December 19, 2023

County Executive David Crowley Announces the Return of In-Person Visits at Community Reintegration Center

Reversing a decade-long ban, Crowley’s evidence-based action is aimed at reducing recidivism and creating better post-release outcomes of incarcerated individuals

MILWAUKEE – County Executive David Crowley is announcing the return of in-person visits at the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center (CRC). For the first time in more than a decade, family members will be able to have face-to-face, non-contact visits with loved ones in custody at the CRC. This policy change reverses a ban on these visits that was put in place many years ago.

“I am committed to making sure that people in our care at the Community Reintegration Center re-enter society better than they were before,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Research shows individuals who maintain regular communication with their loved ones experience more positive outcomes upon their re-entry back into the community. We are bringing back in-person visits at the CRC so we can continue working to reduce recidivism, improve post-release outcomes of incarcerated individuals, and help these residents become socially and economically successful.”

Visitation and family support is a priority for County Executive Crowley. In addition to today’s announcement, the County Executive’s 2024 budget increases funding for communication technology that will provide free calls up to 390 minutes per month and 60 minutes of free video time in allowing individuals to stay in touch with their families and support networks throughout their incarceration.

“Our decision to allow these visits is influenced by evidence-based research. Multiple studies show that in-person visits help reduce recidivism,” said CRC Superintendent Chantell Jewell. “A video call is not the same as an in-person visit. Research tells us that these visits reduce stress, improve mental health and ultimately make our facility easier to manage.”

The restored in-person visits also come during the height of the holiday season. Under the leadership of County Executive Crowley and Superintendent Jewell, the CRC prioritizes the core values of humanity, integrity, security, competency and community. These values are infused into policies and programming across the CRC to create better outcomes for residents upon their reentry back into society.

Visiting hours will begin on Saturday, December 23, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 24 , from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. A regular visitation schedule for 2024 will be announced next year.

Learn more about the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center HERE.