the safety of Wisconsin communities!

09/04/2026

The success of one of us, is the success of all of us. That is how Maddie Fingerson describes her work as a probation and parole agent in Madison.

Maddie’s path to becoming an agent started with an internship with the Division of Community Corrections. After her graduation from UW-Madison, she became a full-time agent and works in the s*x offender unit.

In 2025, Maddie started working with Justice-Involved Women training team to teach staff more effective ways to supervise female clients using gender-responsive strategies.

“It was inspiring watching her work with clients, and the level of compassion and empathy she showed for them despite whatever they were going through. I knew that if I became an agent, she was exactly the kind of agent I wanted to be,” Maddie added.

“Female clients have different pathways into the criminal justice system than males, so by recognizing these and addressing these pathways in addition to working on interventions, we hope to more effectively reduce female clients’ risks to reoffend,” she said.

Maddie became an agent because she hopes to help end the cycle of victimization in our communities. You can join her! Learn how at wj.wi.gov/20865.

08/13/2026

ABT Group 2️⃣6️⃣4️⃣

Please help us welcome the latest group of Probation and Parole Agents to ! They were sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday alongside their peers, friends, and families at the Wisconsin State Capitol. We are grateful for their commitment to public service, community safety, and ensuring successful reentry for their clients.

07/30/2026

For Da'Quela Payne, corrections is in her blood.

Her uncle became the first African American juvenile probation agent in Rock County and her mother retired as an agent after 23 years of service. Following in their footsteps, she honors them in her work as a probation and parole agent every day.

“I wear many hats—social worker, counselor, financial planner, attorney and many more,” she says. “We are involved in literally every aspect of our clients’ lives.”

Often the first contact for an individual upon their release, Da'Quela recognizes the opportunity these moments represent. “Sometimes, we are all they have in the community. I show each client that I am invested in their successful reentry.”

Though her role in is both challenging and rewarding, she’s never had to choose between the demands of a job and her family.

“I have not missed a field trip, school play, or anything important since becoming an agent. I am extremely grateful this career has allowed for work-life balance.”

Ready to begin your career in community corrections? Apply today at wiscjobs to join our dedicated team across the state: wj.wi.gov/20865

07/22/2026

Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution (KMCI) hosted another successful Camp Reunite on Thursday, July 16.

Fathers and their children spent the day playing pickleball, badminton, basketball, ping pong and crafting before enjoying a water balloon fight to cool off.

“Any time you get with your children is precious. They’re only young for so long,” said one father. “It’s a shame they have to pay for our bad choices, so staff letting us spend time with them like this, and be dads, it’s hard for me to explain the feeling. It’s priceless.”

KMCI has been hosting Camp Reunite since 2019.

“I will never forget the people involved in this. Even though it’s in prison, this is like taking us out of prison. It’s good for us, and it’s good for them,” he added.

07/20/2026

⚠️ LOCAL ACADEMY BEGINS SEPT. 21 ⚠️

is currently accepting applications for Correctional Officer vacancies. Starting pay $35.37 per hour, plus excellent benefits and a nationally-ranked pension. Add-on pay is available at certain facilities.

Apply at wiscjobs today: wj.wi.gov/21365

07/17/2026

CAMP REUNITE 💙

This week marked the first time Racine Correctional Institution hosted Camp Reunite, a summer camp experience for incarcerated parents and their children.

Together they worked on crafts, played games, shared meals and simply had time to talk and reconnect.

"It's a lot easier talking about things in person," said one camper. While they do speak on the phone, her father said seeing his daughter in person means so much more.

"I cried. It’s amazing," he added.

Beyond helping parents and children reconnect, the camp is designed to show youth impacted by incarceration that they are not alone.

07/10/2026

FSTS Group 4️⃣1️⃣9️⃣

Yesterday, we celebrated the graduation of our newest uniformed officers during a ceremony at Madison College. Surrounded by family, friends, and peers, these graduates proudly received their badge and officially joined the team.

The group has learned essential skills like safety and security practices, communication, de‑escalation techniques and more. In addition to classroom training, those completing the Facility Staff Training & Support (FSTS) program also participate in weekly on-the-job training.

Please join us in thanking them for their commitment to public service and the safety of Wisconsin communities!

07/10/2026

The Department of Corrections is currently accepting applications for two Corrections Food Service Leader 3 positions at Dodge Correctional Institution, located in Waupun, Wisconsin. Starting pay will be $24.42 per hour, plus excellent benefits. Apply by 7/14. https://ow.ly/TzRR50ZlNMI

07/07/2026

There's still time to register to attend the next Friends & Family Forum on Monday, August 24 in Eau Claire!

Registration closes Monday, August 10 ➡️ surveymonkey.com/r/DOCforumEC

Join at the next Friends & Family Forum in Eau Claire!

📆 Monday, August 24
⏰ 2:00–4:00 pm
📍 L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

Attendance is limited to friends and family members of individuals who are currently incarcerated or on active community supervision.​ Registration is required by Monday, August 10.

REGISTER ➡️ surveymonkey.com/r/DOCforumEC
LEARN MORE ➡️ doc.wi.gov/friendsandfamily