WAUPUN, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – We’re learning more information about the Waupun Prison as a class action lawsuit was filed by prisoners in late October alleging poor living conditions. The Waupun Correctional Institution has been on lockdown for 7.5 months. There’s been a spike in prisoners assaulting staff…135 incidents in 2023.

Another problem has been staffing. Wisconsin Department of Corrections data shows the prison should have 219 full-time guards but 57% of those jobs aren’t filled. D.O.C. data shows Waupun has 115 people more than the 882-person capacity.

Governor Tony Evers announced Tuesday the state was taking steps to ease the lockdown and improve safety. The lawsuit over the prison’s treatment of inmates is still in court.