Update on the Old Law Freedom Campaign by Ben Turk

Update on the Old Law Freedom Campaign

written in 2020, soon to be updated

by Ben Turk

Since Governor Evers appointed John Tate II to replace Daniel Gabler as chair of the parole commission, many people sentenced under the old law and their families and loved ones have been cautiously excited. The election of Evers and appointment of Tate, a former social worker and Black alderperson from Racine held a promise of long awaited release.

Under Daniel Gabler—who is currently a Milwaukee county Judge seeking re-election on April 7—parole releases had diminished to almost nothing. Unfortunately, John Tate II has thus far been unable to restore the parole commission to its original purpose: releasing people from prison who were ready to return to society. By attending monthly parole commission meetings, corresponding with incarcerated people, and networking with other advocates, Forum for Understanding Prisons (FFUP) is working to help everyone understand why.

A Head-full of Historical Information: notes on the parole commission, by Harlan Richards

 

The following is a response from Harlan Richards. You can write him and help advocate for his release here: Harlan Richards
37975
Stanley Correctional Institution
100 Corrections Drive
Stanley, WI 54768-6500
This letter is in response to, and contains corrections for Ben's notes from January 8. We appreciate these insights and strive for accuracy, but expect we'll continue to make small mistakes, given the complexity and opacity of the system we're trying to take apart.

1. Regarding release of paroled prisoners: there is no legal requirement that the record office conduct any sort of review of a person granted a parole. That is a DOC-created process where they search the file looking for an excuse to not release someone. They can do it in a timely manner if they want. A couple of months ago a guy in my housing unit had his conviction vacated by the court and the record office managed to process his paperwork in just a few days.

2. There is no requirement that DCC staff provide rides for paroled prisoners. Most prisoners have historically been picked up by friends or family (or if released from a prison far from home, take a bus) and are merely given a time and date to be at their parole agent's office.