Office of Detention Facilities, Wisconsin Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections has statutory responsibility for the regulation and oversight of all local detention facilities, including county jails, houses of correction, secure juvenile detention centers, unlocked Huber facilities, work camps and municipal lockups. Through the Office of Detention Facilities, the Department establishes reasonable standards for the design, construction, repair, maintenance, operation and management of these facilities. Regionally-located staff conduct annual inspections of each facility; provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions and training to jail staff; and coordinate a variety of efforts to assist sheriffs, police chiefs, and other local officials in the operation and management of their facilities. The Office also investigates complaints, deaths, suicides, and other unusual incidents which occur in local detention facilities. Survivors of sexual abuse in detention can also contact the WDOC PREA Coordinator for assistance.