Commission on Reducing Racial Disparities Announces Strategies to Curb Minority Overrepresentation

Report Offers Recommendations for Each Point of Criminal Justice System; Reinforces Need for Fundamental Fairness

In response to reports that show Wisconsin leads the nation in racial disparities, the Governor’s Commission on Reducing Racial Disparities in the Wisconsin Justice System recently released recommendations that stress the need for fundamental fairness throughout the justice system.  The Commission, appointed by Governor Doyle in March 2007, offers recommendations for all points of the justice system, from law enforcement to public defenders, prosecutors, the judiciary and corrections, as well as potential legislative action.

“The racial disparities in our justice system, as well as in education, employment and health care, are nothing short of a crisis for our state and nation,” said Milwaukee Senator and Commission Co-Chair Spencer Coggs. “This is a landmark study with recommendations that will go a long way to ensuring that every Wisconsin citizen, no matter race or ethnicity, receives fair and equal treatment under the law.”

“The Commission’s recommendations will help to protect civil liberties as well as public safety,” said Madison Police Chief and Commission Co-Chair Noble Wray.  “Every day, police officers, prosecutors, judges and corrections officials faithfully perform their duties protecting our citizens.  Yet, we must be mindful of how these actions impact our minority communities.”

The Commission convened six public hearings – in Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Janesville, Green Bay and Wausau – to hear from community members affected by racial disparities and from local community and political leaders.  Commission members also received testimony from state and local criminal justice experts representing all points of the justice system.

Recommendations cover drug enforcement, prosecutorial discretion, the establishment of community justice councils and policies for probation and parole revocations.  The Report also contains suggested areas for legislative action.

For more information on the Commission or to request a copy of the report, please contact Commission staff director Mr. Lindsey Draper at 414-550-9731 or Lindsey.Draper@wisconsin.gov.