Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Corrections
Chapter DOC 309 - Resources For Inmates
Section DOC 309.03 - News media access to inmates

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง DOC 309.03

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) Representatives of the news media shall be permitted to visit correctional institutions. Visits and interviews by media representatives with correctional staff and inmates can foster the public's understanding of the qualities, problems, and needs of inmates and institutions. Such understanding helps to develop community acceptance and support of correctional objectives, including the objective of successful reintegration of offenders into the community.

(2) The warden may permit news media representatives to interview individual inmates, unless one of the following exists:

(a) The warden believes that an interview will jeopardize or be detrimental to any of the following:
1. The safety or order of the institution.

2. The welfare of the inmate.

3. The welfare of the victim, the victim's family or the community.

4. Legitimate correctional objectives, including resources.

(b) The inmate is confined in segregation.

(c) The inmate refuses to be interviewed.

(3) Representatives of the news media who visit correctional institutions are subject to the same rules as other visitors. They will not be counted against any limits as to the number of visitors permitted, unless they are on an inmate's visiting list.

(4) With the written permission of the inmate, news media representatives may photograph the inmate. The permission shall include the date of the photo and the use to be made of it.

(5) The warden shall regulate all visits and interviews conducted pursuant to this section as to time, location, length, and equipment used.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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