Gawaine Edwards says he’s stuck in prison doing “dead time.” He can’t be released for another 12 years because he committed his crime after the enactment of Wisconsin’s truth-in-sentencing law.
Author Archives: Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Devin Blake started as a journalist at Patch, writing about the Southern California neighborhoods he grew up in. He focused on local business communities throughout the area and was drawn to stories about unemployment, worker resources, and businesses that were filling unmet needs in their communities.
Watching the homelessness crisis continue to deepen over those years, he began working as a resource and information coordinator for community groups and nonprofits so they could better serve populations without stable housing—populations that included the elderly, developmentally delayed and those with HIV/AIDs, among others.
Blake has contributed to a number of publications, including New York magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He loves spending time with his wife and negotiating with his son.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Some youths at Wisconsin’s juvenile prison complain of isolation. The Department of Corrections sees progress.
Those involved in improving conditions at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls acknowledge progress in treatment of youths there. But some youths are alleging they are being isolated for prolonged periods.
Posted inEconomy
Milwaukee’s Social Development Commission has not paid laid-off employees. Now they seek answers.
Milwaukee’s Social Development Commission, or SDC, suspended its operations and laid off its entire staff at the end of April.
Posted inJustice & Safety
‘Sometimes it seems unreal’: Milwaukee man votes for the first time after prison
Andron Lane is especially grateful for the fact that for the first time in his life, after 20 years of incarceration and roughly five years on parole, he was able to vote.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Incarcerated Wisconsin residents share their priorities for a new Department of Corrections leader
The search for someone to lead the Wisconsin Department of Corrections is in progress. Here are thoughts about a new DOC secretary from people who are currently incarcerated in a DOC facility.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Milwaukee agencies that serve crime victims push for more state support
Nonprofit leaders and other advocates are urging people to contact their legislators to express support for a bill that addresses a substantial drop in federal funding for programs that serve crime victims.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Families cheer return of in-person visits at Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center
Visitations to the CRC, formerly known as the Milwaukee County House of Corrections, were discontinued roughly a decade ago. They returned in December.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Should the National Guard step in at Wisconsin’s understaffed prisons? Some think so.
The National Guard has been deployed elsewhere in recent years — responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and wildfires.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Milwaukee County psychiatric hospital corrected safety flaws, Wisconsin agency says
Granite Hills Hospital, the private psychiatric hospital for people who do not have private insurance that contracts with Milwaukee County, has corrected serious safety deficiencies, a Wisconsin agency says.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
JusticePoint offers incarceration alternatives in Milwaukee. Two judges tried to cancel its contract.
Municipal Court officials refuse to comment on efforts to cancel JusticePoint’s contract without lining up an alternative provider. A legal ruling allows the services to continue — for now.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Here’s where to find Narcan in Wisconsin — and how to reverse an opioid overdose
A guide for responding to an opioid overdose in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Milwaukee County Jail sees four deaths since June. Advocates want answers.
Jail safety advocates want Sheriff Denita Ball to meaningfully engage about conditions and protocol.