Wisconsin Lawmakers Question Prison Safety After Tragic Counselor Death
State lawmakers confronted prison officials on Tuesday regarding safety conditions at Wisconsin’s youth detention facilities following the death of Corey Proulx, a 49-year-old youth counselor at the Lincoln Hills School for boys. Two teenagers are charged with homicide in Proulx’s death, prompting an urgent review of safety protocols.
Lincoln Hills and the adjacent Copper Lake School for girls have been under a consent decree since 2018 due to a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union revealing serious civil rights violations. Currently, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) has shown "substantial compliance" with 43 of 50 mandates from the decree, which includes restrictions on physical restraints and punitive isolation.
During a Senate Committee meeting, Proulx’s sister-in-law, Sara Proulx, voiced concerns that restrictions on pepper spray usage may have endangered her brother-in-law. She stated, "If he had been allowed to have pepper spray or another means to defend himself, he would likely be here with us today."
State Sen. Mary Felzkowski announced plans to request modifications to the consent decree, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection for staff. However, Lincoln Hills Superintendent Klint Trevino cautioned that the effectiveness of pepper spray varies and could complicate emergency responses.
The DOC has initiated an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Proulx’s death. The number of incarcerated youth has decreased significantly since the consent decree; approximately 45 boys currently reside at Lincoln Hills, down from 130 in 2018.
As legislative discussions continue, the timeline for closing Lincoln Hills remains uncertain. Plans are underway to construct a new juvenile detention facility in Milwaukee, expected to welcome its first residents by 2026. Lawmakers emphasize the urgency to relocate youth closer to their families while fulfilling the original goals of the legislative mandate.
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