Key Terms, Phrases and Interpretations

 

What Does "Old Law" Mean? "Old Law" refers to sentencing guidelines and practices for crimes committed in Wisconsin before January 1, 2000. Individuals sentenced under the Old Law were eligible for parole after serving a portion of their sentence, typically around 25%, provided they met certain conditions. This contrasts with the "Truth in Sentencing" (TIS) laws enacted after that date, which require offenders to serve their entire sentences without the possibility of early release on parole.

 

What Does TIS (Truth in Sentence) Mean? "Truth in Sentencing" (TIS) applies to crimes committed in Wisconsin after January 1, 2000. It requires offenders to serve their full sentence, (without the possibility of parole) split into a period of incarceration and a period of extended supervision. For instance, a ten-year sentence might involve six years in prison and four years under supervision, with no early release.

 

What Does Program Needs Mean? "Program Needs" refers to the specific rehabilitative, educational, and therapeutic programs that incarcerated individuals require. These needs are determined by judges, Dodge Correctional Institution, and the PRC/Review Committee, and they influence the inmate's classification, security level, and access to necessary services

 

What Does A Defer Mean? In the context of parole, a "defer" means to delay or postpone a decision. For example, an eight-month deferment means the incarcerated individual’s next parole evaluation is scheduled to occur eight months later. If parole is not granted, the individual receives a defer, indicating when they will be reconsidered for parole. This deferment period is set by the parole board and is intended for re-evaluation at a future date.

 

What Does A Parole Grant Mean? A parole grant occurs when the Parole Chairperson approves a recommendation from one of the Parole Commissioners for an inmate's conditional release. This decision allows the inmate to leave prison under specific conditions before completing their full sentence.

​

What is PRC(program review committee)/Review Committee? The Program Review Committee (PRC) or Review Committee is a group composed of three to four members, including the regional lead, their assistant, a security staff representative, and a citizen. This team reviews the files, program needs, and movement of inmates sentenced under both the Old Law and Truth in Sentencing (TIS). The committee evaluates each case to determine appropriate programming, security classifications, and other necessary services for the inmates.

 

What is Segregation? Segregation, often referred to as "the Hole," is a disciplinary measure where an individual is removed from the general prison population and placed in isolation. Inmates in segregation are typically confined to their cells for 23 hours a day, with limited interaction and restricted privileges. This practice is used for various reasons, including punishment, protection of the inmate, or maintaining security and order within the facility.

​

What is Modified Movement? Modified movement refers to restrictions or alterations to the usual movement of inmates within a correctional facility. These changes can be implemented for various reasons, including security concerns, disciplinary actions, or institutional needs. Under modified movement, inmates may experience limitations on their ability to move freely within the prison, such as reduced time for recreation, limited access to common areas, or staggered movement schedules to prevent interaction between different groups. 

​

What is an Excessive Sentence? An excessive sentence is when a judge imposes a punishment that is disproportionate to the crime. This can happen if the sentence exceeds the legal maximum, is unusually harsh compared to similar cases, or lacks a reasonable explanation. Excessive sentences can be challenged on appeal.

 

What Does Mass Incarceration Mean? Mass incarceration refers to the large-scale imprisonment of people, often involving excessive or unnecessary imprisonment. It typically highlights the overreliance on incarceration as a solution, even when other, potentially more effective or just alternatives are available.

​

What is the difference between Prison and Jail? Prison is a facility where individuals serve time after being sentenced, typically for longer-term punishments, often for felonies. Jail, on the other hand, is usually a local facility, such as a county or city jail, where individuals are held for shorter periods, either while awaiting trial or serving short sentences, often for misdemeanors.

​

What is Institutional Adjustment? Compliance with rules and regulations of the DOC/ Department of Corrections.

 

What does "Insufficient Time Served" Mean? That the Parole Commissioner doesn't believe the individual has served sufficient time for the offense/crime committed. The assessment is whether the public would be shocked when/if released a parole grant occurs at that time.

 

What does "Still Pose a Threat to Society" Mean? "Still pose a threat to society" refers to the belief that an individual remains a danger to the public. This assessment is typically based on the nature of the crime committed and any violent behavior displayed during incarceration, indicating a pattern of violence. It suggests that there is a strong likelihood the individual may engage in future harmful acts.

 

What Does Probation Mean? Probation is a period of supervised release, during which an individual is monitored by the City Probation Office to ensure compliance with certain conditions while living in society.

​

What Does is a Ticket/Conduct Report (major or minor) Mean? A write up on any alleged rule violations refers to a formal record of an alleged rule violation. The Security Director reviews the report and determines whether the offense is classified as major, minor, or warrants only a reprimand (warning).

 

What Does Good Time Mean? Good Time refers to a system where an individual can earn a reduction in their sentence, typically three months off per year, as intended by the legislature. For every two days served, one day of good time is earned. This primarily applies to those sentenced under the Old Law.

 

What Does Canteen Mean? A Canteen refers to a system within prisons and jails where inmates can purchase food and other items. It operates as a monopoly, often offering a limited selection of goods at set prices.

​

What is a Maximum Prison Facility? A Maximum Prison Facility is the highest security level in Wisconsin, characterized by strict regulations and numerous restrictions to ensure heightened control and safety.

​

What is a Medium Prison Facility? A Medium Security Prison Facility houses inmates with moderate risk, offering more freedom than a maximum security prison but still maintaining controlled access and surveillance.

 

What is a Minimum Prison Facility? A Minimum Security Prison Facility or "Camp" is the least restrictive type of prison, housing low-risk inmates with more freedom and fewer security measures. However, some, like Oakhill Correctional, still have perimeter fencing.

​

What is a Center/Camp? A Prison Camp or Center is a non fenced minimum security facility for low-risk inmates. It has minimal security, allowing more freedom, and focuses on work programs and rehabilitation to prepare inmates for reintegration.

​

What is a PRI (Pre-Release Investigation)? A Pre-Release Investigation (PRI) is an assessment conducted before an inmate's release to ensure the proposed home meets specific requirements. The investigation verifies that the residence is suitable for the parolee, ensuring a safe and supportive environment before approving the release.

 

What is a Pre-Approved Home/Halfway House? A Halfway House is state-operated transitional housing where residents are required to work and pay rent. It provides a structured environment to help individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration.

​

What is Work Release? Work Release is a program that allows inmates in a minimum security facility or halfway house to leave the premises for work during the day. After their shift, they must return to the facility. This program helps inmates gradually reintegrate into society by maintaining employment while still serving their sentence.

​

​​​