Prisons Eat Up Tax Dollars

Rehabilitation Failures Lead To Repeat Crimes: Is Public Truly Better
Protected?

STAFFING CONCERNS AT TAYCHEEDAH

On Dec. 1, 2004, Taycheedah Correctional Institution expanded its
operations to include the assessment and evaluation of the female
offenders. With this comes a higher inmate population as well as duties the
institution has never performed before. With this daunting task we received
only two officer positions. This brings our staff count up to the level we
had three years ago when a convicted murderer escaped and broke into a
nearby residence.

We have asked for more staff to help with our new operations but with state
budget cuts, we have been denied. This means the people of Taycheedah and
neighboring Fond du Lac have a short-staffed, over-populated prison in
their community. Our concern is not only for ourselves, the staff and
inmates, but most of all the people of the surrounding community who
shouldn't have to fear for their safety.

Joel Kalata and Denise Camp, officers

Taycheedah