Reform Now: Revocations & GPS Monitoring
Channel: Timothy W Coursen
Date: 11/01/2015

On Wednesday, August 20, WISDOM members from across the state gathered to speak out against the unjust and counterproductive practice of sending people to prison for “technical violations” of their parole or supervision.  More than 150 called on Governor Scott Walker to follow the lead of other states, who send formerly-incarcerated people back to prison ONLY if they commit a new crime.  The multi-racial, interfaith group gathered first to build relationships and to hear from people who have personally suffered from unnecessary revocations, as well as those who are detained simply because the state’s GPS monitoring system malfunctions on a regular basis.  They proceeded to hold a press event in front of the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (which houses many people who are re-incarcerated for “technical violations).  The group marched to the Milwaukee office of Governor Walker to present their demand for immediate reform.
This action is part of the “Reform Now” movement, calling for major changes in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  Reform Now also includes calls for the broken parole system to be repaired, for an end to solitary confinement, and for “compassionate release” to be granted to elderly and seriously ill prisoners.
Reform Now is part of the “11x15 Campaign for Safer, Healthier Communities.”  The 11x15 campaign calls on Wisconsin to cut its prison population in half (to 11,000) by the end of 2015.  More on the campaign can be found at:
Website:  www.prayforusticeinwi.org
Facebook:  “Wisdom for Justice”
Twitter:  @wisdomforjustice and #ReformWiscDOCNow