Wisconsin Department of Corrections

06/22/2026

proudly raised the flag outside headquarters last week to honor the official end of slavery in the United States.

The flag tells an important story. Its colors—red, white and blue—are the same colors as the American flag. It represents the progress made toward a more equitable society, and reminds us that all voices should be heard.

As one of the largest state agencies with employees of all backgrounds and a highly diverse population in our care, it is our different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and perspectives that make us strong.

06/17/2026

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

06/16/2026

As a correctional officer at the Shawano Sheriff's Office, Hunter Ludvigsen often saw local probation and parole agents coming in to visit with their clients.

"I started talking with them to learn about what they did. The more I heard, I knew I was interested in becoming an agent," he says.

Prior to his career with , Hunter had aspirations to be a teacher and initially pursued a degree in early childhood education before transitioning into various roles in law enforcement.

He enjoyed working in the criminal justice system, but says he felt limited in the impact he could have on helping others. "This job allows me to work directly with clients and provide them the support needed to be successful."

For Hunter, becoming an agent was the perfect opportunity to combine his skillset with his lifelong passion for teaching and making a positive difference in his community.

"It costs nothing to treat our clients with respect and to be kind—even when responding to violations."

Ready to begin a rewarding career in community corrections? Visit wiscjobs to learn how: https://wj.wi.gov/20865

06/15/2026

Students are often reminded what can be possible through the power of education, but during a recent graduation ceremony at Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility, they had the opportunity to see it for themselves. 🎓

Keynote speaker Christopher Medina-Kirchner earned his High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) at the facility in 2005. During his speech, he delivered powerful words of encouragement as he reflected on his time served and the challenges of earning a degree while incarcerated.

“Your future is not limited by where you started,” he said. “Your greatest accomplishments likely still lie ahead. I want you all to reach for the stars, because I’m standing here proof that sometimes when you reach for one—you can actually grab it.”

Since his release more than 20 years ago, Medina-Kirchner went on to earn his bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and doctorate from Columbia University before landing at Harvard Medical School, where he is a teaching fellow and post-doctoral research scientist.

Of the graduates honored, 20 received their HSED and nine earned a Mechatronics Technical Certificate from Gateway Technical College. Read more about their achievements: https://shorturl.at/SCLSG

06/10/2026

is hiring a Laundry Supervisor to plan, operate and monitor the Bureau of Correctional Enterprises (BCE) Laundry and Linen Rental production facility in Oshkosh! 🫧

Starting pay is $35.04 to $37.82 per hour, plus excellent benefits and a nationally-ranked pension. Apply at wiscjobs by June 17: wj.wi.gov/21120

06/05/2026

When Ashley Rider was choosing a career, she always knew she wanted to help people.

"I'm a firm believer that people make mistakes and aren't perfect. I chose to become a probation and parole agent because I wanted to help others make better choices and become successful members of the community,” she says.

For Ashley, the most rewarding part of her job is helping clients get sober and stay sober. “I support them as they take the necessary steps in their path to recovery. It’s also a huge accomplishment when they successfully discharge from community supervision—especially those who weren’t able to discharge previously.”

After taking a community corrections course in college, followed by an internship with , her career path came into focus.

“Doing that internship was the best experience of my life, and I highly encourage others to do the same if they are interested in this career.”

If you'd like the opportunity to positively impact lives every day, join our team of probation and parole agents throughout the state. Visit https://wj.wi.gov/20865 to learn more.

06/03/2026

Yesterday marked the eighth time raised the Progress Pride Flag over its headquarters to kick off Pride Month throughout Wisconsin. 🏳️‍🌈

"Real inclusion isn’t a campaign—it’s a feeling that happens year-round," Secretary Jared Hoy said. "It’s treating everyone with respect, truly listening to all viewpoints, and choosing kindness every day with each interaction."

The flag raising ceremony is held annually to signify our commitment as an ally and celebrate the diversity, inclusion, and unity within our agency.

06/01/2026

FSTS Group 4️⃣1️⃣8️⃣

Congratulations to the newest group of uniformed officers to join ! Their accomplishments were celebrated alongside their peers, friends, and family during a ceremony on Thursday, May 28. We wish them the best as they officially step into their new roles throughout the state.

05/20/2026

It was an honor to celebrate the graduation of another nine students this week who completed the Welding Fundamentals program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. 🎓

The program teaches valuable skills beyond entry-level welding knowledge, including fundamental blueprint reading abilities and strong workplace communication skills.

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Graduation season is in full swing, and a group of local students is getting a second chance to pursue their passion. Milwaukee Area Technical College and the Wisconsin Department

05/20/2026

Graduation ceremonies were held Monday at Oakhill and Stanley Correctional Institutions to mark a historic milestone and celebrate the accomplishments of more than 35 students who earned bachelor's or associate's degrees from Universities of Wisconsin.

The Prison Education Initiative, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison, gives learners the opportunity to reframe their futures through higher education. Since 2022, it has grown to include UW-Green Bay, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and University of Wisconsin-Stout, offering courses at 11 DOC facilities throughout the state.

“Wisconsin believes in second chances,” said Governor Tony Evers, who attended the ceremony. "This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work these students have done to overcome obstacles and work toward a better life for themselves and their families.”

Students who take college courses while incarcerated are more likely to be successful when upon returning to our communities and less likely to recidivate.

“Education can have a powerful impact on lives. That’s especially true in a prison environment," said Secretary Jared Hoy. "The average incarceration in Wisconsin is less than three years. These individuals will quickly have the opportunity to put their education to work and help move Wisconsin forward."

A prison education program in Wisconsin is helping incarcerated individuals earn college degrees and plan for brighter days ahead.