Dodge County Sheriff discusses investigation into deaths of four inmates in Waupun

(Juneau) The Dodge County Sheriff spoke about a completed investigation into the deaths of four inmates in Waupun during a recent appearance on Community Comment. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says they found that the basic duties of a correctional officer were not performed.

“The rounds, making sure that there is a round every hour,” Schmidt says. “It’s understandable that sometimes we have problems that don’t allow us to do that, and that happens. Making sure people get something to eat, making sure they have water. Those are the basic things that every correctional officer has to do.”

Schmidt says these things did not happen, were not documented, and that those documents were then falsified. He adds that the investigation also found that there was not only a lack of training and ownership, but also a lack of oversight.

“If we don’t hold our correctional officers accountable, they’re not going to maintain the jail the way we should,” Schmidt says. “We have a high level of accountability in the sheriff’s office. If there are people who make mistakes, and they do, we correct those mistakes. If they continue, we take corrective action. If it’s a training issue, we provide training. Those things weren’t happening.”

Nine people, including the former prison director, have been charged in connection with the deaths of two inmates.