October 9, 2026

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Suspends Inmate Messaging Services in Community Reintegration Center

MILWAUKEE – County Executive David Crowley has directed the Community Reintegration Center (CRC) to suspend all tablet messaging features, effective immediately, until additional safeguards are in place to protect victims. The County Executive is also calling on the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to implement the same plan of action for the tablets within the Milwaukee County Jail, which is overseen by the Sheriff’s Office.

Prior to today’s action, the County Executive’s Office has investigated this matter alongside the MCSO, the CRC, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, and every partner involved in tablet operations to develop a permanent plan to prevent this from happening again. Today’s action is an immediate step while that work continues to keep victims of violence safe from harm and intimidation.

“I will not tolerate victim harassment or witness intimidation. That is why I am ordering the CRC and calling on the Sheriff’s Office to disable this feature until we are confident strong safeguards are in place to prevent misuse and protect victims,” said County Executive Crowley. “Communication technology can support rehabilitation, but it absolutely cannot be at the expense of victims’ safety. Period.”

County officials will continue ongoing meetings with the tablet vendor, IC Solutions, to establish stricter rules and safety measures that will once again allow CRC residents to use the tablets to stay in touch with loved ones without risk of misuse.

While messaging is disabled, residents can still connect with family and friends through phone calls, video visitation, and in-person visits.

###